These delightful bars are a perfect harmony of sweet and salty, boasting a soft, chewy texture with pockets of melted chocolate. They’re a classic treat that’s easy to make, sure to vanish quickly, and the ideal dessert for any occasion.
Prepare for a symphony of flavors and textures as you bite into these irresistible Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars.
Recipe Details
- Flavor Profile: Sweet, rich peanut butter combined with decadent chocolate.
- Texture: Soft, chewy bars with melted chocolate chips throughout.
- Total Time: 50 minutes (20 minutes active, 30 minutes baking).
- Difficulty: Easy.
What You’ll Need
These bars come together with a handful of pantry staples: creamy peanut butter, both granulated and brown sugars, eggs, vanilla, and baking essentials, like baking soda and salt. Of course, the star of the show – chocolate chips.
Ingredient Notes
- – Peanut Butter – Use creamy peanut butter for the best results. Make sure it isn’t the natural kind that separates, as you want a smooth, consistent texture.
- – Granulated Sugar – This adds sweetness and helps with the structure of the bars.
- – Brown Sugar – Packed brown sugar adds moisture, chewiness, and a hint of molasses flavor that complements the peanut butter beautifully.
- – Eggs – These bind the ingredients together, adding richness.
- – Vanilla Extract – Pure vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor.
- – Baking Soda – This helps the bars rise slightly and contributes to their soft texture.
- – Salt – Salt balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors of the other ingredients.
- – Chocolate Chips – Use your favorite type of chocolate chips, milk chocolate, semisweet, or dark chocolate all work well.
Add-ins and Substitutions
- Chocolate Variation: Use a mix of chocolate chips, like dark chocolate and milk chocolate.
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped peanuts or peanut butter chunks for extra texture and peanut butter flavor.
- Salted Caramel: Sprinkle a touch of flaky sea salt on top right after baking for a sweet and salty experience.
How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars
The process is delightfully simple, perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by either greasing it or lining it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal later.
- In a large bowl, cream together the creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and well combined.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the baking soda and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Mix in the chocolate chips, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares.
Pro Tip: Make sure not to overbake, as this will result in dry and crumbly bars. Keep an eye on the edges, and remove them from the oven when they’re golden.
Recipe Tips
- Measure Accurately: Use the right measuring cups and spoons for the best results.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter only until the ingredients are just combined to prevent tough bars.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting for clean slices.
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
FAQs
- Can I use a different type of peanut butter?
Yes, you can substitute another type of peanut butter, but creamy peanut butter gives the best results. Avoid the kinds that separate, as they can change the texture. - How do I know when the bars are done?
The bars are done when the edges are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. - Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, you can freeze these bars. Wrap them individually or in a single layer in a freezer-safe container.
Serving Suggestions
- With a Glass of Milk: A classic pairing that never fails.
- With Ice Cream: Serve warm bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Coffee: Enjoy these bars with your favorite cup of coffee.
- As a Dessert Bar: Perfect at parties or alongside a meal.
Make This Recipe in Advance
The batter can be made, covered, and chilled in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply take the batter out of the fridge and bake as directed. You can also bake the bars completely and store them in an airtight container for several days. Freeze for longer storage.
Print
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Description
These delightful bars are a perfect harmony of sweet and salty, boasting a soft, chewy texture with pockets of melted chocolate. They’re a classic treat that’s easy to make, sure to vanish quickly, and the ideal dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
⅓ heaping cup peanut butter
1 large egg
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips + 2 tablespoons, for sprinkling
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350F. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with foil and spray with cooking spray. Set aside.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter for about 1 minute. Let cool slightly.
Add peanut butter, egg, brown sugar, and vanilla to the bowl. Whisk until smooth.
Stir in flour and salt until just combined. Don’t overmix.
Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips.
Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Sprinkle with remaining chocolate chips and smooth gently.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Store airtight at room temperature for a week or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Notes
Measure Accurately: Use the right measuring cups and spoons for the best results.
Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter only until the ingredients are just combined to prevent tough bars.
Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting for clean slices.
Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 3g
