Reese’s Bars

If chocolate and peanut butter are your love language, these Reese’s Bars will steal your heart. Made with a fudgy brownie base, chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups, peanut butter chips, and a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk, these bars are rich, gooey, and irresistibly decadent. Best of all, they come together fast using a boxed brownie mix—making them perfect for parties, potlucks, holidays, or anytime cravings hit.

Ingredients

• 1 box 19–19.1 oz brownie mix (check the size!)
• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup (59 ml) vegetable oil
• 6 Reese’s peanut butter cups, chopped (regular size)
• ½ cup (85g) peanut butter chips
• 14 oz sweetened condensed milk (use about ¾ of the can)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a 9×13-inch pan with aluminum foil and lightly spray with non-stick spray.
3. In a large bowl, mix:
   • softened butter
   • egg
   • vegetable oil
   • brownie mix
     (The batter will be very thick.)
4. Press the brownie mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
   Tip: Spray your hands with non-stick spray for easy pressing.
5. Sprinkle chopped Reese’s cups evenly over the brownie base.
6. Add peanut butter chips on top.
7. Drizzle about ¾ of the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the bars, stopping while some brownie batter is still visible.
8. Bake for 28–30 minutes, or until the center is set.
9. Cool completely, then refrigerate before slicing.
10. Lift out using foil and cut into bars.

Serving & Storage Tips

• Serve chilled for clean slices and maximum fudginess
• Perfect with cold milk or hot coffee
• Cut with a warm knife for neat edges
• Store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 5 days
• Freeze for up to 2 months (wrap tightly)

Variations

1. Extra Reese’s Lovers – Double the chopped Reese’s cups.
2. Chocolate Chip Boost – Add ½ cup chocolate chips.
3. Peanut Butter Drizzle – Drizzle melted peanut butter after baking.
4. Salted Peanut Crunch – Sprinkle chopped salted peanuts on top.
5. Caramel Reese’s Bars – Add caramel sauce before baking.
6. Dark Chocolate Version – Use dark chocolate brownie mix.
7. Mini Reese’s Swap – Use mini Reese’s (about 1½ cups).
8. Nutty Fudge Bars – Add chopped pecans or walnuts.
9. Cookies & Cream Twist – Sprinkle crushed Oreos on top.
10. Triple Chocolate – Add white chocolate chips too.
11. No Peanut Butter Chips – Replace with chocolate chips.
12. Gluten-Free Version – Use gluten-free brownie mix.
13. Espresso Chocolate – Add 1 tsp espresso powder.
14. Holiday Candy Swap – Use seasonal Reese’s shapes.
15. Layered Magic Bars – Add coconut flakes for texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use a smaller brownie mix?
No—stick to 19–19.1 oz for proper thickness.

2. Can I follow the brownie box instructions?
No, this recipe uses a different fat ratio.

3. Why refrigerate before cutting?
It helps the bars set and slice cleanly.

4. Can I freeze Reese’s Bars?
Yes! Freeze up to 2 months.

5. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter is recommended for best flavor.

6. Can I use milk instead of condensed milk?
No—condensed milk is essential.

7. How do I know when they’re done?
The center should be just set, not jiggly.

8. Are these overly sweet?
They’re rich but balanced—perfect in small squares.

9. Can I make them ahead?
Yes! Even better the next day.

10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes—use a sheet pan and adjust bake time.

These Reese’s Bars are rich, fudgy, gooey, and dangerously addictive. They’re the ultimate shortcut dessert that tastes completely homemade and always disappears fast. Whether you’re baking for a party or just treating yourself, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.

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