Peanut Butter Fudge Frosted Brownies

Rich, gooey, and topped with a dreamy peanut butter fudge frosting, these Peanut Butter Fudge Frosted Brownies are the ultimate indulgent dessert for chocolate and peanut butter lovers. With a fudgy brownie base loaded with mini Reese’s and a luscious, creamy frosting, every bite is an explosion of sweet, salty, chocolatey perfection. If you’re looking for a treat that’s guaranteed to wow a crowd, this one checks all the boxes.

The first time I brought these to a potluck, people were asking for the recipe before they’d even finished their first bite. They’re like a decadent combo of your favorite peanut butter cup and a rich chocolate cake—totally irresistible. If you loved our Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars or Buckeye Brownie Bites, just wait until you try this elevated version with a frosting so good you’ll want to eat it by the spoonful. Let’s dive into this glorious dessert adventure!

What is Peanut Butter Fudge Frosted Brownies?

Peanut Butter Fudge Frosted Brownies are everything you love about classic brownies—rich, chewy, chocolatey—but with a twist: a thick layer of peanut butter fudge frosting and plenty of mini Reese’s for good measure. The brownies bake up dense and fudgy, with little pockets of melted chocolate and peanut butter throughout. The frosting is fluffy, creamy, and full of nutty flavor, topped with melted chocolate and more peanut butter cups. As the saying goes, “The way to anyone’s heart is through chocolate and peanut butter,” and these brownies are the perfect way to prove it.

Why You’ll Love This:

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you’re in for a treat. Here’s why these brownies are pure magic:

• Double-layer indulgence: Fudgy brownies + thick peanut butter frosting = dessert heaven.
• Crowd-pleasing flavor combo: Chocolate and peanut butter are a match made in baking paradise.
• Perfect for parties, potlucks, or gifting: They slice beautifully, travel well, and always impress.

If you loved our Reese’s Stuffed Cookies or Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Bars, this recipe brings that same wow-factor—only bigger, bolder, and better.

How to Make Peanut Butter Fudge Frosted Brownies

Quick Overview

This dessert takes about an hour from start to finish, with simple ingredients and no fancy tools required. You’ll bake the brownies first, cool them quickly in the freezer, then whip up a dreamy frosting and top it all off with melted chocolate and chopped candy. Easy, fun, and dangerously delicious!

Ingredients:

For the Brownies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 (12 oz) bag mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, cut into quarters (divided)

For the Peanut Butter Fudge Frosting:

• 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 (15 oz) jar natural peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 6 oz milk chocolate chips, melted (for drizzling)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Make the Brownies:

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
• Melt the butter in a large microwave-safe mixing bowl.
• Mix wet ingredients: Add sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla, and eggs to the melted butter. Whisk until smooth.
• Add dry ingredients: Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until just combined (don’t overmix).
• Add Reese’s: Fold in 10–15 mini Reese’s (cut into quarters). Press them gently into the batter so they’re slightly covered.
• Bake: Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
• Cool: Place the pan in the freezer for 15 minutes to cool quickly.

2. Make the Frosting:

• Cream butter and cream cheese: Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
• Add powdered sugar: Mix on low to incorporate, then beat on medium until light and fluffy.
• Add peanut butter, vanilla, and salt: Beat until fully combined and smooth.

3. Assemble:

• Frost the brownies: Spread the peanut butter fudge frosting evenly over the cooled brownies.
• Top it off: Sprinkle with remaining chopped Reese’s. Drizzle melted milk chocolate over the top using a spoon or piping bag.
• Slice and serve: Cut into squares and serve immediately, or chill slightly for cleaner slices.

What to Serve Peanut Butter Fudge Frosted Brownies With

These brownies are rich and decadent on their own, but they pair perfectly with:

• A scoop of vanilla or peanut butter ice cream
• A glass of cold milk or chocolate milk
• Coffee or a latte for a balanced, slightly bitter contrast
• A drizzle of hot fudge sauce or whipped cream for extra indulgence

Perfect for celebrations, bake sales, or just a cozy weekend dessert.

Top Tips for Perfecting This Recipe

• Cool brownies before frosting: This prevents the frosting from melting or sliding off.
• Use natural peanut butter: It adds rich flavor without being too sweet or oily.
• Sift your powdered sugar: This ensures smooth, lump-free frosting.
• Don’t overbake the brownies: Keep them fudgy by pulling them out when the center just sets.
• Chill before slicing: For perfect cuts, refrigerate for 30 minutes before slicing into bars.

Storing and Reheating Tips

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: These brownies freeze beautifully! Wrap tightly in plastic and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thawing: Let thaw at room temperature or in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving.
• No reheating needed: These are best served chilled or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use chunky peanut butter?
Sure! Chunky peanut butter will give the frosting a little extra texture. Just make sure it’s spreadable.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! They keep well in the fridge and can be made 1–2 days in advance.

Can I skip the cream cheese in the frosting?
You can use all butter instead, but the cream cheese adds richness and tang that balances the sweetness.

What other toppings can I use?
Try chopped peanuts, pretzels, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the caramel for a fun twist!

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Fudge Frosted Brownies are a dream come true for dessert lovers—rich, fudgy, and topped with the most decadent frosting you’ve ever tasted. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, potluck, or just because, this recipe is a guaranteed showstopper. Grab your whisk and your favorite jar of peanut butter—it’s time to bake something unforgettable!