Get ready to indulge in a sweet treat everyone will love: Peanut Butter Cup Blondies. With rich peanut butter, sugar, and chunks of candy, this dessert hits all the right notes. You’ll learn how to create this simple yet decadent dessert step by step. Trust me, whether you’re baking for a crowd or just yourself, you won't want to miss out on how easy it is to whip up these irresistible blondies!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor: These blondies are a perfect blend of sweet and nutty, thanks to the creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate from the peanut butter cups.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these delicious treats in no time, making them perfect for any occasion.
- Perfect for Sharing: Cut them into squares and they’re an ideal dessert to share with friends and family at gatherings or potlucks.
- Customizable: You can easily add your favorite mix-ins or toppings, such as chocolate chips or chopped nuts, to make them your own!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped peanut butter cups (mini or regular-sized)
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Baking pan (9x13 inches)
- Whisk and spatula
Serving Suggestions
- Cut the blondies into neat squares.
- Serve them on a decorative platter.
- Drizzle with extra melted peanut butter for a special touch.
- Add whole peanut butter cups as garnish on the side.
These ingredients come together to create a sweet, rich treat. The blend of creamy peanut butter and sweet sugars makes each bite dreamy. You can easily find these ingredients at any grocery store. Remember to check your pantry first!
With the right tools, this recipe becomes a breeze. A mixing bowl helps combine the wet ingredients. A whisk mixes everything well. A baking pan holds the blondie batter while it bakes.
For serving, I love to cut the blondies into squares. This makes them easy to share with friends and family. Drizzling extra peanut butter on top adds a fun touch. A few whole peanut butter cups beside the blondies make for a great presentation.
Now you're ready to gather your supplies and get baking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking. Next, grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This will help you remove the blondies easily later.
In a large bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Stir until the mix is smooth and well combined. Then, add the creamy peanut butter. Stir this until it is fully blended. After that, beat in the eggs one at a time. Finally, add the vanilla extract and mix well.
Combining Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents. It is important not to overmix when you combine the dry and wet ingredients. Overmixing can lead to dense blondies.
Now, gradually add the dry mix to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Then, gently fold in the chopped peanut butter cups. Reserve a few pieces to sprinkle on top later.
Baking and Cooling
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly, and sprinkle the reserved peanut butter cup pieces on top. Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. The edges should turn golden brown. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
After baking, let the blondies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is key for achieving the perfect texture. Once cooled, you can slice them into squares and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the batter: When you mix too much, blondies can become tough. Stir just until combined.
- Not cooling sufficiently before slicing: Cutting too soon can lead to messy blondies. Let them cool for 10 minutes in the pan first.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Alternatives for peanut butter: If you need a nut-free option, try almond butter or sunbutter. These still give a nice taste and texture.
- Gluten-free options for flour: Use a gluten-free flour blend as a direct swap for all-purpose flour. This keeps the blondies tasty and safe for those with gluten allergies.
Enhancing Flavor
- Adding chocolate chips or nuts: Mix in semi-sweet chocolate chips or your favorite nuts. This adds crunch and richness.
- Using flavored extracts: Try adding almond or coconut extract for a unique twist. Just a small amount can change the whole flavor profile.
Pro Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow your eggs and peanut butter to come to room temperature for better incorporation into the batter, resulting in a smoother texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to denser blondies.
- Check for Doneness: Start checking your blondies at the 25-minute mark. They should be golden on the edges and slightly soft in the center when done.
- Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or other candies alongside the peanut butter cups for a personalized touch!
Variations
Nut-Free Version
You can easily make a nut-free version of these blondies. Simply swap out the peanut butter for sunbutter. Sunbutter is made from sunflower seeds and has a similar texture. Use the same amount as the recipe calls for. This change keeps the blondies moist and flavorful while avoiding nuts.
Different Candy Add-ins
Get creative with candy add-ins! You can use butterscotch chips, chocolate chips, or even mini marshmallows. If you want seasonal flavors, try adding pumpkin spice candies for fall or peppermint candies for winter. These variations add fun colors and tastes to each batch.
Layered Blondies
To make layered blondies, start with a brownie base. Prepare a simple brownie batter as your bottom layer. After pouring the brownie batter into your pan, spread the blondie batter on top. Bake as directed. This method gives you a rich and tasty treat with two textures. You can also alternate layers for a striped look!
Storage Info
Best Way to Store Blondies
To keep your blondies fresh, use an airtight container. This helps them stay soft and moist. You can store them at room temperature for up to five days. If you want them to last longer, put them in the fridge. They will stay good for about a week in there. Just remember, cold blondies may be firmer.
Freezing Instructions
To freeze your blondies, first cut them into squares. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag or container. This method keeps them fresh for up to three months. When you want to enjoy them, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. You can also leave them out at room temperature for a few hours.
Reheating Tips
To enjoy your blondies warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the blondies on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 5-10 minutes. You can also use a microwave for 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to heat them too long, or they can become dry. A warm blondie with a scoop of ice cream is pure bliss!
FAQs
How long does it take to bake Peanut Butter Cup Blondies?
It takes about 25 to 30 minutes to bake Peanut Butter Cup Blondies. You’ll know they are done when the edges turn golden brown. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If you see wet batter, bake them a bit longer. The key is to watch for that golden edge!
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter. It will add a nice texture to the blondies. The chunks can make each bite more fun and full of flavor. Just know that the blondies may be a bit less smooth compared to using creamy peanut butter.
What can I serve with Peanut Butter Cup Blondies?
These blondies pair well with a glass of cold milk. You can also serve them with coffee for a sweet afternoon treat. For a fun twist, try them with ice cream. Vanilla or chocolate ice cream goes great with these rich blondies. You can even drizzle some melted peanut butter on top for extra yum!
This blog post covered how to make Peanut Butter Cup Blondies from start to finish. We discussed ingredients, equipment, and preparation steps, along with helpful tips to avoid common mistakes. I shared fun variations and storage methods to keep your blondies fresh.
Now, you are ready to bake a delightful treat. Enjoy the process, and make it your own!
