Irresistible Peanut Butter Reese’s Donut Sandwiches

When it comes to indulgent desserts, few things hit the mark like a combination of peanut butter, chocolate, and donuts. Enter the Peanut Butter Reese’s Donut Sandwiches—a fun and decadent dessert that brings together fluffy homemade donuts, creamy peanut butter filling, and the irresistible crunch of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. If you’re a fan of the classic peanut butter and chocolate combo, this dessert is sure to become your new favorite treat.

I first came across the idea of donut sandwiches while brainstorming ways to elevate the humble donut, and boy, did this idea take off. The fluffy, slightly sweet donut serves as the perfect base, while the creamy peanut butter filling and chunks of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups add layers of flavor and texture. Every bite is a delicious explosion of peanut butter, chocolate, and donut goodness that’s hard to resist.

If you’re looking for a fun dessert to serve at a party, a weekend treat for the family, or something to satisfy your sweet tooth, these Peanut Butter Reese’s Donut Sandwiches are exactly what you need.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the donuts:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

For the peanut butter filling:

• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup heavy cream (more if needed)

For the Reese’s topping:

• 6-8 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped into small pieces

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Donut Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing your donut pan. If you don’t have a donut pan, you can try using a muffin tin as an alternative, though the shape will be slightly different. Greasing the pan is important to ensure the donuts come out easily once baked.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients for the Donuts

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This will ensure that everything is evenly distributed, which is key for achieving light and fluffy donuts.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter until everything is well combined. These wet ingredients will add moisture and flavor to the donuts, creating a soft, tender texture once baked.

Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Next, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter—overmixing can lead to dense donuts. If you want to add an extra touch of sweetness and texture, fold in mini chocolate chips at this point (this is optional but adds a nice little surprise when you bite into the donuts!).

Step 5: Spoon the Batter into the Donut Pan

Spoon the donut batter into the donut pan, filling each mold about halfway. This ensures the donuts will rise to the right height and won’t overflow while baking. You can use a spoon or a piping bag to make this process cleaner and more efficient.

Step 6: Bake the Donuts

Place the filled donut pan into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. The donuts should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch. Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling

While the donuts are cooling, you can make the peanut butter filling. In a bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream. Mix everything together until smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add more heavy cream a tablespoon at a time until you reach a spreadable consistency. This creamy filling is going to be the star of your donut sandwich!

Step 8: Slice the Donuts and Assemble the Sandwiches

Once the donuts are completely cooled, slice each donut in half horizontally to create the “sandwich.” This gives you a perfect base for adding the peanut butter filling. Spread a generous layer of the peanut butter filling on the bottom half of each donut.

Step 9: Add the Reese’s Topping

Next, sprinkle the chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups on top of the peanut butter filling. The chopped Reese’s add a delightful crunch and additional peanut butter flavor to the sandwich. Feel free to go heavy on the Reese’s if you want that signature peanut butter cup flavor to shine through!

Step 10: Assemble the Sandwiches

Place the top half of each donut onto the filled bottom half, gently pressing down to form a sandwich. The peanut butter filling should ooze slightly from the sides, making each bite a heavenly combination of rich, creamy, and crunchy textures.

These Peanut Butter Reese’s Donut Sandwiches are the perfect dessert for anyone who loves the classic combination of peanut butter and chocolate, with a fun donut twist. The soft, fluffy donuts, creamy peanut butter filling, and Reese’s topping create a dessert that’s both indulgent and satisfying. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just as a treat for yourself, they’re sure to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire.

Tips and Variations for Perfect Peanut Butter Reese’s Donut Sandwiches:

Now that you’ve learned how to make these delicious Peanut Butter Reese’s Donut Sandwiches, let’s dive into some helpful tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time. Plus, we’ll discuss a few creative variations you can try to make this dessert your own, whether you want to change the flavor or add a new twist to the classic recipe. Let’s get into it!

Tip 1: Don’t Overmix the Donut Batter

When you combine the wet and dry ingredients for the donut batter, it’s essential not to overmix. Overmixing the batter can lead to dense, tough donuts. Mix just until the ingredients are combined, and then stop. It’s okay if the batter is slightly lumpy—this will ensure your donuts are light and fluffy.

Tip 2: Let the Donuts Cool Completely

Be sure to let your donuts cool completely before slicing them. If you slice them while they’re still warm, the peanut butter filling might melt and ooze out too much. Cooling the donuts fully helps to maintain their shape and makes it easier to spread the filling without creating a mess. If you’re in a rush, you can place them in the fridge for a few minutes to speed up the cooling process.

Tip 3: Adjust the Peanut Butter Filling Consistency

If your peanut butter filling feels too thick, you can add a little more heavy cream to loosen it up. On the flip side, if the filling is too runny, add a little more powdered sugar to thicken it up. The goal is to achieve a creamy, spreadable consistency that holds up well when you add it to the donut sandwiches but isn’t too stiff to spread easily.

Tip 4: Use Fresh Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

For the best flavor, use fresh Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Older, slightly stale peanut butter cups can be a bit dry, and may not have that signature creaminess you’re looking for. Be sure to chop them into small pieces so they’re easy to spread inside the sandwiches and add the perfect balance of crunch and peanut butter flavor.

