Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the rich aroma of chocolate wafts through my kitchen, I can’t help but smile at the magic that unfolds with every layer of this Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Torte. This isn’t just any dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that combines fudgy brownies, creamy peanut butter buttercream, and, of course, a generous sprinkle of Reese’s cups on top. What’s more, this indulgence is surprisingly easy to make! Perfect for impressing guests at gatherings or treating yourself after a long day, this torte offers the best of both worlds: it’s decadent yet achievable. So, are you ready to dive into a dessert that’s sure to become a staple in your home? Let’s get started! Why is This Torte So Irresistible? Decadent Layers: Every bite of this Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Torte promises rich, fudgy brownies layered with velvety peanut butter frosting, crowned with delightful Reese’s cups. Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe is approachable even for novice bakers who want to impress. Crowd Pleaser: Whether for birthdays, potlucks, or any special occasion, this dessert will wow guests and spark joy at any gathering. Quick Assembly: You’ll find the assembly process straightforward, making it perfect for when you’re short on time but still want to indulge in something special. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that ultimate dessert experience! Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Torte Ingredients For the Brownie Base • Brownie Mix – Choose a quality box mix like Betty Crocker Hershey’s Original Supreme for best flavor. • Water – Hydrates the brownie mix; use the amount specified on the box for perfect consistency. • Vegetable Oil – Adds moisture for a fudgier texture; melted coconut oil works as a great substitute. • Egg – Binds the mixture together; make sure it’s at room temperature for easier mixing. For the Peanut Butter Buttercream • Butter (Softened) – Brings richness to the frosting; opt for vegan butter for a dairy-free version. • Peanut Butter – The star ingredient for flavor; creamy peanut butter spreads easily, or natural peanut butter for a healthier take. • Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the buttercream; adjust the amount based on your sweetness preference. For the Ganache • Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Essential for the ganache; dark chocolate chips add an even richer flavor. • Heavy Cream – Gives a smooth consistency to the ganache; full-fat coconut cream is a delicious dairy-free option. For Decoration • Reese’s Cups – Key for both decoration and flavor; feel free to substitute with your favorite chocolate-covered peanut butter candies. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Torte Step 1: Prepare Brownie Layer Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the brownie mix, water, vegetable oil, and egg according to the package instructions. Once mixed, pour the batter into a greased 9×13 pan, smoothing it out evenly. Bake for 22-25 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely. Step 2: Make Buttercream While the brownies cool, prepare the peanut butter buttercream. In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and creamy peanut butter together until fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until fully incorporated and creamy. This luscious frosting will be the perfect complement to your Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Torte. Step 3: Prepare Ganache Next, let’s whip up the ganache! In a saucepan over low heat, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips along with the heavy cream, stirring continuously until smooth and glossy. This exquisite ganache will add a rich, velvety finish to your dessert. Once fully melted, set aside to cool slightly while you assemble the torte. Step 4: Assemble Torte After your brownies have cooled, carefully slice them horizontally into three equal layers. On the bottom layer, spread a generous amount of the peanut butter frosting. Place whole Reese’s cups evenly over the frosting, and then drizzle some of the ganache over the top. Layer the second brownie piece on top and repeat the frosting, Reese’s, and ganache application. Step 5: Final Layer and Decoration Add the final brownie layer atop the second. Cover the entire torte with the remaining peanut butter frosting, ensuring every inch is smooth and inviting. Drizzle the remaining ganache generously over the top, and finish with a scattering of chopped Reese’s cups for an eye-catching flair. Step 6: Chill Before Serving To allow all those delicious flavors to meld together perfectly, refrigerate your Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Torte for at least 1 hour. This will firm up the layers, making it easier to slice. Once chilled, it’s ready to be enjoyed—just slice into squares and serve! Make Ahead Options These Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Torte layers are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the brownie base up to 24 hours in advance—just bake, cool completely, and then store it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator to maintain its fudgy texture. Additionally, the peanut butter buttercream can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days; just give it a quick whip before you spread it on the torte. When you’re ready to assemble, slice the cooled brownies, layer with frosting and Reese’s cups, drizzle with ganache, and chill for at least 1 hour before serving for a spectacular dessert that’s just as delicious as if made fresh! How to Store and Freeze Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Torte Fridge: Store the torte in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to keep it fresh and maintain its fudgy texture. Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the torte tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It can last for up to 3 months. Thawing: To enjoy, simply transfer the frozen torte to the fridge for a few hours or overnight to thaw before serving. This ensures each slice retains its delightful layers and flavors. Reheating: If you prefer a warm treat, microwave a slice for about 10-15 seconds to melt the chocolate and bring out the creamy peanut butter taste. Expert Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Torte • Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality chocolate and peanut butter for the best flavor in your Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Torte; don’t settle for generic brands. • Brownie Cooling: Allow the brownies to cool completely before assembly to prevent melting the peanut butter frosting, ensuring layers stay intact. • Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your egg and butter are at room temperature to blend easily, resulting in a fluffy buttercream texture. • Storage Secrets: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; this helps maintain the freshness and firmness of the torte. • Healthier Options: Consider swapping out the brownie mix for a homemade version for a healthier twist without sacrificing flavor! What to Serve with Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Torte? Indulging in a slice of this luscious dessert opens the door to a world of delicious pairings that elevate the experience. Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy coldness of vanilla ice cream beautifully balances the rich chocolate and peanut butter flavors, creating a delightful contrast. Top it with some warm ganache for an irresistible finish! Fresh Berries: Ripe strawberries or raspberries add a refreshing bite, cutting through the sweetness. Their vibrant colors and tartness bring a lovely aesthetic to the plate too. Whipped Cream: A light dollop of freshly whipped cream enhances the torte’s richness and adds a fluffy texture that complements the fudgy layers. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling extra chocolate sauce on top amplifies the dessert’s decadence. It’s a luscious touch that brings even more chocolate love to the table! Hot Coffee: A warm cup of coffee pairs perfectly, balancing the torte’s sweetness and enhancing its flavors. The bitterness of the coffee beautifully contrasts with the indulgent elements. Nutty Chai Tea: A spiced chai tea brings cozy warmth and herbal flavor, making for a delightful pairing that’s perfect for relaxing afternoons or evenings. Salted Caramel: Adding a drizzle of salted caramel offers a sophisticated contrast to the sweet elements, providing a rich buttery flavor that’s simply divine. Milkshake: For an indulgent treat, try serving with a creamy peanut butter milkshake, creating a luscious combination that takes the dessert experience to a whole new level. Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Torte Variations Feel free to unleash your creativity with this delightful dessert! Customize it to suit your taste buds and dietary needs. Nutty Twist: Substitute almond butter for peanut butter to enjoy a slightly different nutty flavor. It adds a wonderful depth to the buttercream. Crunchy Layers: Fold in crushed Oreos or your favorite candy bars into the brownie batter for an extra crunch and surprise texture. Your taste buds will be in for a delightful surprise! Healthier Brownies: Opt for a homemade, flourless brownie recipe instead of boxed mix for a guilt-free twist while keeping the rich flavors intact. Spicy Finish: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the ganache for a subtle kick that beautifully complements the chocolate and peanut butter. It’s all about that unexpected flavor party! Vegan Delight: Use coconut cream in the ganache instead of heavy cream and swap butter with vegan alternatives for a fully vegan Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Torte that doesn’t skimp on taste. Swirled Goodness: Create a marbled look by swirling additional peanut butter into the brownie batter before baking for a gorgeous presentation and added flavor. Fruity Fusion: Incorporate layers of fresh bananas or strawberries between the brownie layers to introduce a refreshing twist that brightens the dessert. The fruitiness complements the chocolate beautifully! Decadent Toppings: Top the finished torte with drizzled caramel sauce or a sprinkle of sea salt to elevate its indulgence. A perfect finish that takes it to new heights! For more ideas, check out my Peanut Butter Cup recipe or indulge in some rich Brownie Ice Cream for something a little different. Enjoy experimenting! Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Torte Recipe FAQs How do I choose ripe ingredients for my Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Torte? Absolutely! While this recipe doesn’t require fresh produce, selecting quality ingredients is crucial. For your peanut butter, choose a creamy variety that’s easy to spread. If you’re using chocolate chips, opt for semi-sweet or dark chocolate for a richer flavor. Always check that your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing; it should feel like a cool pillow, not a solid chunk. What’s the best way to store the Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Torte? Very! To keep your torte fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This helps maintain its delicious fudgy texture and flavor. If you’d like to save some for later, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing it in the freezer to enjoy later. It can last for up to 3 months, just remember to thaw it in the fridge for a few hours before serving! Can I freeze the Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Torte? Yes, you can! To freeze your torte, first allow it to cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. For the best quality, use it within 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight, so it maintains its delightful layers and flavors. What if my ganache isn’t smooth? Don’t worry! If your ganache becomes grainy, you can rescue it. Simply add a tablespoon of heavy cream and gently reheat over low heat, stirring continuously until it becomes smooth again. Make sure to remove it from the heat right away to prevent it from seizing. If it’s too thick, a bit more cream can help adjust the consistency. Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of with this recipe? Absolutely! If you or your guests have dietary restrictions, there are great alternatives. To make the torte dairy-free, substitute the butter with vegan butter and heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream. For nut allergies, simply replace the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option. Be sure to check labels on packaged ingredients to ensure they don’t contain allergens. Irresistible Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Torte Recipe to Indulge This Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Torte features layers of fudgy brownies, creamy peanut butter frosting, and Reese's cups, creating an indulgent dessert. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 25 minutes minsChill Time 1 hour hrTotal Time 1 hour hr 55 minutes mins Servings: 12 slicesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Brownie Base1 box Brownie Mix Choose a quality box mix like Betty Crocker Hershey's Original Supreme1 cup Water Use the amount specified on the box1/3 cup Vegetable Oil Can substitute with melted coconut oil1 large Egg Use at room temperatureFor the Peanut Butter Buttercream1/2 cup Butter (Softened) Opt for vegan butter for a dairy-free version1 cup Peanut Butter Creamy or natural, based on preference2 cups Powdered Sugar Adjust based on sweetness preferenceFor the Ganache1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips Dark chocolate chips for richer flavor1/2 cup Heavy Cream Full-fat coconut cream is a dairy-free optionFor Decoration1 cup Reese's Cups Optional to substitute with other chocolate-covered peanut butter candies Equipment OvenMixing bowlElectric MixerSaucepan9x13 Pan Method Preparation StepsPreheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix brownie mix, water, vegetable oil, and egg in a bowl. Pour into greased 9x13 pan and bake for 22-25 minutes.Let brownies cool completely.Beat softened butter and peanut butter together until fluffy, then gradually mix in powdered sugar.Melt chocolate chips with heavy cream in a saucepan until smooth.Slice cooled brownies horizontally into three layers. Spread peanut butter frosting on the first layer, add Reese's cups, and drizzle ganache.Repeat with the second layer and finish with the last brownie layer. Cover the whole torte with remaining frosting and ganache. Add chopped Reese's cups on top.Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 5gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 300IUCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg NotesUse high-quality chocolate and peanut butter for best results. Allow the brownie layers to cool completely to prevent melting the frosting. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!