Candy Bar Brownies

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By combining two of the best sweet snacks, chocolate and candy bars, these candy bar brownies are unlike any other baked good.

They’re perfect for anyone who loves rich, multi-textured desserts.

To make these decadent brownies, you’ll need:

For The Brownies:

• 1 cup of all-purpose flour (plus 1 tablespoon for tossing the chocolate chunks)
• ⅔ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup of salted sweet cream butter
• 4 ounces of bittersweet baking chocolate
• 2 cups of granulated sugar
• 2½ teaspoons of pure vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 (11.5-ounce) package of semi-sweet chocolate chunks

For The Candy Bar Topping:

Use your favorites. For our recipe, we used:

• ½ cup of Whoppers candy
• ½ cup of chopped Hershey’s candy bar
• ½ cup of chopped Kit Kat candy bar
• ½ cup of chopped Milky Way candy bar

Substitutions And Additions

CANDY BARS: It does not matter if the candy bars you use are full-size or fun-size.

These are great brownies to make after Halloween when you have an abundance of leftover Halloween candy on hand.

Depending on the chocolate bars used, there might be elements of caramel, nougat, peanuts, or other nuts.

This can add a sweet, sticky, or crunchy contrast to the soft brownie base. Some candy bars have a salty component (like peanuts or pretzels), which can provide a salty-sweet balance in the brownies.

• Snickers: You might taste nougat, caramel, and peanuts.
• Twix: You’d get layers of caramel and a cookie crunch.
• Reese: There would be a distinct peanut butter flavor.
• Rolo: A creamy center adds pockets of caramel, making each bite unique.

COCOA POWDER: If you fancy a different kind of chocolatey taste, try replacing regular cocoa powder with Dutch-processed cocoa. It has a smoother and deeper chocolate flavor but may darken your brownies slightly.

You could also use special dark cocoa powder for a richer flavor.

VANILLA EXTRACT: Almond extract could be used in place of vanilla for a different flavor profile. This could pair particularly well if you’re adding chocolate bars with almonds to your brownies.

Be aware, that almond extract has a stronger flavor, so use about half the amount.

ADDITIONS: Feel free to toss in some nuts for an added crunch. Walnuts or pecans would go nicely with this recipe.

How To Make This Candy Bar Brownies Recipe

Here’s how to whip up a batch of these scrumptious treats:

STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Be sure to leave an overlap or “sling” of parchment paper. Set it aside.

STEP TWO: Whisk together one cup of flour and the unsweetened cocoa powder in a small mixing bowl. Set it aside.

STEP THREE: Toss the chocolate chunks in one tablespoon of flour. Remove the excess flour and set it aside.

STEP FOUR: Using a two or three-quart saucepan over low heat, add the butter and chopped baking chocolate.

Stir constantly until the butter and chocolate are completely melted. Transfer the melted chocolate mixture to a large bowl to cool.

The mixture won’t be hot, just slightly warm.

STEP FIVE: Whisk in the granulated sugar and vanilla extract.

STEP SIX: Whisk in the eggs, one at a time, until well combined.

STEP SEVEN: Stir in the cocoa and flour mixture, and be sure not to over-mix, just until no streaks of flour are visible.

STEP EIGHT: Fold in the flour-coated chocolate chunks. 

STEP NINE: Spoon in and evenly spread the brownie mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes away with only a slight bit of brownie crumbs.

STEP TEN: Allow the brownies to rest for five minutes.

Break the candy bars into small bite-sized pieces or chop them with a knife.

Consider freezing candy bars before chopping. This can make them easier to handle, especially if they have gooey centers.

Sprinkle the candy bar pieces over the top of the brownies. I sprinkled the larger chopped pieces first and ended with the Whoppers.

Before storing, always allow the brownies to cool completely to room temperature. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make the brownies soggy.

How To Cut Brownies Made With Candy Bars

When cutting brownies, especially those with heavier toppings like candy, here’s how to get clean slices without disturbing the toppings:

1. Cool Completely: Before attempting to cut the brownies, ensure they have cooled completely. This will help solidify the candy toppings and make the brownie base firmer and easier to cut.
2. Use a Sharp Knife: A sharp knife will glide through the brownies more easily, reducing the chance of dragging or crushing the candy toppings.
3. Lift with a Spatula: Once you’ve made your cuts, use a spatula to lift each brownie square out of the pan. This ensures that the candy toppings remain intact on the brownie.

