The combination of chocolate and peanut butter has always been a favorite, but these 2-Ingredient Reese’s Brownies make it even easier to indulge! With just peanut butter cups and eggs, this recipe comes together quickly, creating an irresistible treat that’s perfect for any chocolate lover. Whether you’re a novice baker or just short on time, this simple brownie recipe is bound to become a favorite.
With minimal prep and baking time, these gooey brownies are an ideal solution for last-minute desserts or spontaneous cravings. Rich, fudgy, and bursting with Reese’s flavor, they offer a taste experience that’s both nostalgic and indulgent. Enjoy them with a cold glass of milk or serve them up at a gathering for an easy crowd-pleaser.
Full Recipe:
- 3 large Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (about 1 ½ cups, roughly chopped)
- 2 large eggs
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly coat it with cooking spray.
- Place the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups into a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and melted, which should take about 2 minutes.
- Let the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture cool slightly. Using an electric mixer or whisk, beat the eggs until frothy.
- Slowly drizzle the melted Reese’s mixture into the eggs while mixing continuously until the batter is smooth and fully combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 22-26 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 180 per serving | Servings: 9
The 2-Ingredient Reese’s Brownies recipe is a delightful marvel in the world of baking, combining simplicity with indulgence. Perfect for beginner bakers and experienced enthusiasts alike, this recipe has captivated chocolate and peanut butter lovers by delivering a rich, fudgy treat that only requires two ingredients: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and eggs. This minimalist approach not only makes it convenient but also keeps the preparation time extremely low, making it ideal for those looking for a quick dessert without compromising on flavor or texture.
Background and Origins of 2-Ingredient Desserts
In recent years, the popularity of minimalist recipes has grown significantly, especially those that require only a handful of ingredients. Busy lifestyles and the rise of home cooking have fueled a demand for simpler recipes that don’t sacrifice taste. The concept of using just two ingredients to create a dessert speaks to this trend perfectly, capturing the attention of people who may not have much experience or time to spare in the kitchen. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are an American classic that combine chocolate with peanut butter, a beloved flavor pairing that has become a cultural phenomenon. When paired with just eggs in this recipe, the result is a dense, fudgy brownie with a unique, indulgent twist.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of this recipe lies in the clever combination of two ingredients that provide the structure and flavor typically achieved through multiple components. Here’s why it works so well:
- Eggs as a Binding Agent: Eggs serve as the primary binding and leavening agent in these brownies, giving the mixture the necessary lift and moisture to set into a brownie-like texture. Their ability to hold ingredients together without any flour or additional stabilizers is key to the recipe’s simplicity and ease.
- Chocolate-Peanut Butter Fusion: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are already a well-balanced treat that combines milk chocolate with creamy peanut butter. When melted down, the blend creates a smooth, rich mixture that delivers a familiar, comforting taste in every bite. The cocoa butter in the chocolate and the oils in the peanut butter ensure a soft, fudge-like consistency, enhancing the dessert’s texture.
- Minimal Preparation: The preparation is straightforward—simply melt the Reese’s, combine them with beaten eggs, and bake. This ease of preparation is a big part of its appeal, making it accessible even to those who might feel intimidated by more complex baking projects.
Appeal of 2-Ingredient Reese’s Brownies
The simplicity of these brownies is just one reason they’re loved; the depth of flavor achieved with so few ingredients is another. Reese’s brownies are fudgy and gooey, with the perfect amount of chocolate richness balanced by a salty peanut butter hint. They make a wonderful option for spontaneous dessert cravings or a last-minute treat for gatherings and events. Even children can help with the preparation, making it a family-friendly baking activity.
For those who enjoy the indulgence of brownies but aren’t looking to stock up on flour, cocoa, or butter, this recipe is an ideal solution. The ingredients are shelf-stable, meaning that with a couple of packs of Reese’s and eggs on hand, anyone can have fresh brownies within 30 minutes.
Customization and Variations
While the recipe itself is complete and delicious, there’s room for customization if you’re looking to add an extra touch to the basic formula:
- Add Chocolate Chips or Chunks: For extra bursts of chocolate, sprinkle some chocolate chips or chunks into the batter before baking. They’ll add texture and an even richer chocolate flavor.
- Sprinkle with Sea Salt: A dash of sea salt on top of the baked brownies enhances the sweetness and brings out the chocolate flavor while complementing the peanut butter’s natural saltiness.
- Drizzle with Melted Chocolate or Peanut Butter: A drizzle of melted chocolate or peanut butter on top after baking adds visual appeal and an extra layer of flavor.
- Nuts and Extras: Adding chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, can give the brownies a delightful crunch and add to the richness. You might also try adding crushed pretzels for a salty-sweet combination.
- Try Different Types of Reese’s: Experimenting with different Reese’s variations—such as dark chocolate or white chocolate versions—can subtly change the flavor and add variety to your brownie experience.
Tips for Perfect Reese’s Brownies
Although this recipe is simple, there are a few tips to keep in mind for the best results:
- Use Room Temperature Eggs: Room temperature eggs blend more smoothly with the melted Reese’s mixture, resulting in a more cohesive batter.
- Line the Baking Pan: Using parchment paper or lightly greasing the baking pan prevents sticking and allows for easy brownie removal after baking.
- Watch the Bake Time: Over-baking can result in a dryer texture, so start checking for doneness at the 22-minute mark to ensure the brownies remain fudgy and moist.
Health Considerations
While these brownies are certainly a treat, it’s good to be aware of the nutritional aspects. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are high in sugar and fats, and the recipe doesn’t include flour, which means it’s relatively low in carbohydrates. Each serving is quite rich, making it a dessert best enjoyed in moderation. For those who want to reduce sugar intake, you might explore reduced-sugar Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups or substitute in sugar-free options if available.
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, which can be a big plus for people with gluten sensitivities. However, always check the packaging on your Reese’s to ensure they haven’t been manufactured with gluten-containing ingredients if you’re baking for someone with celiac disease.
Pairing Suggestions
These brownies are incredibly rich and pair beautifully with complementary sides to balance out their intense chocolate and peanut butter flavors. Here are some serving suggestions:
- With Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or salted caramel ice cream pairs perfectly with the warm brownies, creating a hot-cold contrast that enhances the dessert’s flavor.
- Fresh Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add a burst of fresh sweetness and slight tartness, which helps cut through the brownies’ richness.
- Milk or Coffee: A glass of milk or a cup of coffee offers a creamy or bitter counterpoint to the brownies, making each bite even more enjoyable.
Storage Tips
If you’re planning on saving some brownies for later, here’s how to store them properly:
- Room Temperature: These brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. However, due to their moist texture, storing them in the fridge can help them last longer without drying out.
- Refrigeration: If you prefer a chilled, denser brownie, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freezing: For longer storage, wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to three months and can be thawed at room temperature or gently warmed in the microwave.
Conclusion
The 2-Ingredient Reese’s Brownies are a testament to how simplicity can often yield the most delightful results. This recipe, with its minimal ingredients and quick preparation, is a go-to option for anyone looking for a quick, indulgent dessert. Its combination of peanut butter and chocolate appeals to all ages, and the brownie format offers a versatile base for various flavor enhancements and pairings.
Whether you’re baking for a family movie night, bringing a last-minute treat to a party, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth craving, these brownies deliver all the rich, fudgy goodness you’d expect from a more complicated recipe. In a world where time and simplicity matter, the 2-Ingredient Reese’s Brownies offer a delicious reminder that sometimes, less truly is more.