Chewy & Gooey M&M Peanut Butter Bars: The Ultimate No-Mixer Dessert
Discover how to make the thickest, chewiest peanut butter bars loaded with delicious peanut butter M&M’s. This easy recipe is perfect for any occasion and guarantees a burst of peanut buttery goodness in every bite!
Life can be a whirlwind, can’t it? Just back from a refreshing vacation, and already the next adventure calls! After a mere three days at home, I’m off again, this time to a conference I’ve poured my heart and soul into planning for the past five months. And let me tell you, planning a conference, even a small one for just ten amazing ladies, involves an incredible amount of detail and dedication. If you’ve ever attended one for work, take a moment to appreciate the meticulous effort behind every single aspect. From the agenda to the snacks, every piece is carefully orchestrated!
While the planning process has been intense, I’m beyond excited to spend the weekend with these incredible women. It’s an opportunity to learn, grow, share delicious food, and ultimately, improve my blog. But, perhaps most importantly, I’m thrilled to finally let go of the stress that comes with such an undertaking! Follow along on Instagram to catch glimpses of the stunning mountain views in Breckenridge and, of course, all the delicious food we’ll be enjoying. Moments like these, blending work with passion, remind me why I love what I do – and often, why a comforting, easy-to-make dessert is always a good idea.
The Irresistible Allure of Peanut Butter M&M’s: How This Recipe Came to Be
Let’s talk about obsessions for a moment. Mine, without a doubt, centers around peanut butter M&M’s. They possess an almost magical quality; if they’re within my reach, my willpower simply evaporates. I have absolutely no defense against their delightful combination of creamy peanut butter and crisp candy shell. A few weeks ago, in a regrettable moment of weakness, I found myself grabbing a bag at the grocery store. My intention? To bake something wonderful with them. My reality? Every time I opened that pantry drawer, it took every ounce of my resolve not to tear open the bag and devour them all. It was a constant battle, a sweet siren song echoing from the snack aisle.
I knew I had to act fast. Either those delicious little candies were going to disappear into my stomach, leading to some serious wardrobe woes, or I needed to transform them into something bigger, something shareable. So, what pairs perfectly with peanut butter, creating an explosion of flavor that’s truly out of this world? More peanut butter, of course! This simple, undeniable truth led to the creation of these incredible M&M Peanut Butter Bars, and let me tell you, they are beyond good. They are a testament to the fact that sometimes, the best way to handle a temptation is to embrace it wholeheartedly and bake it into something spectacular.
Why These M&M Peanut Butter Bars Are a Must-Try Dessert
Imagine a dessert that’s effortlessly simple to make, yet delivers an impressive depth of flavor and an incredibly satisfying texture. That’s exactly what you get with these M&M Peanut Butter Bars. At their heart, they are essentially peanut butter blondies, elevated to superstar status with the generous addition of peanut butter M&M’s. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – no fancy equipment needed, not even a stand mixer. Just a bowl, a whisk, and a desire for something truly delicious.
What makes these bars truly stand out? First, their incredible thickness. We’re talking substantial, satisfying bars that feel decadent in your hand. Then there’s the chewiness – each bite offers that perfect balance of softness and chew that makes a great bar cookie irresistible. And the flavor? It’s pure, unadulterated peanut butter bliss, intensified by the melty, crunchy pockets of M&M’s distributed throughout. I made sure to reserve a portion of the M&M’s to press into the top of the batter just before baking. This simple trick ensures a visually stunning dessert, bursting with color and candy goodness straight out of the oven.
I couldn’t resist trying one warm, fresh from the oven, and the experience was pure heaven. The M&M’s were still slightly melty, creating pockets of gooey chocolate and peanut butter that complemented the soft, chewy bar perfectly. It was a moment of pure culinary joy. However, as delightful as they are, my aforementioned lack of willpower meant I had to employ a classic strategy: send them to work with my husband. Apparently, even in baked form, my resolve against peanut butter M&M’s is non-existent. So, take my word for it – and save your own pants from similar issues – whip up a batch of these glorious M&M Peanut Butter Bars right away. You won’t regret it!
