Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe

I recently made these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars, and I have to say, they’ve stolen my heart! There’s just something magical about the combination of peanut butter and gooey chocolate in every bite. The best part? These bars are so easy to make that you don’t even need an electric mixer. Everything comes together in one large pan, making them simple and mess-free. 

Whether you’re baking for a family treat or preparing something special for a gathering, this recipe is perfect. I enjoyed making (and eating!) these bars so much that I ended up saving a few for later, although they didn’t last very long. They’re chewy, rich, and filled with satisfying flavors. I’m so excited for you to try them out and share your experience with your loved ones. Trust me, this recipe is a guaranteed hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

These wonderful peanut butter chocolate chip bars are full of reasons to love them. Here’s why they’ll become your new favorite!

Effortless to Make

Skip the hassle of rolling out cookies! These bars are baked in one pan, saving you time and effort. It’s perfect for beginner bakers or anyone short on time. You can whip up these bars in a flash without any complicated steps, making them a great option for busy days.

Chewy and Rich Texture

No dry bars here! These treats are soft and chewy, with the perfect balance of peanut butter creaminess and melted chocolate chips in every bite. Each bite is indulgent and satisfying, with a texture that’s sure to please your taste buds.

Classic Flavor Combo

Who doesn’t love the timeless marriage of peanut butter and chocolate? The combination is rich, indulgent, and universally loved. It’s the perfect treat for anyone who loves a sweet and salty combination, and it never goes out of style.

Simple to Customize

This recipe is super flexible! Whether you want to swap the peanut butter for almond butter or add a handful of chopped nuts, these bars adapt to your preferences. You can get creative with the ingredients, making these bars your own and perfect for any craving.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These bars are great for both casual and formal settings. They work just as well for an after-school snack as they do for dessert at a dinner party. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or need a quick snack, these bars are always a hit.

Cooking Time

Here’s how long it takes to create these irresistible bars!

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

You’ll need simple, pantry-friendly ingredients to make these bars:

• Unsalted butter
• Light brown sugar
• Dark brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Creamy peanut butter
• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Cornstarch
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips

Variations

Looking to put your spin on this recipe? Try one of these fun twists or tips!

• Nut Butter Swap: Substitute peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a different flavor.
• Sugar-Free Option: Use a sugar-free peanut butter and a sugar substitute for a healthier version.
• Flavor Mix-Ins: Add chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even white chocolate for extra flavors and textures.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large Mixing Bowl: To mix all the ingredients seamlessly.
• Whisk and Spatula: For combining both wet and dry ingredients.
• 8×8 Baking Pan: Ensures the bars bake evenly.
• Parchment Paper: Makes removing the bars from the pan a breeze.

How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars?

Here’s your step-by-step guide to baking these delicious bars.

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray. Line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy lifting later.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, baking soda, and cornstarch. Set this mixture aside for later. This step ensures your bars rise evenly and stay tender.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

Melt the unsalted butter and allow it to cool slightly. Mix it with light and dark brown sugar in a large bowl. Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and free of lumps.

Step 4: Add the Remaining Wet Ingredients

Whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Follow this with the creamy peanut butter, which gives the bars their rich and nutty flavor.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Be gentle to avoid over-mixing, which can make the bars dense. 🥄✨

Step 6: Add the Chocolate Chips

Pour in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and mix until they’re evenly distributed. You can add extras on top for a pretty finish if you like! 🍫💖

Step 7: Transfer and Bake

Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Pop it into the oven for 28-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. 🎂🔥

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes. Lift them out carefully using the parchment paper and slice into squares. Serve and enjoy! 😋🎉

Tips for Making the Recipe

Get the best results with these helpful tips!

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring your eggs to room temperature before mixing to help create a smooth batter.
• Use the Right Peanut Butter: Stick with creamy peanut butter for the perfect texture. Natural peanut butter can make the batter too runny.
• Cooling Is Key: Wait until the bars are fully cool before slicing to prevent them from crumbling.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars?

These bars are perfect as-is but can be elevated with simple additions. Serve them with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a super indulgent treat. For a party, arrange them on a pretty platter and dust them lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle melted chocolate on top for a decorative touch.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (1 bar):

• Calories: 491
• Protein: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 53g
• Fat: 28g

Make Ahead and Storage

These bars are great for pre-baking and storing, making them ideal for meal prep or special occasions.

• Refrigeration: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Be sure to stack them with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking.
• Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds to enjoy!

Give this recipe a try, and I’m sure it’ll become a regular in your dessert rotation. Happy baking!

For a visual guide, watch the full recipe video here: