Peanut Butter Cup Peanut Butter Bars
User Reviews
4.6
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Additional Time
1 hr
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Total Time
1 hr 30 mins
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Servings
12
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Calories
366 kcal
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Course
Baked Goods
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Cuisine
American
Peanut Butter Cup Peanut Butter Bars
Description
Peanut Butter Cup Peanut Butter Bars are made with a batter including melted butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and an egg, producing a moist and chewy texture. Flour and vanilla balance the sweetness, while chocolate chips folded into the batter create pockets of soft chocolate after baking. The bars are assembled in an 8-by-8-inch pan lined with foil and topped with unwrapped peanut butter cups pressed down for even distribution and extra chocolate chips sprinkled over. Baking at 350°F for about 22 to 25 minutes firms the bars with a tender center.
These bars are characterized by dense, rich flavors of peanut butter and semi-sweet chocolate, with the melted chocolate chips and peanut butter cups adding additional fudgy bursts. The foil lining eases removal and cutting, and the bars hold their shape well after cooling.
They can be served as a snack or dessert, pairing well with milk or coffee. The bars remain fresh at room temperature for up to one week and can be frozen for longer storage up to four months, making them convenient to prepare ahead of time.
Allow adequate cooling time before cutting to maintain clean bars. Using conventional peanut butters like Jif or Skippy prevents the texture issues that come from natural peanut butter separation. Press the peanut butter cups sufficiently into the batter for even coverage.
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter 1 stick, melted, unsalted
- ⅓ peanut butter I use Jif, Skippy or similar; natural PB can separate and/or be too oily, heaping cup
- 1 egg large
- 1 cup light brown sugar packed
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup chocolate chips plus more for sprinkling on top, semi-sweet
- peanut butter cups unwrapped (not to be confused with the smallest size that come unwrapped called ‘minis’, about 16 miniature
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F. Line an 8-by-8-inch baking pan with aluminum foil, spray with cooking spray; set aside.
- To a large, microwave-safe bowl add the butter and heat on high power to melt, about 1 minute.
- Wait momentarily before adding the egg so you don’t scramble it. Add the peanut butter, egg, brown sugar, vanilla, and whisk until smooth.
- Add the flour and stir until just combined, don’t overmix.
- Add 1/2 cup chocolate chips and stir to combine.
- Turn batter out into prepared pan, smoothing the top lightly with a spatula.
- Evenly distribute the peanut butter cups over the surface of the batter, pushing each cup down as far as it will go.
- Evenly sprinkle the surface with additional chocolate chips, about 1 tablespoon.
- Bake for about 22 to 25 minutes, or until done. If you can find a chocolate chip-free patch to test, a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean, or with a few moist crumbs, but no batter.
- Allow bars to cool in pan for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Bars keep well for up to one week stored airtight at room temperature or freeze for up to four months.
- Use conventional peanut butter brands to avoid oily or separated batter textures.
- Line the pan with foil for easier removal and cutting of bars after baking.
- Press unwrapped peanut butter cups evenly into batter to distribute flavors throughout the bars.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 366 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 | |
| Calories | 366kcal | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 42g | 14% |
| Protein | 6g | 12% |
| Fat | 21g | 32% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 10g | 59% |
| Cholesterol | 37mg | 12% |
| Sodium | 127mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 30g | 60% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
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