Indulge in the Ultimate Sinfully Rich Reese’s Cheesecake Brownies: Your Go-To Recipe for Any Occasion
Office potlucks can often feel less like a casual gathering and more like a high-stakes culinary competition. There’s an unspoken pressure that permeates the air, a silent expectation that everyone will contribute. While bringing something isn’t technically mandatory, the social repercussions of showing up empty-handed can be palpable. You might find yourself on the periphery, a silent observer of the shared feast, rather than a participant in the camaraderie. Even when you do contribute, the scrutiny doesn’t end. A store-bought item, no matter how delicious, often receives a subtle, almost imperceptible, look of disapproval from those who’ve poured their heart and soul into a homemade dish. And heaven forbid your culinary creation falls short of expectations; the office grapevine will undoubtedly buzz with the tale of your gastronomic misstep.
For months, I navigated this tricky landscape, often resorting to quick, store-bought fixes, but the pressure eventually caught up with me. The desire to truly contribute, to bring something that would genuinely impress and delight, finally won out. I caved. But not in a bad way. I decided it was time to put my “healthy living” aspirations on a temporary hold and dive headfirst into creating a dessert that would silence all critics and earn me a spot at the top of the potluck hierarchy: the Sinfully Rich Reese’s Cheesecake Brownies.
This isn’t just any dessert; it’s a decadent celebration of one of the most beloved flavor combinations known to humankind: peanut butter and chocolate. Unless you harbor a peculiar aversion to chocolate, which, let’s be honest, would make us fundamentally incompatible anyway (too harsh? Probably, but it’s out there now, no taking it back!), this combination is universally adored. It’s a flavor pairing that consistently delivers, a fail-safe choice that guarantees smiles, satisfied sighs, and absolutely no badmouthing.
The Irresistible Allure of Chocolate & Peanut Butter
There’s a reason why the marriage of chocolate and peanut butter has stood the test of time, captivating palates across generations. The deep, bittersweet notes of chocolate perfectly complement the creamy, salty, and nutty richness of peanut butter. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that creates an unparalleled sensory experience. In these Reese’s Cheesecake Brownies, this classic duo is elevated to new heights, offering an overload of indulgence in every single bite. The brownie base itself is a rich, fudgy canvas, providing the perfect foundation for the creamy, tangy cheesecake swirl infused with the unmistakable flavor of peanut butter and dotted with delightful Reese’s Pieces.
Sharing these wonderfully rich brownies brought me an immense amount of joy. Primarily because I knew, deep down, that leaving the entire pan at home would result in a swift and utter annihilation. I like to imagine they would last a couple of days, perhaps a valiant struggle against my willpower. But truthfully, they would be gone in a matter of hours. Seriously, the self-control simply vanishes when these beauties are around. The sheer magnetism of their aroma alone is enough to send rational thought spiraling.
A Battle with Self-Control (and Breakfast Brownies)
My battle with these brownies is a testament to their addictive quality. Just the other morning, I found myself eating them for breakfast. Yes, breakfast! It took a genuine, physical effort to pry the fork from my own hand, halting the inevitable descent into devouring the entire tray before the sun had even fully risen. I admit, I have issues when it comes to desserts this good. The struggle is real, and the temptation is potent.
So, for the love of all that is holy and delicious, if you decide to embark on this culinary journey and bake these brownies, please, I implore you: share them. Share them with your friends, your family, your colleagues, and even with me. You can absolutely mail them to me. Even if they arrive melted into a gooey, shapeless mass after sitting on my porch in 90+ degree weather, I will still, without hesitation, devour every last bit of that melted awesomeness. That, my friends, is a clear-cut case of zero self-control, and these brownies are the glorious culprits.
These brownies aren’t just a dessert; they’re an experience. They are a declaration of indulgence, a momentary pause from the mundane, and a sure-fire way to bring genuine happiness to anyone lucky enough to take a bite. The layers of fudgy chocolate brownie, creamy peanut butter cheesecake, and a luscious chocolate ganache topping, all adorned with chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, create a symphony of textures and flavors that is simply unforgettable. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, to impress at a potluck, or simply to treat yourself and your loved ones, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.
Beyond the decadent taste, there’s a satisfying joy in the act of baking these brownies. The process, from mixing the batter to swirling the cheesecake mixture and finally drizzling the chocolate ganache, is a therapeutic journey that culminates in a truly spectacular treat. And the aroma that fills your kitchen while these bake? Pure bliss. It’s a scent that promises comfort, happiness, and an irresistible reward for your efforts. Make sure to allow ample cooling time, as tempting as it may be to dive in immediately. The refrigeration step is crucial for achieving that perfect, set texture that allows the layers to truly shine.
The Recipe: Sinfully Rich Reese’s Cheesecake Brownies
Ready to create your own batch of these incredible brownies? This recipe is surprisingly straightforward, yielding a batch of 20 generous bars perfect for sharing (or not, we won’t judge). With just 10 minutes of prep time and 40 minutes of baking, you’ll be well on your way to peanut butter chocolate paradise. The additional cooling and setting time is absolutely worth the wait, ensuring each bar is perfectly firm and ready for its moment of glory.
Sinfully Rich Reese’s Cheesecake Brownies
ingredients
- 19.5 oz box of chocolate fudge brownie mix
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 12 oz package of Reese’s Pieces candies
- 12 oz bag milk chocolate chips
- 3 Tbsp whipping cream
- 12 large Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups chopped
instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch pan with cooking spray.
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Prepare the chocolate fudge brownie batter according the directions on the package. Spread the batter in an even layer in the pan. Set aside.
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Beat the cream cheese in a large bowl with an electric mixer until fluffy. Pour in sweetened condensed milk and peanut butter, beating until smooth. Fold in Reese’s Pieces. Pour the mixture over the brownie batter and spread carefully in an even layer.
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Bake for 40 minutes, until the top layer is set and golden brown on the edges. Cool for 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
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In a small microwavable bowl, combine chocolate chips and whipping cream. Microwave on high for 1 minute and stir to combine. If the chips aren’t melted, microwave an additional 30 seconds. Spread over the top layer. Sprinkle over the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and refrigerate until the top layer is set.