Imagine a brownie that's not just fudgy, but also boasts a heavenly layer of gooey marshmallow, a satisfyingly crispy peanut butter crunch, and the unmistakable, delightful bite of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, wake up and get ready, because these Reese's Marshmallow Crunch Brownies are about to make that dream a delicious reality. This recipe takes ordinary brownies to an extraordinary level, combining classic sweet and salty flavors with incredible textures. They're perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a truly indulgent night in.
Why You'll Love These Reese's Marshmallow Crunch Brownies
Why settle for a plain brownie when you can have a masterpiece? These brownies offer an incredible multi-layered experience. First, you have a rich, dense chocolate brownie base. Then comes the fluffy, sweet marshmallow, creating a beautiful contrast. But the real game-changer is the peanut butter crispy cereal layer, providing that addictive crunch that makes these brownies truly unique. And of course, the chopped Reese's miniatures scattered throughout ensure every bite is bursting with that iconic peanut butter chocolate flavor.
The Secret to the Perfect Crunch
The magic of these Reese's Marshmallow Crunch Brownies lies in their distinct textures. The crispy rice cereal, bound together with creamy peanut butter and melted chocolate chips, creates a topping that’s both flavorful and incredibly satisfying to bite into. It’s crucial to use creamy peanut butter, not natural peanut butter, as the oils in natural varieties can prevent the topping from setting properly and becoming truly crispy. This simple detail ensures your brownies achieve that perfect, crave-worthy crunch, complementing the fudgy base and gooey marshmallow.
Tips for Success
- Use a good quality brownie mix, or your favorite homemade brownie recipe.
- Don't overbake your brownies; they should still be slightly fudgy in the center.
- Press the peanut butter crunch mixture firmly but gently onto the marshmallow layer to ensure it adheres well.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing for clean cuts. Chilling them in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes can help with even neater slices!
Variations to Try
Feeling adventurous? You can easily customize these brownies. Try adding a sprinkle of sea salt over the peanut butter crunch layer for an enhanced sweet and salty profile. For a different twist, experiment with other chocolate candies instead of Reese's – M&M's or chopped chocolate bars could be delicious! You can also drizzle a little extra melted chocolate or peanut butter on top for an artistic finish. For a deeper dive into the history of the iconic Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, check out their fascinating origins.
Serving Suggestions
These brownies are fantastic on their own, but if you want to elevate the experience, serve them slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. A drizzle of chocolate syrup or extra peanut butter sauce wouldn't hurt either! They're also a guaranteed hit for any gathering, from casual get-togethers to celebratory events.
Prepare to become the hero of your next dessert table with these Reese's Marshmallow Crunch Brownies. They're a symphony of flavors and textures that are surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Gather your ingredients and get ready to bake something truly spectacular. Happy baking!
FAQs
Can I use homemade brownies for this recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for a brownie mix for convenience, you can certainly use your favorite homemade fudgy brownie recipe as the base. Just ensure it's baked and cooled before adding the layers.
How do I store Reese's Marshmallow Crunch Brownies?
Store these brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. If refrigerated, allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Why shouldn't I use natural peanut butter for the crunch layer?
Natural peanut butter tends to be runnier and separates more easily, which can prevent the crunchy topping from setting properly. Creamy, conventional peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) has a thicker consistency and stabilizers that ensure the crunch layer holds together perfectly.
Can I substitute marshmallow fluff for marshmallow creme?
Yes, marshmallow fluff and marshmallow creme are generally interchangeable in this recipe. Both will provide that delicious, gooey marshmallow layer. Use whatever is most readily available to you.
Reese's Marshmallow Crunch Brownies
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
- Diet: N/A
Description
These irresistible brownies feature a fudgy base, a gooey marshmallow layer, a crunchy peanut butter rice cereal topping, and are studded with chopped Reese's miniatures.
Ingredients
18 ounces brownie mix (plus ingredients as per package directions)
7 ounces marshmallow creme or fluff
25 Reese's miniatures, halved
12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup creamy peanut butter (don't use natural)
3 cups crispy rice cereal
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven and prepare an 8x8 or 9x13 inch baking pan according to the brownie mix instructions.
Step 2: Prepare the brownie mix according to package directions. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake as directed.
Step 3: Once the brownies are baked, remove them from the oven and immediately spread the 7 ounces of marshmallow creme evenly over the hot brownies. This will help it melt and spread easily.
Step 4: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and fully melted.
Step 5: Add the crispy rice cereal to the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture. Stir until the cereal is completely coated.
Step 6: Spread the crispy peanut butter mixture evenly over the marshmallow layer. Gently press it down to ensure it adheres.
Step 7: Sprinkle the halved Reese's miniatures over the top of the crunch layer, pressing them lightly so they stick.
Step 8: Allow the brownies to cool completely at room temperature, or chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, before cutting into squares and serving.
Notes
For best results, allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting. For extra decadence, serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
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