Print

Best Sheet Pan Graduation Cap Brownies with Peanut Butter Cups

sheet pan graduation cap brownies - featured image
Print Recipe

These fudgy sheet pan brownies with peanut butter cups are easy to make and perfect for graduation parties, combining classic chocolate flavor with a fun graduation cap design.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 12 regular-sized peanut butter cups
  • Optional: mini peanut butter cups for decoration or extra gooey spots
  • Black licorice strings or thin strips of fondant (for the tassels)
  • Square-shaped chocolate pieces or cut brownies (to top the peanut butter cups as caps)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch sheet pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and shiny, about 2 minutes.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract until mixture is glossy and thick.
  4. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
  5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture with a rubber spatula until just combined; do not overmix.
  6. Pour batter into prepared sheet pan and spread evenly with a spatula.
  7. Gently press 12 peanut butter cups evenly spaced on top of the batter without pushing them too deep.
  8. Bake on middle rack for 30-35 minutes, checking at 30 minutes with a toothpick inserted between peanut butter cups; toothpick should come out with moist crumbs but no wet batter.
  9. Cool brownies completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 1 hour.
  10. Lift brownies out using parchment overhang and cut into squares around each peanut butter cup.
  11. Top each peanut butter cup with a square brownie piece or chocolate square to mimic graduation caps.
  12. Add licorice strings or fondant strips as tassels.
  13. Serve at room temperature.

Notes

If peanut butter cups start melting too much, chill them in the fridge for 10 minutes before pressing into batter. Cool brownies completely before cutting to avoid crumbling. Use a sharp knife warmed with hot water for clean cuts. For gluten-free, substitute flour with gluten-free blend. Vegan and dairy-free substitutions are possible.

Nutrition

Keywords: brownies, sheet pan brownies, peanut butter cups, graduation dessert, easy brownies, chocolate dessert, party dessert

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/best-sheet-pan-graduation-cap-brownies-with-peanut-butter-cups-recipe-easy-and-delicious/