MORE BROWNIE RECIPES

Dessert Bars

Peanut Butter Brownies

Dessert Bars

Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies

Troubleshooting This Recipe

My brownies are too dry

Solution: Reduce the baking time or check your oven’s temperature with an oven thermometer to ensure it’s accurate.

Also, ensure you’re not over-mixing the batter, as this can develop the gluten and make the brownies tougher.

My brownies are too gooey or undercooked

Solution: Ensure you’re using the right size baking pan as recommended in the recipe.

You can extend the baking time slightly, but remember that brownies continue to cook a bit as they cool.

My brownies have a hard or crunchy top

Solution: This can be due to over-mixing or too much sugar. Follow the recipe closely, and mix just until combined.

My brownies stuck to the pan

Solution: Ensure you’re properly greasing the pan or using parchment paper. Let the brownies cool completely before attempting to remove them.

Brownie edges are hard compared to the center

Solution: Use an oven thermometer to check for hot spots in your oven. You can also consider investing in a baking pan with even heat distribution.

How To Serve

SERVE WITH ICE CREAM: Serve a brownie square with a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream on top.

For added decadence, drizzle one of these sauces on top:

• hot fudge chocolate sauce
• caramel sauce
• salted caramel sauce
• butterscotch sauce
• toffee sauce

SERVE WITH A HOT DRINK: When pairing hot drinks with candy bar brownies, consider the primary flavors in the chocolate bars you’ve added.

The key is to either complement or contrast the flavors for a harmonious pairing. Our mint hot chocolate works particularly well.

Other options include our vanilla latte, coconut milk latte, homemade hot chocolate, or a hot toddy.

SERVE WITH A COLD DRINK: You can never go wrong serving brownies with a glass of cold milk.

However, if you’d like to take your menu up a notch, serve with specialty coffees such as an iced macchiato or frappuccino. Cold iced tea or strawberry sweet tea are also great choices.

If you simply can’t get enough chocolate, try our mint chocolate chip milkshake, peanut butter frozen hot chocolate, or frozen hot chocolate recipes.

MAKE THEM A GIFT: Package them nicely and give them as a unique gift, especially to someone who loves a particular candy bar.

SERVE THESE BROWNIES WITH

Drinks

Mudslide

Drinks

Raspberry Lemonade

When To Serve

HALLOWEEN: Use fun-sized chocolate bars to make these brownies and serve them at a Halloween party.

EASTER: Incorporate popular Easter eggs into your brownies. Think Cadbury Creme Eggs, Mini Eggs, and chocolate bunnies.

SUPER BOWL & SPORTS EVENTS: If it’s a big game or a celebratory match, the added candy can be a fun treat for everyone.

BIRTHDAY PARTIES: Kids, teens, and adults love chocolate bars and brownies, so they are sure to be a big hit.

For chocoholics, these brownies can even be served instead of birthday cake. Be sure to decorate the top of the brownies with the birthday person’s favorite candy.

FATHER’S DAY: Candy bar brownies featuring dad’s favorite chocolate bars can be a memorable Father’s Day treat.

WORK EVENTS: Celebrating a colleague’s birthday or a team achievement? Bring in candy bar brownies for a sweet surprise.

Storing Candy Bar Brownies

Candy bar brownies contain additional ingredients from the candy bars, which might affect their shelf life.

It’s always a good idea to consider the specific candies used and their storage recommendations when deciding how to store your brownies.

All that being said, this recipe is versatile when it comes to storage. With the right approach, you can savor their rich, chocolaty goodness anytime you crave it.

MAKE AHEAD: This candy bar brownie recipe is a fantastic one to prep ahead of time, especially if you’re expecting company or planning a future treat.

You can easily prepare the brownie mix and bake it a day in advance:

1. After baking, allow them to cool completely, and then cut them into squares. Don’t add the candy bars just yet, though.
2. Keep the brownie squares in an airtight container at room temperature. If you don’t have an airtight container, you can wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
3. On the day of serving, simply reheat them slightly and add the candy bars on top for that just-baked taste and freshness.

ON THE COUNTER: If you plan to consume them quickly, storing them at room temperature is ideal.

In an airtight container, they’ll stay fresh on the counter for up to three days.

If you’re stacking brownies in a container, place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.

