This Reeses Skillet Brownie Dessert is the ultimate chocolate and peanut butter lover’s dream, combining rich fudgy brownie base with creamy peanut butter cups in a cast-iron skillet. Perfect for family gatherings or when you’re craving something indulgent, this dessert transforms the classic Reese’s Pieces Cookies concept into a warm, shareable treat that’s impressive yet surprisingly simple to make.
Introduction
Reeses Skillet Brownie Dessert combines two of the world’s most beloved flavors—chocolate and peanut butter—in a warm, gooey masterpiece that’s impossible to resist. This skillet sensation takes the iconic flavors of Reese’s Pieces Cookies and transforms them into a decadent, shareable dessert that’s perfect for everything from casual family movie nights to impressive dinner party finales. The magic happens when the rich brownie batter bakes around chunks of peanut butter cups, creating pockets of melty goodness throughout. What makes this recipe special is how the cast iron skillet creates the perfect texture: crispy edges with a soft, fudgy center that’s best enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream slowly melting on top.
Nutritional Benefits
While this Reeses Skillet Brownie Dessert is certainly an indulgence, it does offer some nutritional benefits, particularly when you consider the protein content from the peanut butter components.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 385 |
| Carbohydrates | 42g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 28g |
| Iron | 2mg |
Ingredients & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Role | Possible Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cup unsalted butter | Provides richness and moisture | Coconut oil, plant-based butter |
| 2 cups granulated sugar | Sweetens the brownie base | Brown sugar, coconut sugar |
| 4 large eggs | Structure and richness | Flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) |
| 1 tablespoon vanilla extract | Flavor enhancer | Almond extract (use half the amount) |
| 1 cup all-purpose flour | Structure | 1:1 gluten-free flour blend |
| ¾ cup cocoa powder | Chocolate flavor | Dutch-processed cocoa for deeper flavor |
| ½ teaspoon salt | Flavor enhancer | Sea salt or kosher salt |
| 12 regular-sized Reese’s cups, chopped | Star ingredient | Any peanut butter cups or homemade versions |
| ½ cup peanut butter chips | Extra peanut butter flavor | Chocolate chips or butterscotch chips |
| ¼ cup Reese’s Pieces | Colorful topping | M&M’s or chopped peanuts |
Equipment Needed
– 10-12 inch cast iron skillet
– Mixing bowls (large and medium)
– Whisk
– Rubber spatula
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Microwave-safe bowl (for melting butter)
– Parchment paper (optional, for easier cleanup)
– Cutting board and knife (for chopping peanut butter cups)
– Oven mitts
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your cast iron skillet with butter or cooking spray.
2. Melt Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter in 30-second intervals until completely liquid.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
5. Create Batter: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Add Peanut Butter Elements: Gently fold in half of the chopped Reese’s cups and peanut butter chips, saving the rest for topping.
7. Transfer to Skillet: Pour the batter into your prepared skillet, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
8. Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining Reese’s cup pieces, Reese’s Pieces, and peanut butter chips on top of the batter.
9. Bake: Place the Reeses Skillet Brownie Dessert in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly gooey. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
10. Cool Slightly: Allow the brownie to cool in the skillet for 15-20 minutes before serving. This creates the perfect balance between warm gooiness and sliceable texture.
11. Serve: For the ultimate experience, top with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of warm peanut butter or chocolate sauce just before serving.
Troubleshooting & Pro Tips
– Brownie Too Dry? Reduce baking time by 5 minutes next time. Every oven is different!
– Peanut Butter Cups Sinking? Freeze them for 15 minutes before adding to the batter.
– Perfect Texture: For fudgier brownies, remove from the oven when the center is still slightly jiggly.
– Extra Indulgence: For an even more decadent experience, warm 1/4 cup of peanut butter and drizzle it over the top before serving.
– Even Baking: If your skillet tends to heat unevenly, rotate it halfway through baking.
– Enhanced Flavor: Sprinkle a small amount of flaky sea salt on top just before serving to elevate all the flavors.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
– Room Temperature: Cover the skillet with foil and store at room temperature for up to 2 days.
– Refrigerator: For longer storage, cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days. The texture will become more fudge-like when cold.
– Freezer: Cut into portions and freeze individually wrapped pieces for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.
– Reheating: To recapture that fresh-baked experience, microwave individual portions for 20-30 seconds or warm the entire skillet (if oven-safe) in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.
– Make-Ahead: Prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance, keep refrigerated, and bring to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
Conclusion
This Reeses Skillet Brownie Dessert is more than just a treat—it’s an experience that brings people together around the table. The combination of rich, fudgy brownie with the iconic peanut butter and chocolate flavors of Reese’s creates something truly magical that’s greater than the sum of its parts. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or simply treating yourself after a long week, this dessert delivers comfort and joy in every bite. The best part about this recipe is its versatility—you can customize it with different mix-ins or toppings while keeping the beloved Reese’s Pieces Cookies flavors at its heart. So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a dessert memory your friends and family won’t soon forget.
FAQ
Can I make this without a cast iron skillet?
Yes, you can use a 9×9 inch baking pan instead. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious. Adjust baking time as needed.
How do I know when my brownie skillet is done?
The edges should be set and pulling away slightly from the sides of the skillet, while the center should be just set but still soft. A toothpick inserted should have a few moist crumbs.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure your Reese’s products are also gluten-free.
What ice cream pairs best with this dessert?
Vanilla is the classic choice, but chocolate, peanut butter, or coffee ice cream all make excellent companions to this dessert.
Can I use mini Reese’s cups instead of regular size?
Yes! Mini cups work great and create more pockets of peanut butter throughout the brownie. No chopping required—just fold them in whole.
How can I make this dessert less sweet?
Reduce the sugar to 1½ cups and use dark chocolate cocoa powder. You can also use dark chocolate peanut butter cups for a less sweet option.
Follow me on Pinterest for more Reeses Skillet Brownie Dessert. If you love peanut butter and chocolate combinations, you might also enjoy trying Homemade Reese’s Eggs for another delicious treat that captures the same irresistible flavors.