Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars

Craving a dessert that’s packed with peanut butter and chocolate? These Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves a rich, gooey, and indulgent dessert with a peanut butter twist!

Imagine a soft, chewy base loaded with chopped peanut butter cups, topped with a gooey, chocolatey layer that melts in your mouth. These bars are a perfect combination of sweet, salty, and creamy, all in one delicious bite.

These gooey bars are the perfect treat for any peanut butter lover! Whether you’re craving something sweet for yourself or need a show-stopping dessert for a gathering, these bars are sure to be a hit.

Ready to indulge in these irresistible bars? Let’s bake up some Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars and enjoy a rich, decadent dessert today!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Reader Favorite: “These bars are insanely good!” As one reader said, “You won’t be able to eat just one!”
• Peanut Butter & Chocolate: A rich, gooey peanut butter filling surrounded by a soft, chocolatey base—what’s not to love?
• Simple to Make: No complicated steps! The hardest part is waiting for them to cool.
• Great for Sharing: These bars are perfect for parties, gatherings, or just a sweet treat at home.
• Comforting and Indulgent: These bars hit all the right notes for a comforting, indulgent dessert.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: About 50 minutes

Servings:

• This recipe yields 16 bars, perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Difficulty:

• Easy to make! Perfect for beginners or experienced bakers alike.

Required Kitchen Tools

• 9×9-inch baking pan (or similar size)
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer (optional, but helpful)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Knife for cutting bars

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars

For the peanut butter cup filling:

• Peanut Butter (1/2 cup): Smooth peanut butter works best for a creamy texture.
• Butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds richness and moisture.
• Brown Sugar (3/4 cup, packed): This gives a nice, soft sweetness that pairs well with the peanut butter.
• Egg (1 large): To help bind the filling together.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): A hint of vanilla enhances the flavor.
• Self-Rising Flour (1 cup): Creates a soft, gooey texture in the bars.

For the chocolatey topping:

• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1 cup): These melt to create a luscious, smooth topping.
• Peanut Butter Cups (4-5, chopped): These add a little extra peanut butter goodness and a fun texture.

Variations for Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars

• Try Milk Chocolate: Use milk chocolate chips if you prefer a sweeter topping.
• Add Crushed Pretzels: For a salty-sweet combo, sprinkle crushed pretzels on top before baking.
• Use Crunchy Peanut Butter: For extra texture in the filling, try using crunchy peanut butter.
• Add a Touch of Sea Salt: A sprinkle of sea salt on top of the bars adds a nice contrast to the sweetness.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars after baking.

2. Make the Peanut Butter Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the peanut butter, softened butter, and brown sugar using an electric mixer or hand whisk until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and beat again until fully combined. Stir in the self-rising flour until the mixture comes together and forms a dough-like consistency.

3. Layer the Peanut Butter Filling

Press the peanut butter mixture evenly into the prepared pan, ensuring it’s spread all the way to the edges. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to smooth the surface. This is your gooey, peanut-buttery base!

4. Prepare the Chocolate Topping

In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the semi-sweet chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be sure not to overheat it. Once the chocolate is melted, pour it evenly over the peanut butter base, spreading it out to cover the entire surface.

5. Add the Peanut Butter Cups

Chop the peanut butter cups into small pieces and sprinkle them over the chocolate layer. Press them gently into the chocolate with a spoon so they stick well.

6. Bake the Gooey Bars

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The top should look set, but the center will still be soft and gooey. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs but not completely wet.

7. Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice into squares. The center will be gooey and delicious, while the edges will have a slight crispiness from the chocolate topping.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars

These gooey bars are perfect on their own, but you can serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. If you’re hosting a gathering, they make an excellent addition to a dessert table.

How to Store Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars

• Room Temperature: Keep the bars in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.
• Refrigerator: For a firmer, cold treat, store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
• Freezer: You can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the bars towards the end of the baking time. Overbaking can result in a drier texture. The center should remain gooey.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter and peanut butter are softened before mixing to get a smooth, even texture.
• Chill for Firmness: If you prefer firmer bars, refrigerate them for a while after they cool.

Nutrition

Nutritional Information	Amount per Serving
Calories	300
Total Fat	19g
Saturated Fat	7g
Cholesterol	30mg
Sodium	100mg
Total Carbohydrates	30g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Sugars	18g
Protein	5g

Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars FAQs

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Yes! You can substitute crunchy peanut butter for smooth if you prefer extra texture in the bars. It will still work great with the recipe.

2. Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Absolutely! If you prefer milk chocolate, you can swap it out. The bars will be sweeter and still delicious.

3. How do I prevent the bars from being too hard?
The key to soft, gooey bars is not overbaking. Keep an eye on them while they’re in the oven, and remember, the center should be soft and gooey when you remove them.

4. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the bars ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to 5 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.

5. How can I make these bars even more decadent?
For an extra indulgent treat, serve these gooey bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle some caramel sauce on top.

Conclusion

These Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars are the perfect balance of rich peanut butter and chocolate, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent. They’re simple to make and even easier to eat. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just a treat for yourself, these bars are sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Enjoy the gooey, chocolatey goodness and the satisfying peanut butter flavor in every bite!