Tip 5: Use a Donut Pan for Best Results

If you don’t have a donut pan, you can always make these in muffin tins, but using a donut pan will give you the perfect shape and texture. Donut pans are designed to cook the donuts evenly, creating the ideal donut texture that’s slightly soft and fluffy on the inside with a slight crisp on the outside.

Creative Variations for Your Peanut Butter Reese’s Donut Sandwiches:

While this recipe is delicious as-is, there are plenty of fun ways to customize it. Here are a few variations you can try to add a personal touch to your donut sandwiches:

Variation 1: Add a Drizzle of Chocolate Ganache

For an even more indulgent treat, drizzle some chocolate ganache over the top of the assembled donut sandwiches. The smooth, rich ganache will complement the peanut butter and Reese’s filling beautifully. To make chocolate ganache, simply heat ½ cup of heavy cream in the microwave until warm, then pour it over ½ cup of chopped chocolate. Stir until smooth and glossy, then drizzle over the top of the donuts.

Variation 2: Use Different Nut Butters

While peanut butter is a classic choice, you can switch it up by using other nut butters for a fun variation. Almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter can provide a unique twist while still offering that creamy, nutty flavor. Keep in mind that some nut butters are thicker than peanut butter, so you might need to adjust the amount of heavy cream to achieve the right consistency.

Variation 3: Add a Banana Slice

For a deliciously fruity addition, add a slice or two of banana to the peanut butter filling before assembling the sandwich. The sweetness of the banana pairs wonderfully with the peanut butter and chocolate, giving you a flavor combo reminiscent of a classic peanut butter and banana sandwich.

Variation 4: Make a Nut-Free Version

If you’re making this for someone with a nut allergy, you can make a nut-free version of this dessert. Substitute the peanut butter for a nut-free spread like SunButter (made from sunflower seeds) or try using a coconut butter spread for a rich, tropical twist. You can also skip the Reese’s cups and use a chocolate-covered candy that’s safe for those with nut allergies.

Variation 5: Add Sprinkles or Crushed Cookies

To make your Peanut Butter Reese’s Donut Sandwiches even more festive, add some colorful sprinkles on top of the peanut butter filling. You could also crush up some Oreos or other cookies and sprinkle them over the peanut butter filling for an extra layer of crunch and flavor. This is a great way to add some extra texture and fun to the donuts, especially if you’re making them for a special occasion like a birthday or holiday celebration.

Peanut Butter Reese’s Donut Sandwiches: FAQ and Final Thoughts

By now, you’ve learned how to make these indulgent Peanut Butter Reese’s Donut Sandwiches, and hopefully, you’re already planning to try them out! But I know there are always a few lingering questions when it comes to a new recipe, so in this section, I’ll answer some of the most common questions that might come up. Plus, I’ll wrap things up with some final thoughts to help you make the most of this delicious dessert.

Can I use store-bought donuts instead of making them from scratch?

Yes, you absolutely can! If you’re short on time or just want a quicker alternative, store-bought donuts will work just fine for this recipe. You can use plain donuts, or even chocolate or glazed ones for added flavor. Just slice them in half horizontally and follow the rest of the steps for filling and assembling the sandwich.

How do I store leftover Peanut Butter Reese’s Donut Sandwiches?

If you happen to have leftovers (though that’s unlikely!), you can store these sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for 2-3 days. Be sure to keep them in the fridge to prevent the peanut butter filling from becoming too runny. You can also freeze them if you want to keep them longer. Just wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

Can I use a different type of nut butter?

Yes, you can easily substitute peanut butter with other nut butters like almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter if you’re looking for a different flavor or need a nut-free alternative. Keep in mind that some nut butters are thicker than peanut butter, so you might need to adjust the amount of heavy cream to achieve the right spreadable consistency.

Can I make the peanut butter filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the peanut butter filling a day or two ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using it to make sure it’s smooth and easy to spread. If it has thickened too much, you can add a little extra heavy cream to loosen it up.

What can I use if I don’t have a donut pan?

If you don’t have a donut pan, don’t worry! You can make these in a muffin tin instead. While the shape will be slightly different, the texture and flavor will be just as delicious. Simply spoon the batter into muffin cups, filling them about halfway, and bake as directed. You’ll end up with donut “muffins,” which are just as tasty and work perfectly for making these sandwiches.

Can I add other toppings to the donut sandwiches?

Absolutely! If you want to get even more creative, you can add additional toppings to the donuts. For example, a drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel sauce would be a delicious addition. You can also sprinkle chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or even crushed cookies on top of the peanut butter filling for added texture and flavor.

Conclusion:

These Peanut Butter Reese’s Donut Sandwiches are the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves the irresistible combination of peanut butter and chocolate. With soft homemade donuts, a creamy peanut butter filling, and the perfect crunch from Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, this dessert is sure to be a crowd favorite. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just indulging in a sweet treat, these donut sandwiches offer a fun and decadent way to satisfy your cravings.

What makes this dessert even better is how versatile it is. You can customize the filling, experiment with different nut butters, or even try store-bought donuts to save time. Plus, the recipe is simple enough to make with the kids or as a weekend project, and the results are absolutely delicious.

So, grab your ingredients, head into the kitchen, and make these Peanut Butter Reese’s Donut Sandwiches for your next dessert adventure. I’m sure they’ll be a hit with everyone who tries them, and you might just find yourself making them again and again. Enjoy every bite of this indulgent treat, and don’t forget to share your results and any fun variations you try! Happy baking!

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