IN THE FRIDGE: If you want to extend their freshness, you can store the brownies in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Refrigeration can alter the texture slightly, making them a bit firmer. Before serving, let them come to room temperature to enjoy the full range of textures and flavors.

Remember, brownies can absorb strong odors, so it’s best to store them away from foods with strong smells, especially if stored in the refrigerator.

IN THE FREEZER: For longer storage, candy bar brownies can be frozen.

Wrap individual brownies or the entire batch tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil or place them in a zip-top freezer bag.

Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to three months.

When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.

Why We Love This Recipe

Great Way to Use Leftover Candy: Especially after holidays like Halloween or Easter, candy bar brownies can be a delicious way to use up excess candy.

Surprise: Depending on the candy bar used, every bite can offer a different taste or texture, such as the crunch of nuts, the chewiness of caramel, or the creaminess of nougat. It’s like a surprise in each mouthful.

Versatility: You can use almost any candy bar, from nut-filled to caramel-centered, allowing for endless variations and flavors.

Creativity: Making candy bar brownies allows for creativity. You can mix and match different candy bars, layer them, or even create themed brownies for special occasions.

You’ll be on your way to chocolate heaven with just a few simple ingredients! Trust me, once you try these fudgy brownies topped with their layer of candy bars, you’ll never look back!

If you’re torn between reaching for a candy bar or baking brownies, candy bar brownies satisfy both cravings at once.

They’re such a fun twist on traditional brownies. The combination of chocolate from the brownie with other flavors from the candy bar, like peanut butter or mint, can create wonderful flavor combinations.

More Brownie Recipes

• Cheesecake Brownies
• Coconut Brownies
• Strawberry Brownies
• Cosmic Brownies
• Mint Chocolate Brownies
• Cherry Cheesecake Brownie
• Caramel Brownies
• Marshmallow Brownies
• Vanilla Brownies
• Dr Pepper Brownies
• Rolo Brownies
• Nutella Brownies
• Brownie Bottom Cheesecake
  

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Candy Bar Brownies

5 from 22 votes

Any chocolate lover will have a hard time resisting these amazingly decadent candy bar brownies with their rich fudge base and candy topping. 

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 50 minutes minutes

Servings 16

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Ingredients

  

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Brownies

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, for tossing the chocolate chunks
• ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 11.5 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chunks
• 1 cup salted sweet cream butter
• 4 ounces bittersweet baking chocolate
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs, room temperature

Candy Bar Topping

• ½ cup Whoppers candy
• ½ cup Hershey’s candy bar, chopped
• ½ cup Kit Kat candy bar, chopped
• ½ cup Snickers candy bar, chopped
• ½ cup Milky Way candy bar, chopped

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Be sure to leave an overlap or “sling” of parchment paper. Set it aside.
• Whisk together 1 cup of flour and unsweetened cocoa powder in a small mixing bowl. Set it aside.
• Toss the chocolate chunks in the 1 tablespoon of flour. Remove the excess flour and set it aside.
• Using a 2 to 3-quart saucepan over low heat, add the butter and chopped baking chocolate. Stir constantly until the butter and chocolate are completely melted. Transfer the chocolate mixture to a large mixing bowl to cool. (The mixture won’t be hot, just slightly warm.)
• Whisk the granulated sugar and vanilla into the cooled chocolate and butter.
• Whisk in the eggs, one at a time, until well combined.
• Stir in the cocoa and flour mixture, and be sure not to over-mix, just until no streaks of flour are visible.
• Fold in the flour-coated chocolate chunks.
• Spoon in and evenly spread the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes away with only a slight bit of brownie crumbs. Allow the brownies to rest for 5 minutes.
• Sprinkle the chopped candy bars over the top of the brownies. (I sprinkled the larger chopped pieces first and ended with the Whoppers). Allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

• You can break the candy bars into small bite-sized pieces or chop them with a knife.
• Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to check your brownies at the lower end of the recommended baking time.
• You can allow the brownies to rest for up to 15 minutes before adding the candy pieces.
• The multiple layers of plastic wrap are necessary due to the changes that happen to candy in the freezer.

Nutrition

Calories: 553kcal | Carbohydrates: 67g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 69mg | Sodium: 153mg | Potassium: 336mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 49g | Vitamin A: 439IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 61mg | Iron: 4mg

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