Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Bars Recipe

The Dreamiest Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Bars Recipe

Rich chocolate peanut butter bars are the ultimate indulgence for sweet-tooth warriors seeking pure decadence.

Layers of creamy goodness promise an irresistible experience that melts in your mouth.

Soft textures intermingle with deep, luxurious flavors creating magic on every plate.

Comfort meets excitement in this delightful dessert that feels like a warm hug.

Crafted with simple ingredients, these bars deliver maximum satisfaction without complicated techniques.

Quick to assemble and even faster to devour, you’ll become an instant kitchen hero.

Dive into this recipe and watch everyone fall in love with your baking skills.

Butter Bars With Peanut Butter and Chocolate Magic

Indulge Effortlessly: Perfect for Busy Dessert Lovers

  • Super Simple Preparation: Requires minimal baking skills with straightforward mixing and layering steps that even novice bakers can master quickly.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Dessert: Combines classic chocolate and peanut butter flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, and casual celebrations.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Can be enjoyed warm for a decadent, gooey texture or chilled for a firmer consistency, giving you flexibility in serving and storing the delightful bars.
  • Quick Weekend Treat: Comes together in under an hour, allowing you to whip up a delicious dessert without spending hours in the kitchen, perfect for spontaneous sweet cravings.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Butter Bars Ingredients

Base Ingredients:
  • Chocolate Cake Mix: Provides the rich chocolate foundation for the bars.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the base together, best when unsalted and melted.
  • Egg: Helps create structure and bind the base ingredients.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a creamy, tangy base for the peanut butter layer, room temperature works best.
  • Peanut Butter: Adds signature nutty flavor, smooth or creamy variety recommended.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps thicken the topping, sifted for smooth texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor, pure vanilla preferred over artificial.
  • Eggs: Help set the topping and provide structure, room temperature recommended.

Butter Bars Baking Directions

Step 1: Craft the Delicious Base

Kick off your baking adventure by warming up the oven to 350°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch pan and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine these ingredients:
  • Chocolate cake mix
  • Melted butter
  • Egg

Blend everything until it transforms into a rich, unified mixture.

Use your hands or a spatula to press this chocolatey goodness evenly across the pan, creating a smooth foundation for your decadent bars.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Peanut Butter Layer

Grab another bowl and prepare for magic.

Toss in these creamy companions:
  • Softened cream cheese
  • Peanut butter
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Remaining eggs

Whip these ingredients until they become a silky, dreamy mixture that looks like pure indulgence.

The texture should be smooth and luscious, with no lumps in sight.

Step 3: Layer and Bake to Perfection

Gently pour the peanut butter mixture over the chocolate base, spreading it with care to create an even blanket of deliciousness.

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and let the magic happen.

Bake for 30-35 minutes – you’re looking for set edges with a slight jiggle in the center.

Step 4: Cool and Slice into Heavenly Treats

Patience is key!

Allow the bars to cool completely, letting all those incredible flavors meld together.

Once cooled, slice into squares.

For maximum enjoyment, serve warm for an ooey-gooey experience or chill for a firmer, more structured treat.

Each bite promises a symphony of chocolate and peanut butter bliss.

Baking Tips For Gooey Peanut Butter Bars

  • Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting of bars.
  • Leave cream cheese at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, lump-free blending.
  • Watch for golden brown edges and a slightly jiggly center, which indicates the perfect ooey-gooey texture.
  • Swap regular peanut butter with crunchy or natural versions for different taste and texture variations.
  • Keep bars refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days, separating layers with wax paper to prevent sticking.

Keeping Gooey Butter Bars Soft

  • Store leftover bars in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
  • Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for longer preservation.
  • Thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight, then warm gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore that delicious ooey-gooey texture.
  • Enjoy chilled straight from the refrigerator or slightly warmed for a softer, more indulgent treat.

Sweet Pairings for Peanut Butter Bars

  • Pair Decadent Dessert Wine: Select a sweet port or muscadel wine that complements the rich chocolate and peanut butter flavors, enhancing the dessert's depth and sweetness.
  • Match with Creamy Coffee: Brew a smooth, medium-roast coffee or cappuccino to balance the bars' intense sweetness and provide a refreshing contrast to the dense texture.
  • Elevate with Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of high-quality vanilla bean ice cream alongside the bars, creating a cool, creamy counterpoint to the warm, gooey dessert.
  • Sprinkle Nutty Garnish: Top with chopped roasted peanuts or toasted almonds to add a crunchy texture and amplify the existing nutty undertones of the peanut butter.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars for Sweet Cravings

  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars: Replace chocolate cake mix with gluten-free cake mix or almond flour blend to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
  • Vegan Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use dairy-free cream cheese alternative, and select vegan chocolate cake mix for plant-based version.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Swap regular powdered sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia blend, use sugar-free cake mix to reduce overall sugar content.
  • Nutty Alternative: Replace peanut butter with almond butter or cashew butter for different nutty flavor profile while maintaining creamy texture.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of cake mix for the base?

Yes, you can substitute the chocolate cake mix with other flavors like yellow or white cake mix. Just ensure the base is well-mixed and evenly pressed into the pan.

  • Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified. This will help those with gluten sensitivities enjoy the dessert.

  • How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

Look for set edges and a slightly jiggly center. The bars should not be completely firm when you remove them from the oven. They will continue to set as they cool.

  • Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

While you can slightly reduce powdered sugar, too much reduction might affect the texture and sweetness. Consider using a sugar substitute or cutting back just a small amount to maintain the recipe’s integrity.

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Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Bars Recipe

Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Bars Recipe


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4.9 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Chocolate peanut butter ooey gooey butter bars offer a sinful dance of creamy richness and sweet indulgence. Layers of molten chocolate and silky peanut butter create an irresistible dessert you cannot stop eating.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 box (15.25 ounces/432 grams) chocolate cake mix
  • 1/2 cup (115 grams/4 ounces) unsalted butter
  • 8 ounces (227 grams) cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup (125 grams) creamy peanut butter

Binding Ingredients:

  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract

Sweet Finishing Ingredient:

  • 2 cups (250 grams) powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Craft the foundational layer by whisking chocolate cake mix with melted butter and an egg until thoroughly integrated, ensuring a uniform consistency.
  2. Transfer the dark, rich mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking vessel, using fingertips to create an even, compact base that covers the entire pan surface.
  3. Transition to the luxurious peanut butter stratum by blending cream cheese, smooth peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and remaining eggs until achieving a silky, homogeneous texture.
  4. Delicately cascade the creamy peanut butter mixture over the chocolate foundation, using a spatula to distribute it uniformly and prevent disrupting the base layer.
  5. Position the pan in a preheated 350°F oven, allowing the dessert to transform for 30-35 minutes – watching for set edges and a tantalizingly soft center that hints at decadent gooeyness.
  6. Remove from heat and permit the bars to cool completely, allowing structural integrity to develop and flavors to meld harmoniously.
  7. Slice into generous squares, serving either at room temperature for maximum ooze or chilled for a firmer, more structured indulgence.

Notes

  • Cake Mix Swap: Choose gluten-free cake mix to make this dessert celiac-friendly without compromising rich flavor.
  • Peanut Butter Alternatives: Replace peanut butter with almond or sunflower seed butter for nut-free version that’s equally delectable.
  • Temperature Precision: Watch edges closely while baking to prevent overcooking; gooey center is key to decadent texture.
  • Storage Hack: Refrigerate bars up to 5 days in airtight container, allowing flavors to meld and texture to intensify.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 338
  • Sugar: 27 g
  • Sodium: 239 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 67 mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

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