Triple peanut butter chocolate dream

The perfect Easter dessert has arrived with these irresistible Peanut Butter Overload Brownies! These indulgent treats start with a fudgy chocolate brownie base packed with chopped Reese's cups, then get topped with creamy peanut butter frosting and decorated with colorful Easter-themed peanut butter candies. The combination of rich chocolate, smooth peanut butter, and festive springtime colors creates a showstopping dessert that's perfect for holiday gatherings yet simple enough for everyday baking. Whether you're a chocolate lover, peanut butter enthusiast, or both, these loaded brownies will satisfy your sweetest cravings.

I've always enjoyed experimenting with boxed mixes to create something that feels special without requiring tons of effort or ingredients. These brownies are the perfect example of how a few strategic additions can transform a simple dessert into something truly memorable. They've become my go-to contribution for Easter potlucks because they're consistently the first treat to disappear from the dessert table!

Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips

• Brownie Mix: Choose a fudgy variety rather than cake-like for the best texture and flavor contrast with the frosting. Premium brands like Ghirardelli or Betty Crocker Ultimate Fudge create particularly rich results.
• Reese's Spring Sprinkles Big Cups: These festive seasonal treats have colorful sprinkles mixed into the peanut butter center. If unavailable, regular Reese's cups or eggs work perfectly.
• Peanut Butter M&Ms Eggs: The pastel-colored egg shapes add Easter flair, but regular peanut butter M&Ms can substitute if the seasonal ones aren't available.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: Use a commercial brand like JIF or Skippy rather than natural peanut butter for the frosting, as the natural varieties can separate and affect the texture.

The quality of your peanut butter makes a significant difference in the frosting. When I splurged on a premium brand instead of the store generic, the improvement in flavor was remarkable - creamier, more peanutty, and with better spreadability. Similarly, using salted butter rather than unsalted adds a subtle flavor dimension that balances the sweetness.

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Base

Begin by preheating your oven according to the brownie mix package directions. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal, and spray with cooking spray. Prepare the brownie batter according to the box instructions, combining the mix with the required eggs, oil, and water. Stir until just combined - overmixing can lead to tough brownies. Gently fold in chopped Reese's cups and crushed peanut butter M&Ms, reserving some for the topping.

Step 2: Bake and Cool Completely

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly to the corners. Bake according to the package directions until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). Be careful not to overbake, as this can dry out the brownies. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This cooling step is crucial - if you try to frost them while warm, the frosting will melt and slide off.

Step 3: Prepare the Peanut Butter Frosting

In a large mixing bowl, beat one stick (1/2 cup) of softened salted butter and 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter until smooth and well combined, about 2 minutes on medium speed. Gradually add 2 cups of powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed initially to prevent a sugar cloud. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream, and beat on medium-high speed until the frosting is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. If the frosting seems too thick, add another tablespoon of heavy cream.

Step 4: Frost and Decorate

Once the brownies are completely cooled, spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the top using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Work from the center outward, creating a smooth, even layer. The frosting should be thick enough to hold its shape but spreadable enough to create a level surface. Immediately after frosting, sprinkle the reserved chopped Reese's cups and peanut butter M&Ms over the top, gently pressing them into the frosting so they adhere well.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the frosted brownies for 15-30 minutes to allow the frosting to set, which makes cutting cleaner and easier. Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the brownies out of the pan and place on a cutting board. With a sharp knife, cut into squares, wiping the blade clean between cuts for the neatest edges. Allow the brownies to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture experience.

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My first attempt at these brownies taught me an important lesson about temperature. I tried to frost them while they were still slightly warm, resulting in a melted, messy topping. Now I always ensure they're completely cool, sometimes even refrigerating them briefly before frosting for the perfect spreading consistency and clean presentation.

Serving Inspiration

These festive brownies make a stunning centerpiece for any Easter dessert table. Arrange them on a colorful spring-themed platter surrounded by fresh flowers or Easter grass for an eye-catching presentation. For an extra-special treat, serve them slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side - the contrast of warm brownie, cool ice cream, and room-temperature frosting creates an incredible texture experience. They also pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk for kids or a cup of coffee for adults.

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Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These brownies are perfect for make-ahead preparation. You can bake the brownie base up to two days in advance and store it well-wrapped at room temperature. The frosting can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator - just bring it to room temperature and re-whip before spreading. Once assembled, the brownies keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days, though they're usually devoured long before then! For longer storage, cut into individual squares and freeze for up to two months in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers.

Creative Variations

After making these brownies numerous times, I've developed several variations that keep them exciting. For a mint-chocolate twist, add a few drops of mint extract to the frosting and use mint M&Ms. For a cookies-and-cream version, substitute Oreo pieces for the Reese's cups and use white chocolate frosting. During other holidays, adapt the concept by changing the candy toppings - red and green M&Ms for Christmas, orange and brown for Halloween, or red, white, and blue for patriotic celebrations. The basic format of fudgy brownies with creamy frosting and candy toppings works beautifully year-round.

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These Peanut Butter Overload Brownies have become my signature Easter dessert, bringing joy to friends and family each spring. There's something undeniably satisfying about the combination of fudgy chocolate, creamy peanut butter frosting, and colorful candy toppings that appeals to both children and adults. The fact that they start with a convenient box mix makes them accessible for bakers of all skill levels, yet the finished product looks and tastes like something from a specialty bakery. Whether you're serving them at a holiday gathering or simply treating yourself to a special indulgence, these brownies deliver pure chocolate-peanut butter bliss in every bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use natural peanut butter for the frosting?

It's best to use commercial creamy peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) rather than natural peanut butter for the frosting. Natural peanut butter can separate and create an oily or grainy texture in frosting. If you only have natural peanut butter, make sure it's very well mixed and consider reducing the amount of heavy cream since natural varieties tend to be thinner.

→ What can I substitute for the seasonal candies?

If you can't find the seasonal Reese's or peanut butter M&Ms, you can substitute regular Reese's peanut butter cups (chopped), Reese's Pieces, regular peanut butter M&Ms, or any combination of peanut butter and chocolate candies. Mini peanut butter cups also work great as they require less chopping.

→ Can I make these brownies from scratch instead of using a box mix?

Absolutely! If you prefer to make brownies from scratch, use your favorite fudgy brownie recipe that fits a 9-inch square pan. Follow the recipe as written, folding the candies into your homemade batter before baking, then proceed with the frosting and toppings as directed.

→ How do I store these brownies and how long do they last?

Store these brownies in an airtight container. They'll keep at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. The frosting firms up when chilled, so if you prefer a softer texture, let refrigerated brownies sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving.

→ Can I freeze these brownies?

Yes, these brownies freeze well! Cut them into squares first, then place in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. They'll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or for a few hours at room temperature before serving.

→ My peanut butter frosting is too thick/thin. How do I fix it?

If your frosting is too thick, add more heavy cream, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. If it's too thin, add more powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons at a time, and beat well after each addition. The frosting should be smooth and spreadable but firm enough to hold the candy toppings.