M&M Peanut Butter Bars
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Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, , melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 11.4oz Medium bag Peanut butter M&M’s
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C). Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with foil, allowing some overhang on the sides to create “handles.” This makes for easy lifting once baked and cooled. Lightly grease the foil. Set aside.
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In a large, microwave-safe mixing bowl, melt the butter. This should only take about 30-45 seconds. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar until it is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth. Beat in the egg until very well blended, creating a cohesive base. Mix in the peanut butter until it’s perfectly smooth and creamy. Finally, stir in the flour and vanilla extract until just combined – be careful not to overmix. Gently fold in most of the M&M’s, reserving about 1/3 cup to sprinkle on top for a beautiful finish.
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Pour the thick batter into your prepared 8×8 inch pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly into the corners. Sprinkle the reserved M&M’s generously over the top of the batter, pressing them in ever so slightly to ensure they adhere.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean, with only a few moist crumbs attached. Avoid overbaking, as this can lead to dry bars. The edges should be set, and the center still slightly soft.
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Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before attempting to slice and serve. Cooling ensures they firm up and are easier to cut into perfect, chewy squares.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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Tips for Perfect M&M Peanut Butter Bars Every Time
- Don’t Overmix: After adding the flour, mix until just combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten, leading to tougher bars instead of the desired chewy texture.
- Achieve the Right Melt: Ensure your butter is fully melted but not boiling hot when you add the sugar and egg. This creates a smooth base and prevents the egg from scrambling.
- Quality Peanut Butter Matters: Use a creamy, shelf-stable peanut butter (like Skippy or Jif) for the best results. Natural peanut butter can sometimes separate and affect the texture of the bars.
- The Toothpick Test: When checking for doneness, a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. If it’s completely clean, you might have overbaked them.
- Cool Completely for Clean Slices: It’s tempting to dive in warm, but for neat, firm slices, allow the bars to cool entirely in the pan. The residual heat helps them set perfectly.
- Line Your Pan: Using parchment paper or foil with an overhang is crucial. It allows you to easily lift the entire slab of bars out of the pan for easier slicing.
Creative Variations & Customizations
While these M&M Peanut Butter Bars are perfect as is, they also offer a fantastic canvas for your creativity. Here are a few ideas to switch things up:
- Chocolate Overload: Replace half of the peanut butter M&M’s with regular M&M’s or chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or dark). A mix of both adds another layer of flavor and texture.
- Nutty Boost: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped roasted peanuts or other nuts like walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch and flavor dimension.
- Salted Caramel Drizzle: Once the bars are cooled, drizzle them with a luscious salted caramel sauce for an added touch of indulgence.
- Seasonal Fun: Use seasonal M&M’s during holidays (e.g., red and green for Christmas, pastel for Easter) to make them festive.
- Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure your other ingredients are also certified gluten-free.
- A Touch of Spice: A tiny pinch of cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg could add a subtle warmth to the peanut butter flavor.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
These chewy peanut butter M&M bars are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. They are perfect for potlucks, bake sales, lunchboxes, or simply as a comforting treat at home.
- Serving: Enjoy them at room temperature for a classic chewy texture. For an extra decadent experience, warm a bar slightly in the microwave for a few seconds – the M&M’s will melt beautifully, and the bar will become even gooier. Pair with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a dollop of whipped cream.
- Storage: Store the cooled M&M Peanut Butter Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. They tend to stay delightfully chewy and fresh for several days.
- Freezing: These bars freeze wonderfully! Once completely cooled, cut them into individual squares. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave when a craving strikes.
Whether you’re battling your own peanut butter M&M obsession or simply looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert, these M&M Peanut Butter Bars are an absolute winner. Their thick, chewy texture combined with the intense peanut butter flavor and colorful candy crunch creates a dessert that’s impossible to resist. So go ahead, treat yourself, your family, or your friends to a batch of these glorious bars. They’re a reminder that sometimes, the simplest ingredients can create the most extraordinary moments of joy.
Happy baking!