Jump to Recipe Print RecipeIt all started with a longing for that perfect dessert experience, one where each bite transports you to a place of pure joy. Enter the Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Torte, a dessert so enchanting it feels like a celebration every time you cut a slice. This decadent dessert combines layers of rich, fudgy brownies with velvety peanut butter frosting, topped off with glorious Reese’s cups—making it a real showstopper for gatherings or special occasions. Not only is this treat satisfying to make, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser that deceives others into thinking you spent hours slaving away in the kitchen. With its simple preparation and stunning presentation, I guarantee you’ll have friends and family clamoring for the recipe. Ready to indulge in a slice of happiness? Let’s dive into this delightful creation! Why is this dessert a must-try? Decadent Layers: Each layer of fudgy brownie’s richness paired with creamy peanut butter frosting creates a mouthwatering experience. Eye-Catching Toppings: The full-size Reese’s cups on top add a delightful crunch and are sure to impress at any gathering. Simple Prep: You won’t need culinary expertise—this recipe is designed for everyone, from novice bakers to seasoned chefs. Versatile Flavors: Feel free to swap almond butter for a twist or use gluten-free brownie mix to cater to dietary preferences. For more inspiration, check out my Garlic Butter Beef recipe or whip up some Chocolate Peanut Butter treats! Crowd Favorite: This torte is not just a dessert; it’s a cherished moment shared among friends and family, perfect for any celebration. Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Torte Ingredients For the Brownies • Brownie Mix – Use a quality brand like Betty Crocker for a rich foundation. • Water – Activates the mix; essential for achieving the perfect consistency. • Vegetable Oil – Ensures a fudgy texture; melted butter can add a richer flavor. • Egg – A large egg binds the ingredients; aim for it to be at room temperature. For the Frosting • Butter – Softened butter is key for a smooth, creamy frosting. • Peanut Butter – Adds delicious flavor and richness; both creamy and chunky work well. • Powdered Sugar – Adjust the quantity to achieve your desired sweetness and texture. For the Ganache • Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Provides that luscious chocolate flavor; dark chocolate is a tasty alternative. • Heavy Cream – Melts beautifully with the chocolate for a smooth, velvety finish. For the Topping • Reese’s Cups – The star of the show; use more or fewer based on your preference for added charm. This Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Torte combines delicious layers for a dessert experience that will leave everyone reaching for seconds! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Torte Step 1: Brownie Preparation Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and gather a greased 9×13 pan. In a large mixing bowl, prepare the brownie mix according to the package instructions, incorporating water, vegetable oil, and the egg. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. Step 2: Buttercream Frosting In a clean mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and peanut butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on medium speed. Continue beating for about 3-5 minutes until the frosting becomes thick and fluffy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. This velvety buttercream will add the perfect richness to your Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Torte. Step 3: Ganache In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy cream. Stir continuously until the chocolate melts and the mixture is smooth and glossy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. This decadent ganache is key for drizzling between layers and will enhance your torte’s richness. Step 4: Assembly Carefully slice the cooled brownies into three equal rectangular layers. On a serving platter, begin layering by placing the first brownie layer down, spreading a generous amount of buttercream frosting on top. Add whole Reese’s cups, then drizzle some ganache over the frosting. Repeat this process for the second layer, and finish with the final brownie layer on top. Step 5: Final Touches Spread the remaining peanut butter frosting over the top of the last brownie layer, then drizzle the ganache generously across the frosting. For the signature touch, chop additional Reese’s cups and sprinkle them on top for decoration. Ensure everything looks deliciously enticing before chilling. Step 6: Chill and Serve Refrigerate your Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Torte for at least 1 hour to firm up the layers and flavors. Once chilled, slice into pieces to serve. This indulgent dessert is sure to impress friends and family during any gathering, creating moments of pure delight with each bite! How to Store and Freeze Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Torte Room Temperature: Keep covered at room temperature for up to 1 day if you plan to serve it immediately. Avoid humidity to maintain texture. Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring it stays fresh and moist for those who indulge later. Freezer: Freeze the torte before slicing wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. Reheating: For a warm treat, microwave a slice for about 10-15 seconds to slightly soften the frosting, making each bite a heavenly experience! What to Serve with Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Torte Pairing a delightful dessert with complementary sides can make a meal memorable, and this creation is no exception. Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a luxurious creaminess that balances the rich flavors of the torte. Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic duo of warm brownies and cold vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast, enhancing the indulgence of every bite. Fresh Berries: Strawberries or raspberries offer a refreshing tartness that cuts through the sweetness, providing a well-rounded dessert experience. Chocolate Drizzle: A simple drizzle of chocolate sauce can elevate your torte presentation, tying together all the chocolatey goodness in one luscious treat. Caramel Sauce: Warm caramel adds a buttery richness and a lovely touch of sweetness, perfect for drizzling over each slice. Nutty Biscotti: This crunchy accompaniment pairs beautifully with the soft layers of the torte, adding texture and a hint of nutty flavor. Coffee or Espresso: A rich cup of coffee enhances the chocolate and peanut butter notes of the torte, creating a comforting and indulgent experience. Milk: A chilled glass of milk is a nostalgic pairing that complements the sweetness and creaminess wonderfully, making it perfect for both kids and adults alike. Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Torte Variations Embrace your creativity by customizing this delightful dessert to suit your taste buds and occasion. Nut-Free: Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter to create a deliciously similar flavor without allergens. Gluten-Free: Opt for a gluten-free brownie mix to make this dessert accessible for those with dietary restrictions. Trust me, the taste won’t be compromised! Extra Crunch: Mix in some chopped walnuts or pecans into your brownie batter for a delightful textural contrast along with the Reese’s. Fruit Addition: Layer some sliced bananas or strawberries between the brownies for a fresh, fruity twist that balances the rich flavors. Chocolate Lovers: Use dark chocolate chips in the ganache for an even more intense chocolate experience. It’ll make every bite that much richer! Heat Factor: Stir in a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the brownie mix for a surprising kick that enhances the chocolate flavor beautifully. Frosting Variations: Experiment with flavored extracts, such as vanilla or almond, in the frosting to add a unique depth to the palate. Serving Suggestions: For a luxurious touch, serve each slice with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that perfect dessert experience. With these variations, your Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Torte can be tailored for every occasion, ensuring sweet smiles and happy memories every time! Make Ahead Options These Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Torte layers are perfect for meal prep aficionados! You can prepare the brownie base up to 24 hours in advance; simply bake, cool, and store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. The peanut butter frosting can also be made ahead and kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—just ensure it’s well-covered to keep it fluffy and delicious. When you’re ready to assemble, slice the brownies and layer with the frosting and ganache as directed; the quick assembly will yield mouthwatering results with minimal effort. Remember, chilling the torte for at least an hour before serving allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it just as delightful as a freshly made dessert! Expert Tips for Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Torte Cool Completely: Allow brownies to cool entirely before assembly. This prevents the frosting from melting and keeps your layers intact. Frosting Consistency: Adjust the powdered sugar in the frosting depending on your preferred sweetness. Start with less and gradually add more as needed. Ganache Technique: For an easy ganache, add cream to the chocolate chips gradually and stir continuously rather than heating it all together at once. Chilling Matters: Refrigerating the torte for about an hour not only firms up the layers but makes slicing easier without compromising the structure. Layering Order: When assembling, don’t skip alternating layers of frosting and Reese’s cups. This ensures every slice is packed with flavor and visual appeal. Custom Variations: Feel free to experiment with different nut butters or chocolate types in your Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Torte for a unique twist! Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Torte Recipe FAQs What type of brownie mix should I use? You want a good quality brownie mix like Betty Crocker Hershey’s Original Supreme for a rich foundation. The mix provides the right flavor and structure, ensuring your torte is fudgy and satisfying! How long can I store leftovers, and what’s the best method? Store any leftover Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Torte in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This keeps it fresh and delicious while preserving its moist texture. Can I freeze the Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Torte? Absolutely! For freezing, wrap the torte tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving. What should I do if my frosting is too thin? If your peanut butter frosting turns out too thin, simply add more powdered sugar in small increments (about 1/4 cup at a time) until you reach the desired thickness. Be sure to beat it well to incorporate the sugar fully! How can I make this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets? To adapt the Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Torte for gluten-free eaters, use a gluten-free brownie mix. Many brands make excellent options that won’t compromise flavor or texture. Just double-check the toppings for any hidden gluten sources! Can I substitute ingredients for dietary restrictions? Yes! For a nut-free version, swap the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter. Additionally, if you’re avoiding dairy, use vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips in both the frosting and ganache for a delicious non-dairy alternative. Decadent Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Torte You Can't Resist Indulge in this Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Torte, a decadent dessert with layers of fudgy brownies, peanut butter frosting, and Reese's cups. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 25 minutes minsChilling Time 1 hour hrTotal Time 1 hour hr 55 minutes mins Servings: 12 slicesCourse: DessertsCuisine: AmericanCalories: 400 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Brownies1 box Brownie Mix Use a quality brand like Betty Crocker.1/4 cup Water Essential for achieving the perfect consistency.1/3 cup Vegetable Oil Melted butter can add a richer flavor.1 large Egg Aim for it to be at room temperature.For the Frosting1/2 cup Butter Softened for smooth frosting.1 cup Peanut Butter Both creamy and chunky work well.2-3 cups Powdered Sugar Adjust for desired sweetness.For the Ganache1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips Dark chocolate is a tasty alternative.1/2 cup Heavy Cream Melts beautifully with the chocolate.For the Topping2 cups Reese's Cups Adjust based on your preference. Equipment 9x13-inch baking panMixing BowlSaucepanElectric mixer Method Brownie PreparationPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 pan. Prepare the brownie mix according to package instructions, incorporating water, vegetable oil, and the egg. Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 22-25 minutes, until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow to cool completely.Buttercream FrostingCombine softened butter and peanut butter in a mixing bowl until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on medium speed for 3-5 minutes until thick and fluffy.GanacheIn a small saucepan over low heat, combine semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy cream, stirring until melted and smooth, about 5-7 minutes. Let it cool slightly.AssemblySlice cooled brownies into three equal layers. Layer the first brownie, spread buttercream frosting on top, add whole Reese's cups, and drizzle ganache. Repeat for the second layer.Final TouchesSpread remaining peanut butter frosting on the last layer and drizzle ganache. Chop additional Reese's cups for topping and ensure presentation is enticing before chilling.Chill and ServeRefrigerate for at least 1 hour. Slice into pieces to serve and enjoy this indulgent dessert with friends and family. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 6gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 250mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 3gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 40mgIron: 2mg NotesCool brownies completely before assembly. Adjust frosting sweetness as needed. Refrigerating for an hour firms up the layers, making slicing easier. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
