Irresistible Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars Recipe for Sweet Tooths

My latest kitchen adventure involves these decadent peanut butter cup gooey bars that promise pure chocolate-and-peanut-butter bliss.

Sweet treats like these always spark joy in my home.

Layers of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter create an irresistible combination that melts in you mouth.

Chocolate chips and chunks of peanut butter cups add delightful texture to each bite.

Comfort and indulgence merge perfectly in this simple yet impressive dessert.

Chocolate lovers will absolutely adore every gooey, mouthwatering square.

Whip up these bars and watch everyone beg for seconds.

What Sets Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars Apart

• Indulge in Decadence: These peanut butter cup gooey bars deliver an irresistible combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
• Simplify Baking: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from novice to experienced, ensuring anyone can create a delicious dessert.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Guaranteed to wow friends and family at gatherings, potlucks, and celebrations with its gooey texture and irresistible sweet-salty flavor profile that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Quick Dessert Solution: Requires basic pantry ingredients and minimal preparation time, making it an ideal last-minute dessert option when you need something spectacular without extensive effort.

Gather These Ingredients for Gooey Bar Magic

• Butter: A rich and creamy ingredient that provides moisture and helps bind the cookie dough together.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet ingredients that contribute to the bar's caramelized flavor and soft texture.
• Eggs: Binding agents that help create structure and richness in the cookie base.
• Flour: The primary dry ingredient that forms the foundation of the cookie dough.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm and aromatic flavor to the cookie base.
• Salt, Baking Soda: Essential for balancing flavors and helping the dough rise and spread correctly.
• Chocolate Chips: Provide extra bursts of chocolate flavor throughout the cookie dough.

• Peanut Butter Cups: Delicious chocolate and peanut butter candies that create pockets of sweet and creamy filling.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk, Peanut Butter: Create a rich and smooth filling that adds extra creaminess to the bars.

How to Bake Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 350F.

Grab a 9×13 baking pan and line it with foil, then give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Cookie Base

• Melted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar

Crack in the eggs one by one, stirring thoroughly after each addition.

Mix in vanilla extract, salt, and baking soda until everything is beautifully combined.

Step 3: Fold in the Dry Ingredients

Gently incorporate flour into the mixture.

Sprinkle in chocolate chips and fold them through the dough.

Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

In a separate bowl, blend sweetened condensed milk and peanut butter until you have a silky smooth mixture.

Step 5: Build the First Layer

Press half of the cookie dough into the prepared pan.

Unwrap peanut butter cups and distribute them evenly across the dough.

Step 6: Pour the Peanut Butter Mixture

Carefully drizzle the peanut butter milk mixture over the dough and peanut butter cups, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 7: Create the Top Layer

Scatter the remaining cookie dough pieces over the filling.

Gently press them into the creamy mixture.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing.

These delectable treats can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for a month of sweet memories.

Tips for Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bar Success

• Line the baking pan with foil and generously spray with cooking spray to ensure easy removal and clean slicing of bars.
• Spread peanut butter cups and dough layers carefully to create a consistent texture and ensure every bite has maximum flavor.
• Look for golden brown top and slightly firm edges as indicators of perfect baking, avoiding overbaking which can dry out the bars.
• Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store in freezer for up to a month, providing a quick sweet treat anytime you crave something delicious.
• Adjust sugar quantity slightly if you prefer less sweet desserts, maintaining the overall rich and gooey texture of the bars.

Fun Ways to Switch Up Your Gooey Bars

• Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cup Bars: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Almond Butter Alternative: Swap peanut butter with almond butter for a different nutty flavor profile and added nutritional variety.
• Vegan Chocolate Lovers Version: Use coconut oil instead of butter, replace eggs with flax eggs, select dairy-free chocolate chips, and use vegan condensed milk substitute for plant-based eaters.
• Low-Sugar Edition: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener, use sugar-free chocolate chips, and reduce overall sweetness while maintaining rich dessert experience.

Serving Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars for Parties

• Dessert Date Night: Slice these gooey bars and serve with vanilla ice cream for a romantic sweet treat that melts hearts.
• Picnic Perfect Pairing: Pack these bars in a cute container for outdoor adventures, adding a delightful homemade touch to your picnic spread.
• Afternoon Coffee Companion: Enjoy these bars alongside a hot cappuccino or cold brew, creating a delectable mid-day indulgence that satisfies every craving.
• Kids' Snack Time Delight: Cut into smaller squares for child-friendly portions, making them an exciting after-school treat that brings smiles.

Storing Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars for Freshness

• Store bars in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days for maximum freshness and texture preservation.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month, maintaining delicious flavor and soft consistency.
• Remove frozen bars from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving. This method helps restore original gooey texture without compromising taste.
• Warm bars in microwave for 10-15 seconds on 50% power to prevent burning. Alternatively, use oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore warm, melty sensation.

FAQs

• Can I use natural peanut butter instead of regular peanut butter?

Yes, but you might need to add a bit more sugar since natural peanut butter is less sweet and can make the filling less creamy.

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

Look for golden brown edges and a slightly set center. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.

• What if I don't have peanut butter cups?

You can substitute with chocolate chunks, Reese’s pieces, or simply increase the chocolate chips in the recipe. The bars will still be delicious.

• Is it okay to use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, just reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to prevent the bars from becoming too salty.

Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Indulgent Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars deliver a chocolate and peanut butter paradise that melts in your mouth. Sweet layers of creamy goodness promise a rich dessert experience you won’t forget.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs

Flavor Enhancers:

• 30 Miniature Peanut Butter Cups, unwrapped
• 3/4 cup chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

Binding and Leavening Agents:

• 1 (14 ounces / 396 grams) can fat-free sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by lining a 9×13 inch pan with foil and generously coating with cooking spray. Set oven temperature to 350°F.
2. Create the cookie base by thoroughly blending melted butter with granulated and brown sugars until smooth. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring complete integration after each addition.
3. Enhance the dough mixture by gently folding in vanilla extract, salt, and baking soda. Gradually introduce flour, stirring until just combined, then fold in chocolate chips.
4. Craft the creamy filling by whisking sweetened condensed milk and peanut butter until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
5. Construct the first layer by evenly pressing half the cookie dough across the prepared pan’s bottom. Strategically arrange unwrapped peanut butter cups across the dough surface.
6. Distribute the peanut butter milk mixture over the dough and candy pieces, carefully maintaining a small border around the edges.
7. Complete the layering process by delicately scattering remaining cookie dough pieces across the filling, lightly pressing to partially submerge.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, monitoring until the surface transforms into a golden-brown landscape.
9. Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature before slicing. Preserve in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for extended storage.

Notes

• Chill Dough Before layering, refrigerate cookie dough for 15 minutes to make it easier to handle and spread evenly in the pan.
• Precise Cutting Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry for clean, smooth bar slices that showcase the gooey layers.
• Dietary Swap Replace regular peanut butter cups with dark chocolate or vegan alternatives for different dietary needs while maintaining rich flavor profiles.
• Room Temperature Ingredients Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture in the final baked dessert.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 294
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 147 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 27 mg