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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Craft the creamy filling by whisking sweetened condensed milk and peanut butter until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
- 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.
- Distribute the peanut butter milk mixture over the dough and candy pieces, carefully maintaining a small border around the edges.
- Complete the layering process by delicately scattering remaining cookie dough pieces across the filling, lightly pressing to partially submerge.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, monitoring until the surface transforms into a golden-brown landscape.
- 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