Mini Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Bites

By srumbel

Easy miniature “peanut butter cup” brownie bites. Creamy peanut butter filling in a chocolate fudge brownie bite covered in a soft chocolate ganache.
from chelseasmessyapron.com

Ingredients

• Special equipment
• A miniature muffin tin
• Shortening and cocoa powder
• Base
• 1 (18.4 ounces) Pillsbury Chocolate Fudge Brownie Mix + ingredients called for
• Center
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/3 to 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Topping
• 1 cup + 2 tablespoons milk chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup butter

Details

Preparation time 20mins
Cooking time 38mins

Preparation

Step 1

Brownies

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Rub shortening into each cavity of a miniature muffin tin. Dust with cocoa powder**
Prepare the brownie mix according to package directions.
Fill up each muffin cavity 2/3rds the way full. Bake for 18-21 minutes being careful to not over-bake.
Remove from the oven and push a 1/2 teaspoon measuring spoon into the center of the brownies.
Allow to slightly cool and then gently twist the brownie and pull out. Allow to completely cool.

Center

In a bowl, beat together the peanut butter and ROOM temperature (do not melt or soften) butter until creamy. Add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Add powdered sugar to your desired thickness (I like a "lighter" less dense peanut butter filling.) Add a pinch of salt if your peanut butter is unsalted.
Fill up the completely cooled brownie cups evenly with the peanut butter filling. Use a knife to scrape the top so it is even.

Topping

Cube the butter into small cubes.
In a microwave safe bowl, combine the milk chocolate chips and the butter cubes.
Melt in the microwave in 15 second bursts, stirring in between each burst for at least 15 seconds until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
Dip the peanut butter filled brownies into the chocolate or spoon the chocolate over. (I like to dip each brownie cup twice to get a thicker chocolate coating.)
Allow to completely set up.

Notes
**I tried just about EVERYTHING to find the easiest way to get these brownies to come out cleanly. Muffin liners do not work, plain cooking spray and flour doesn't work.... The best solution was to rub shortening into each cavity and then lightly dust with cocoa powder (flour will work with the shortening, it just will make the brownies have a white-ish color). With shortening, these come out SO clean and easy. Do not skip this

Serves: 48 miniature brownie cups