The Ultimate Chewy M&M Peanut Butter Bars: An Irresistible, No-Mixer Recipe
Life can be a whirlwind, can’t it? One moment you’re returning from a relaxing vacation, and the next you’re diving headfirst into planning a conference for work. Believe me, the amount of detail involved in orchestrating even a small gathering for just ten people is staggering! Every minute element requires careful consideration and execution. While I’m incredibly excited to connect with these amazing ladies, to learn, grow, and enhance my blog in the beautiful mountains of Breckenridge, there’s a definite sense of relief knowing I can soon stop stressing about all the preparations. For a peek behind the scenes, including all the delicious food and breathtaking views, make sure to follow along on Instagram!
Why These Peanut Butter M&M Bars Are a Must-Try
Amidst all the hustle and bustle, sometimes you just need a straightforward, undeniably delicious treat to bring a smile to your face. And that, my friends, is exactly where these M&M Peanut Butter Bars come into play. These aren’t just any peanut butter bars; they are thick, incredibly chewy, and absolutely bursting with rich peanut butter flavor, supercharged by a generous helping of peanut butter M&M’s. If you’re a fan of the classic combination of peanut butter and chocolate, but crave an extra layer of nutty depth, these bars are your dream come true. They’re surprisingly simple to make, requiring no fancy equipment – just a bowl and a spoon – making them perfect for a quick comfort food fix or a delightful addition to any gathering.
The Irresistible Allure of Peanut Butter M&M’s
I have to admit, I have a serious, undeniable obsession with peanut butter M&M’s. They are my ultimate weakness. If a bag is within arm’s reach, my willpower evaporates completely. A couple of weeks ago, in a moment of utter surrender, I bought a bag, intending to bake something wonderful with them. However, every time I opened that pantry drawer, it was a Herculean effort not to tear open the bag and devour every single one. I knew I had to act fast, or the entire bag would vanish, and my jeans would stage a rebellion. So, what pairs impeccably with the glorious taste of peanut butter? More peanut butter, of course! And thus, these incredible M&M Peanut Butter Bars were born, and they were, without exaggeration, absolutely heavenly.
Crafting Your Perfect Peanut Butter Blondies
At its heart, this recipe is a deliciously simple peanut butter blondie base, elevated by the star ingredient: peanut butter M&M’s. The process is incredibly straightforward. You’ll start with melted butter, which is key to achieving that wonderfully moist and chewy texture. Brown sugar is then stirred in, contributing to both the sweetness and that classic blondie chewiness. An egg binds everything together, and then a generous half-cup of creamy peanut butter is mixed in, infusing the bars with intense, nutty flavor. Finally, flour and a touch of vanilla are added to complete the base. The magic really happens when you fold in a whole bag of peanut butter M&M’s, reserving some to press into the top of the batter before baking. This ensures a beautiful, colorful presentation and delightful pockets of melted chocolate and peanut butter in every bite. When these vibrant bars emerge from the oven, they are truly a sight to behold!
I can personally attest to their allure. Eating one warm, with the M&M’s slightly melted and gooey, was an experience of pure bliss. Given my aforementioned lack of self-control, I wisely sent these M&M Peanut Butter Bars to my husband’s workplace. Apparently, even in baked form, my willpower remains elusive. Perhaps I should have anticipated that! So, take my advice: trust this incredibly easy recipe (seriously, no mixer required!) and whip up a batch of these M&M Peanut Butter Bars as soon as you can. You won’t regret it.
Tips for Baking the Best Peanut Butter M&M Bars
- Don’t Overbake: The key to chewy bars is not to overbake them. Keep an eye on the clock and the edges. They should be just set, and a tester inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not completely clean. Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly bars.
- Lining the Pan: Always line your 8×8 inch baking dish with foil or parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This makes it incredibly easy to lift the cooled bars out of the pan for clean, effortless slicing.
- Peanut Butter Choice: For best results, use a creamy, processed peanut butter (like Skippy or Jif) rather than natural peanut butter. Natural peanut butter can sometimes separate and affect the texture of baked goods.
