Ultimate Double Peanut Butter Bars: Creamy, Chewy & Irresistibly Chocolatey
Indulge in the perfect harmony of rich peanut butter and decadent chocolate with these easy-to-make Double Peanut Butter Bars – a truly heavenly dessert that will captivate every peanut butter lover!
For all the devoted peanut butter enthusiasts out there, prepare yourselves for a dessert experience unlike any other. Often, when you encounter a chocolate and peanut butter treat, chocolate tends to dominate, with peanut butter playing a supporting role. Think of luscious Peanut Butter Stuffed Brownies – delicious, but inherently chocolate-centric.
Today, however, we’re flipping the script. These aren’t just peanut butter bars; they are an ode to peanut butter in its purest, most delightful form. Imagine a rich, creamy peanut butter-flavored base, generously studded with an abundance of peanut butter chips, and beautifully swirled with streaks of delectable chocolate syrup. The result is a dessert bar that champions the nutty, savory-sweet goodness of peanut butter, perfectly complemented by just the right amount of chocolate. They are incredibly easy to prepare, irresistibly decadent, and absolutely bursting with flavor!
Whether you’re hosting a gathering, looking for a simple yet impressive dessert, or simply craving a treat that hits all the right notes, these Double Peanut Butter Bars are an absolute must-make. They offer the satisfying chewiness and rich flavor of your favorite peanut butter cookie, but in a convenient bar format. Forget the tedious process of baking individual cookies on multiple trays; with this recipe, you simply mix everything together, pour it into a single pan, bake, and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love These Double Peanut Butter Bars
There are countless reasons to fall in love with these exceptional peanut butter bars. They strike the perfect balance between being delightfully sweet and having that signature savory edge that only peanut butter can provide. The texture is a dream – chewy, dense, and moist, making every bite incredibly satisfying. Beyond their incredible taste, their simplicity in preparation is a major win, transforming baking from a chore into a pure joy. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion from casual family dinners to festive celebrations.
- Unforgettable Flavor: A true celebration of peanut butter with a perfect chocolate swirl.
- Effortless Baking: Simple mix-and-bake process, much easier than individual cookies.
- Perfect Texture: Chewy, moist, and incredibly satisfying.
- Versatile Treat: Great for parties, lunchboxes, or a cozy evening dessert.
- Freezer-Friendly: Easily made ahead and stored for future cravings.
Key Ingredients for Irresistible Peanut Butter Bars
Crafting these delectable Double Peanut Butter Bars requires a selection of common pantry staples. The magic truly happens when these simple ingredients come together, but choosing the right types and understanding their roles will elevate your baking experience. The base of this recipe is a rich, buttery dough, enhanced by the distinct flavor of creamy peanut butter and two types of sugar for depth.
- Peanut Butter: Opt for creamy, smooth peanut butter for the best consistency in the batter. Natural peanut butter (oil separates) can work, but processed creamy varieties often yield a more consistent and predictable texture in baked goods.
- Butter: Softened butter is crucial for creaming with the sugars. This step incorporates air, leading to a lighter, chewier bar. Make sure it’s at room temperature for optimal mixing.
- Sugar (Granulated & Brown): The combination of granulated and light brown sugar creates a beautiful balance of sweetness and moisture. Granulated sugar provides crispness, while brown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like note and keeps the bars wonderfully soft and chewy.
- Eggs: Large eggs bind the ingredients together, add moisture, and contribute to the rich texture. Incorporating them one at a time ensures they are fully emulsified into the batter.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances all the other flavors, adding warmth and depth to the overall profile of the bars.
- All-Purpose Flour: Standard all-purpose flour provides the structure for these bars. Make sure to measure it correctly, either by weight or by lightly spooning it into a measuring cup and leveling it off, to avoid a dense or dry bar.
- Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps the bars rise slightly, giving them a tender crumb without being too cake-like.
- Salt: A pinch of salt is vital for balancing the sweetness and intensifying the peanut butter flavor. Don’t skip it!
- Peanut Butter Chips: These are the “double” in Double Peanut Butter Bars! They melt slightly during baking, creating pockets of intense peanut butter flavor throughout.
- Chocolate Syrup: Used for swirling into the batter, the chocolate syrup provides a delightful visual marble effect and a contrasting chocolatey hint, without overpowering the star peanut butter flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Perfection
Creating these Double Peanut Butter Bars is a straightforward process, making them accessible even for novice bakers. Following these steps carefully will ensure a perfectly baked, incredibly delicious treat every time. The key is in the preparation and the gentle handling of the batter to achieve that ideal chewy texture.
- Prepare Your Pan: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grease a 13×9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting later. This ensures your bars won’t stick and are simple to remove and cut.
- Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, preferably with an electric mixer, beat together the softened butter and creamy peanut butter until the mixture is light and fluffy. Gradually add the granulated sugar and light brown sugar, continuing to beat until everything is thoroughly combined and creamy. This creaming process is essential for texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Introduce the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate them into the mixture. Follow this by stirring in the vanilla extract, ensuring it’s evenly distributed for a rich aroma and flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures that the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed throughout the dry mixture, preventing pockets of unmixed ingredients in your final bars.
- Fold Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the peanut butter mixture. Mix on low speed or by hand until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough bars. A few streaks of flour are acceptable; overmixing develops gluten, which we want to avoid for a tender bar.
- Stir in Peanut Butter Chips: Gently fold in the peanut butter chips. These will melt into glorious pockets of peanut butter flavor as the bars bake, enhancing the “double peanut butter” experience.
- Assemble the Layers: Spread half of the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. Spoon the chocolate syrup over this layer. Then, carefully top with the remaining batter, spreading it gently to cover the chocolate. For a beautiful marbled effect, take a knife and gently swirl it through the layers, creating enticing patterns.
- Bake and Cool: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter). Avoid overbaking, which can result in dry bars. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely on a wire rack before cutting. Cooling completely is crucial for them to set properly and prevent crumbling when sliced. Enjoy your freshly baked, irresistible bars!
Smart Storage Solutions for Freshness
To keep your Double Peanut Butter Bars fresh and delicious for as long as possible, proper storage is key. Once completely cooled, cut the bars into desired sizes. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay wonderfully moist and flavorful for up to 5 days. For longer storage, these bars freeze exceptionally well, making them perfect for meal prepping desserts or having a treat on hand for unexpected guests.
To freeze, ensure the bars are fully cooled. You can wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will maintain their quality in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for an hour or two. They’ll be just as soft and flavorful as when they were first baked!
Customizing Your Peanut Butter Bars: Variations & Allergy-Friendly Options
The beauty of this Double Peanut Butter Bars recipe lies in its versatility. While already a masterpiece, it serves as an excellent base for various customizations, allowing you to tailor it to dietary needs or simply experiment with new flavors. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make these bars truly your own!
- Nut Butter Alternatives: If you or someone you’re baking for has a peanut allergy, this recipe can easily be adapted. Substitute creamy peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or even a seed butter like sun butter (made from sunflower seeds) for a nut-free option. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly with different nut/seed butters.
- Chip Variations: The peanut butter chips are essential for the “double peanut butter” experience, but if unavailable or for a different flavor, feel free to substitute. Chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or dark), butterscotch chips, or even white chocolate chips would be delicious alternatives. You could also do a mix of chips!
- Additional Toppings: Elevate your bars with extra toppings. A drizzle of melted chocolate, a sprinkle of sea salt flakes to enhance the flavors, chopped peanuts or other nuts (if no allergies), or even a light dusting of powdered sugar can add an extra touch of gourmet appeal.
- Flavor Boosters: For a more complex flavor, consider adding a pinch of espresso powder to the dry ingredients (it enhances chocolate flavor without tasting like coffee), or a dash of cinnamon for warmth.
- Gluten-Free Option: While not officially tested, you could experiment with a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these bars gluten-free. Ensure your baking powder is also gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions
These Double Peanut Butter Bars are delicious on their own, but they can be elevated with a few simple serving ideas. Whether you prefer them warm or at room temperature, they’re always a hit.
- Classic Pairing: Serve them with a tall glass of cold milk, just like a classic peanut butter cookie.
- Coffee Break Treat: A perfect companion to your morning coffee or afternoon tea.
- Dessert Upgrade: Warm a bar slightly and serve it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, perhaps with an extra drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce.
- Party Favorite: Cut into smaller squares for a dessert platter at parties, potlucks, or bake sales. They’re easy to transport and always disappear quickly!
- Lunchbox Delight: A fantastic addition to any lunchbox, offering a sweet and satisfying energy boost.
More Irresistible Peanut Butter Dessert Recipes
If you can’t get enough of that delightful peanut butter flavor, you’re in luck! We have a treasure trove of other fantastic peanut butter dessert recipes that are sure to satisfy your cravings. From no-bake wonders to classic cookies and creamy pies, there’s a peanut butter treat for every occasion.
- No Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Cream Pie
- Homemade Peanut Butter Cups
- Peanut Butter Magic Shell
- Peanut Butter Protein Balls
- Peanut Butter Butterfinger Dip
Double Peanut Butter Bars
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Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/4 cup Creamy Peanut Butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 3 whole large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 package Reese’s Peanut Butter Chips
- 1/2 cup chocolate syrup
Instructions
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Heat oven to 350°F. Grease 13x9x2-inch baking pan.
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Beat butter and peanut butter in large bowl. Add sugar and brown sugar; beat well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Blend in vanilla.
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Stir together flour, baking powder and salt; mix into peanut butter mixture, blending well. Stir in peanut butter chips. Spread half of batter in prepared pan; spoon syrup over top. Carefully top with remaining batter; swirl with a knife for marbled effect.
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Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut and Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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