Servings
Font
Back
Peanut Butter Cup Peanut Butter Bars
4.6 from 114 votes

Peanut Butter Cup Peanut Butter Bars

These bars combine peanut butter batter with chunks of peanut butter cups and chocolate chips for a rich, dense treat. The batter is smooth and slightly sweet from brown sugar and vanilla, baked until set with a chewy texture marked by pockets of melted chocolate. Decorating the top with unwrapped peanut butter cups and extra chocolate chips adds distinct bites of chocolate and peanut butter. They are practical for making ahead, storing at room temperature, or freezing for later enjoyment.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Additional Time
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 30 mins
Servings: 12
Calories: 366 kcal
Course: Baked Goods
Cuisine: American

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

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat oven to 350F. Line an 8-by-8-inch baking pan with aluminum foil, spray with cooking spray; set aside.
  2. To a large, microwave-safe bowl add the butter and heat on high power to melt, about 1 minute.
  3. Wait momentarily before adding the egg so you don’t scramble it. Add the peanut butter, egg, brown sugar, vanilla, and whisk until smooth.
  4. Add the flour and stir until just combined, don’t overmix.
  5. Add 1/2 cup chocolate chips and stir to combine.
  6. Turn batter out into prepared pan, smoothing the top lightly with a spatula.
  7. Evenly distribute the peanut butter cups over the surface of the batter, pushing each cup down as far as it will go.
  8. Evenly sprinkle the surface with additional chocolate chips, about 1 tablespoon.
  9. 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.
  10. 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

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%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 12 Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 366

% 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.