Got a stash of leftover Halloween candy? Or maybe you just want to take brownies to the next level? These loaded brownies are packed with candy bar goodness - think Snickers, Reese's, or whatever chocolate favorites you've got hanging around. They're rich, fudgy, and over-the-top indulgent, making them the ultimate treat for chocolate lovers.
Why you'll love this recipe
These loaded brownies are one of those recipes you'll come back to again and again. Here's why they'll be your new go-to:
- Candy bars + brownies = the ultimate snack. Instead of snacking on leftover Halloween candy, bake it into brownies for a whole new treat.
- Easy to make. Start with a box of brownie mix and add a little candy magic.
- Fudgy and rich. Every bite is loaded with gooey chocolate and chunks of candy - what's not to love?
- Customizable. From peanut butter to caramel to mint, you can swap in your favorite chocolate bars to fit your cravings.
- Perfect for sharing. Bake a batch for parties, potlucks, or to surprise the family with something sweet.
Ingredients and what they bring to the brownies
You only need a handful of ingredients to make these candy bar brownies, but each one plays an important role in flavor and texture.
- Brownie mix - Using a mix makes this recipe quick and foolproof, and the Ghirardelli Supreme mix is especially rich and chocolatey.
- Water, oil, and eggs - Standard mix-ins that give structure, moisture, and richness to the brownies.
- Snickers bars - Brings caramel, nougat, peanuts, and chocolate for a candy-packed bite.
- Reese's Peanut Butter Cups - Adds a creamy peanut butter surprise that pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate.
While these brownies start with a box mix, you can make them from scratch using my Brownie Poke Cake recipe.
How to make loaded brownies with candy bars
Making these candy bar brownies is as easy as mixing, baking, and digging in. Here's what to do:
- Mix up the boxed brownie mix as directed for cake-like brownies.
- Chop up chocolate candy bars (such as Snickers) and stir them into the brownie mix.
- Pour brownie mix into prepared pan and top with chopped peanut butter cups.
- Bake at 325°F for 40-45 minutes. Remove from oven and let them cool in the pan.
That's it! Just look at all that chocolate upon chocolate of decadence. Now take a bite. Word of caution, these should come with a warning label because they're so awesomely delicious and totally addictive!
Recipe tips for success
Brownies are simple, but these tips will help guarantee perfect results every time.
- Line your pan with parchment. It makes removing and cutting the brownies much easier.
- Don't overbake. Pull them out when there are still a few crumbs on the toothpick. This keeps them fudgy.
- Cool completely before cutting. If you cut too soon, they'll fall apart and lose that pretty square shape.
- Vary the candy sizes. Mix small chunks with bigger bites for fun texture.
- Save some candy for the top. Adding extra pieces after baking makes them look bakery-style.
Recipe variations to make them your own
Part of the fun of these loaded brownies is mixing and matching your favorite candy bars. Plus it's a great way to use up that leftover Halloween candy!
- Caramel brownies - Try Milky Way or Snickers for gooey caramel flavor.
- Chocolate brownies - Stir in Hershey's bars, kisses, or chunks of dark chocolate.
- Coconut brownies - Almond Joy or Mounds add a tropical twist.
- M&M brownies - Use any flavor of M&M's for a colorful, crunchy bite.
- Mint brownies - Andes candies melt right in for a refreshing chocolate-mint combo.
- Peanut butter brownies - Reese's pieces or mini cups bring nutty richness.
- Other fun options - 3 Musketeers, Butterfinger, or Nestle Crunch bars work wonderfully, too.
How to store and freeze the brownies
Brownies will keep well at room temperature for 3-4 days if stored in an airtight container. To keep them extra fresh, line the container with parchment paper and place a piece of wax paper between layers.
To freeze, wrap the cooled brownies tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag or container. They'll last up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw at room temperature before serving. You can also pop a square in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm, gooey treat.
More chocolate brownies and recipes with candy bars
- Chocolate Banana Pudding Brownies
- Chocolate Candy Bar Cookies
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Brownies
- Chocolate Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies
- Milky Way Cake
- Red Velvet Brownies
Make your brownies even more decadent by topping them with creamy peanut butter frosting for brownies.
Want more? There are lots more recipes for brownies and bars right here are 2CM!
Easy Loaded Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 box Ghirardelli Chocolate Supreme Brownie Mix
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 2 Tablespoons water
- 2 eggs
- 6-8 snack-sized Snickers bars cut into 8ths
- 10-12 mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cups cut in 4ths
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease or spray 8x8-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Line with parchment paper to help them release easier from pan. This is an optional step.
- Make brownie mix according to package instructions. Follow the cake-like brownie directions.
- Stir in chopped Snickers bars.
- Pour batter into prepared pan.
- Top batter with chopped peanut butter cups.
- Bake about 40-45 minutes. You don't want to overbake them. Toothpick, inserted in center, should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
- Let cool completely in baking dish before lifting out a cutting into squares.
Notes
Nutrition
This post has been updated with better step-by-step directions, tips for better brownies, and variations. It was first published on November 4, 2018.
