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Decadent Graduation Cap Brownies with Peanut Butter Cups

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Fudgy brownies stuffed with mini peanut butter cups and topped with chocolate squares and frosting tassels, perfect for graduation parties and easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 3/4 cup (75 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 15–20 mini peanut butter cups
  • Chocolate squares, about 1-inch pieces (dark or semi-sweet)
  • 1/2 cup black or dark brown frosting (homemade or store-bought)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan lightly or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and granulated sugar until combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
  3. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
  4. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula until just combined. The batter should be thick and shiny.
  5. Pour half the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
  6. Arrange mini peanut butter cups evenly over the batter, pressing down slightly.
  7. Spoon the remaining batter over the peanut butter cups and spread gently to cover.
  8. Bake for 30–35 minutes, checking around 28 minutes by inserting a toothpick near the edge; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
  9. Cool brownies completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 1 hour.
  10. Cut brownies into squares. Place a chocolate square on top of each brownie to serve as the graduation cap top.
  11. Pipe a small tassel with black or dark brown frosting starting from one corner of the chocolate square extending slightly onto the brownie.
  12. Serve and enjoy. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Notes

Do not overbake to keep brownies fudgy. Use room temperature eggs for better batter texture. Cool brownies completely before cutting for clean slices. Warm frosting slightly if too thick to pipe. Use mini peanut butter cups for even distribution. Grease pan well or line with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Nutrition

Keywords: brownies, graduation treats, peanut butter cups, chocolate, party dessert, easy brownies, fudgy brownies, festive dessert

Find it online: https://tastytuck.com/decadent-graduation-cap-brownies-with-peanut-butter-cups-easy-recipe-for-perfect-party-treats/