- Even Distribution of M&M’s: When folding in the M&M’s, try to distribute them as evenly as possible throughout the batter. Don’t forget to reserve about 1/3 cup to press onto the top before baking; this ensures a beautiful finish and visible M&M’s in every slice.
- Cooling is Crucial: While tempting to dive in immediately, allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. This allows them to set properly, making them easier to cut and ensuring they hold their shape. Warm bars will be very soft and prone to crumbling.
Variations to Try with Your Peanut Butter M&M Bars
While the classic peanut butter M&M combination is a winner, don’t hesitate to get creative with these versatile bars!
- Different M&M Flavors: Experiment with other M&M varieties like plain chocolate M&M’s, pretzel M&M’s, or even seasonal colors for holidays.
- Add Extra Chocolate: For the ultimate chocolate-peanut butter experience, fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or dark) along with the M&M’s.
- Crunchy Additions: A handful of chopped roasted peanuts or other nuts could add an interesting textural contrast.
- A Hint of Salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the top before baking will beautifully enhance the sweet and savory notes of the peanut butter and chocolate.
- Glaze It Up: For an extra layer of indulgence, once cooled, drizzle the bars with a simple powdered sugar glaze or melted chocolate.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
These M&M Peanut Butter Bars are delightful served slightly warm, allowing the M&M’s to be perfectly melty, or at room temperature for a firmer, chewier bite. They make an excellent treat for lunchboxes, a crowd-pleasing dessert for parties, or a comforting snack after a long day. Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
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 degrees C). Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with foil or parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting. Set aside.
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In a microwave-safe mixing bowl, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar and egg until the mixture is very well blended and smooth. Mix in the peanut butter until it is thoroughly combined and creamy. Stir in the flour and vanilla extract until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Gently fold in the majority of the peanut butter M&M’s, reserving about 1/3 cup to sprinkle on the top later.
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Pour the prepared batter evenly into your lined baking pan. Take the reserved M&M’s and sprinkle them generously over the top of the batter, lightly pressing them in for a vibrant finish.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached (not completely clean, as this indicates overbaking). The edges should be lightly golden.
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Allow the M&M Peanut Butter Bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting them out using the foil/parchment overhang and slicing into squares to serve. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions About M&M Peanut Butter Bars
- What kind of peanut butter works best for these bars?
- For the best texture and consistency in these baked bars, we recommend using a creamy, processed peanut butter like Jif or Skippy. Natural peanut butter (the kind that separates) can sometimes alter the fat balance and lead to a drier or greasier bar. If you only have natural peanut butter, stir it very well before measuring.
- Can I use different types of M&M’s?
- Absolutely! While peanut butter M&M’s enhance the overall peanut flavor, you can certainly experiment with other M&M varieties. Plain chocolate M&M’s, crispy M&M’s, or even seasonal M&M’s would work wonderfully and add a different twist to the bars. Feel free to mix and match!
- How do I store leftover M&M Peanut Butter Bars?
- Store any remaining bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For maximum freshness, you can also place a piece of parchment paper between layers of bars to prevent them from sticking together.
- Can these peanut butter bars be frozen?
- Yes, these bars freeze beautifully! Once cooled completely, cut them into individual squares. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe zip-top bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Why are my M&M Peanut Butter Bars dry or crumbly?
- The most common reason for dry or crumbly bars is overbaking. Keep a close eye on the baking time and rely on the toothpick test: it should come out with moist crumbs, not completely clean. Every oven is different, so your exact baking time may vary slightly from the recipe. Another factor could be using too much flour; always measure flour by scooping it into a measuring cup and leveling it off with a straight edge, rather than packing it down.
There you have it – a recipe that’s sure to become a cherished favorite in your household. These M&M Peanut Butter Bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a simple pleasure, a moment of sweet indulgence that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction. So go ahead, treat yourself, your family, or your colleagues to these thick, chewy, and utterly delightful bars. And don’t forget to let me know how much you loved them in the comments below!