Irresistible Peanut Butter Blondies with Reese’s Pieces: A Chewy, Buttery Delight
Soft sweetness unfolds alongside rich caramel notes and a playful crunch in every bite.
Peanut Butter Blondies with Reese’s Pieces: The Ultimate Comfort Bar
If you’re searching for an unapologetically chewy, nutty, and satisfying bar dessert, peanut butter blondies with Reese’s Pieces deserve a spot at the top of your must-bake list. These bars bring together the nostalgic sweetness of blondies, the creamy savoriness of peanut butter, and the unmistakable crunch and chocolatey burst of Reese’s Pieces candies. Perfectly dense and gratifying, they’re a treat for bake sales, gatherings, or simply as a decadent weekday indulgence.
Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Blondies
- Irresistibly chewy texture: Moist, dense, but never dry or crumbly—a true peanut butter lover’s dream.
- Layered flavors: Each bite balances brown sugar richness, roasted peanut notes, and pops of candy shell crunch.
- Quick and easy: Minimal fuss and pantry-friendly ingredients mean you’ll have these bars ready in under an hour.
- Customizable: Swap in your favorite chocolate or nut candies, add a swirl of peanut butter frosting, or drizzle with melted chocolate.
What are Blondies?
Blondies are the golden, caramel-tinged cousin of brownies. Instead of cocoa or melted chocolate, blondies derive their signature hue and butterscotch-like flavor from brown sugar and butter, often enriched with vanilla. The addition of peanut butter transforms the base, ramping up both creaminess and flavor depth, resulting in a decadent treat that stands proudly on its own or as the foundation for your favorite mix-ins.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Role |
|---|---|
| Creamy Peanut Butter | Provides richness, flavor, and chewy texture integrity. |
| Salted Butter | Adds buttery notes and enhances moisture. |
| Light Brown Sugar | Key to caramel flavor and chewiness. |
| Egg & Egg Yolk | Contribute structure and additional richness. |
| Vanilla Extract | Boosts aroma and complexity. |
| All-purpose Flour | Forms the batter’s framework. |
| Salt | Balances sweetness and intensifies flavor. |
| Reese’s Pieces | Crunch, color, and bursts of chocolate-peanut flavor in every bite. |
Optional: For added decadence, a layer of peanut butter frosting can transform these from rustic bars into a show-stopping dessert.
Full Ingredient Quantities
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup salted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup Reese’s Pieces (plus more for topping, if desired)
Peanut Butter Frosting (Optional)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Equipment
- 8×8-inch square baking dish
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk and spatula
- Electric mixer (for frosting, optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep your pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with a parchment sling for easy removal.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and creamy peanut butter until smooth. Add the brown sugar, egg, egg yolk, and vanilla, whisking well after each addition.
- Combine dry ingredients: Add flour and salt, stirring until just incorporated. The batter will be thick.
- Add Reese’s Pieces: Fold in 1/2 cup Reese’s Pieces (reserving additional for topping).
- Bake: Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan. Scatter extra Reese’s Pieces on top. Bake for 22–27 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is just slightly underbaked for maximum chew.
- Cool completely: Remove pan and let blondies cool before lifting out and slicing into squares. Cooling enhances chewiness and makes the bars easier to cut.
For Peanut Butter Frosting (Optional)
- Cream together peanut butter and butter until fluffy.
- Add vanilla and heavy cream, then beat in powdered sugar until smooth and spreadable.
- Frost the cooled blondies in the pan, then sprinkle with additional Reese’s Pieces. Slice and serve.
Essential Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Blondies
- Don’t overmix: Stir batter until just combined to avoid a tough texture.
- Watch your bake time: Blondies should look barely set in the middle when you pull them from the oven—the residual heat will finish the job after they cool.
- For gooey centers: Lean toward the shorter end of the baking range.
- Frost, if you dare: The optional peanut butter frosting adds another dimension but is not necessary if you prefer a classic bar.
- Let them cool: Cutting too soon can cause the bars to crumble.
What others are reading
Customization and Variations
- Mix-ins: Swap Reese’s Pieces for chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or chopped peanuts.
- Double peanut: Use crunchy peanut butter for texture.
- Frosting alternatives: Drizzle with melted chocolate or swirl in marshmallow fluff.
- Sensory twist: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top right after baking.
- Allergy alert: Substitute sunflower butter and chocolate candies without peanuts for a nut-free version (taste and texture will differ).
What Makes a Perfect Blondie?
The secret lies in balance—enough moisture to prevent dryness, plenty of brown sugar for chew, and just enough structure to slice cleanly. Melting the butter before mixing—rather than creaming—helps ensure moistness and dense crumb, which is especially effective in recipes with peanut butter. The extra egg yolk adds a subtle richness, and the final flourish of Reese’s Pieces introduces creamy, crunchy contrast in every bite.
Serving and Storage
- Serving suggestions: Serve plain, with a scoop of ice cream, or with a drizzle of hot fudge.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freeze: Blondies freeze beautifully for up to 2 months—wrap in parchment and plastic wrap for best results.
Nutritional Considerations
These bars are a decadent treat: high in protein and fat thanks to peanut butter, but also significant in sugar and simple carbs. Enjoy as an occasional indulgence, and consider cutting them into small squares for easier portion control.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes, crunchy peanut butter adds pockets of nutty texture. Creamy gives a uniform bite, while crunchy gives extra bits throughout the blondies.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely. Double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan, adding a few minutes to the bake time. Check for doneness at the edges.
How do I know when they’re done?
The edges should be golden and set, while the center should still be soft. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Can I substitute the candy?
Yes, try chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, chopped nuts, or your favorite baking candies. The recipe welcomes creative swaps.
Why did my blondies turn out dry?
Overbaking is the most common cause. Bake until just set, and remove from the oven as soon as the center is barely cooked through for best results.
Tips & Troubleshooting
- If bars are too crumbly: They may have been overbaked or measured with too much flour. Spoon flour into measuring cup and level for accuracy.
- For a gooier bar: Slightly underbake by two minutes and let cool completely before slicing.
- Frosting too thick? Add more cream or milk a teaspoon at a time until spreadable.
- Batter too thick to spread? Warm very briefly or add a splash of milk.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the rich, chewy satisfaction of a fresh peanut butter blondie, its golden crumb studded with vibrant Reese’s Pieces. This recipe captures all the nostalgia of classic bar desserts while welcoming infinite variations and creative spins. Whether cut into generous squares for a party or nibbled straight from the pan at home, these peanut butter blondies promise pure satisfaction in every bite. Happy baking!
References
Similar Articles
Read full bio of Sneha Tete
