Easy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe

The Gooiest Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe Ever

Baking delicious peanut butter chocolate chip bars brings pure joy to any dessert lover’s kitchen.

Sweet treats like these always spark excitement among friends and neighbors.

chocolate and peanut butter create an irresistible combination that melts hearts instantly.

Homemade desserts carry a special magic no store-bought snack can match.

Simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary with minimal effort.

Quick preparation means you can satisfy those sudden sugar cravings in no time.

Grab a mixing bowl and let the deliciousness begin!

Why Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars Are Addictive

  • Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make these bars a breeze to prepare, perfect for busy home bakers craving a fast dessert.
  • The irresistible blend of rich peanut butter and chocolate chips creates a universally loved treat that appeals to both kids and adults.
  • Beginner-friendly recipe requires basic mixing skills and common pantry ingredients, ensuring success for even novice bakers without complicated techniques.
  • These bars work wonderfully for casual gatherings, potlucks, school events, or as a comforting sweet snack, adaptable to various social settings and moods.

Ingredients for PB Chocolate Chip Bars

Core Ingredients:
  • Peanut Butter: Creamy base that adds rich nutty flavor.
  • Butter: Provides moisture and richness to the bars.
  • Eggs: Binding agent that helps create structure.
  • Chocolate Chips: Sweet morsels that add delightful chocolate bursts.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Structural foundation for the bars.
  • Baking Soda: Helps bars rise and create soft texture.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile.
Sweet and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel-like sweetness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides warm aromatic background note.

Making Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars

Step 1: Crank Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C) and get ready for some baking magic.

Step 2: Prep the Baking Battlefield

Grab your 9×13-inch pan and line it with parchment paper or give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredient Wonderland

In a big mixing bowl, combine:
  • Melted butter
  • Peanut butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Whisk these ingredients until they form a smooth, dreamy mixture that looks like pure happiness.

Step 4: Egg-cellent Addition

Crack in the eggs one at a time, giving each a thorough mix to create a creamy base that’ll make your bars irresistible.

Step 5: Dry Ingredient Dance

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Ensure everything is well combined and free of lumps.

Step 6: Marry the Mixtures

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Stir gently until just combined – don’t go crazy with the mixing or you’ll end up with tough bars.

Step 7: Chocolate Chip Celebration

Gently fold in most of the chocolate chips, saving a handful for a spectacular topping.

Step 8: Spread the Love

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula.

Step 9: Chocolate Chip Finale

Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips across the top for that extra touch of deliciousness.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

You’re looking for golden brown edges and a center that’s just slightly gooey when tested with a toothpick.

Step 11: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan – patience is key!

Once cooled, slice into squares and prepare for a taste explosion.

Best Tips for Chocolate Chip Bars with Peanut Butter

  • Stir the batter just until ingredients combine to keep bars tender and avoid tough, dense texture.
  • Reserve some chips to sprinkle on top for a bakery-style professional look that ensures chocolate in every bite.
  • Let eggs and butter sit out briefly before mixing to help create smoother, more evenly blended batter.
  • Start checking bars around 18 minutes to prevent overbaking, looking for golden edges and slightly soft center.
  • Let bars cool completely in pan to help them set and cut cleanly, preventing crumbly or messy squares.

Storing and Reheating PB Chocolate Bars

  • Store bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep layers separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before enjoying.
  • Warm individual bars for 10-15 seconds on medium power. Check temperature to avoid overheating and maintain soft texture.
  • Remove bars from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to restore original softness and flavor.

Pairings That Go with Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars

  • Pair with Creamy Milk: Indulge in a cold glass of whole milk that perfectly balances the rich, sweet chocolate and nutty peanut butter flavors.
  • Complement with Espresso Shot: Add a robust espresso to cut through the dessert's sweetness, creating a delightful contrast that enhances the bar's deep chocolate notes.
  • Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of smooth vanilla bean ice cream alongside the bars, offering a cool, creamy texture that melts beautifully with the warm, gooey chocolate chips.
  • Enjoy with Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the bars to amplify the dessert's decadence and add an extra layer of buttery, golden sweetness.

Fun Styles for Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars

  • Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Bars: Replace regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegan Chocolate Chip Bars: Swap eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs, use dairy-free chocolate chips, and substitute butter with coconut oil for a plant-based version.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of brown sugar, and choose sugar-free chocolate chips to reduce overall sugar content.
  • Nutty Protein Boost: Add chopped almonds or walnuts into the batter for extra crunch and protein, perfect for health-conscious bakers.

FAQs

  • Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?

Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but stir it well before measuring to ensure proper consistency and even distribution of oils.

  • How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

Look for golden brown edges and a toothpick with a few moist crumbs when inserted in the center. Avoid overbaking to keep the bars soft and chewy.

  • Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum for the best texture and structure.

  • Can I substitute the chocolate chips with other mix-ins?

Definitely! Try adding chopped nuts, butterscotch chips, or white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile while maintaining the same delicious base.

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Easy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe

Easy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe


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4.7 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 16 1x

Description

Irresistible peanut butter chocolate chip bars deliver sweet comfort with rich layers of creamy goodness. Quick homemade dessert promises pure indulgence that you’ll crave after the first delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240g) creamy peanut butter
  • 1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups (250g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Baking Components:

  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F, positioning the rack in the center for even heat distribution.
  2. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by lining with parchment paper or applying a light coating of cooking spray.
  3. Create a creamy base by whisking melted butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until thoroughly blended and glossy.
  4. Incorporate eggs individually, stirring vigorously after each addition to ensure a smooth, uniform mixture.
  5. In a separate container, combine flour, baking soda, and salt, sifting together to eliminate potential lumps.
  6. Merge dry ingredients into the wet mixture, using gentle folding techniques to maintain a tender texture and prevent overworking the batter.
  7. Distribute chocolate chips throughout the mixture, reserving a small portion for decorative topping.
  8. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to create an even, consistent layer.
  9. Artfully scatter remaining chocolate chips across the surface for a visually appealing finish.
  10. Bake for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until edges turn golden brown and a toothpick reveals slightly moist crumbs when inserted.
  11. Allow bars to cool completely within the pan, enabling them to set and develop a perfect chewy consistency before cutting into squares.

Notes

  • Choose natural, unsweetened peanut butter for a more authentic flavor and healthier option.
  • Swap half the chocolate chips with chopped nuts for added texture and crunch.
  • Let bars cool completely to achieve clean, precise cutting lines and prevent crumbling.
  • Room temperature ingredients help create a smoother, more consistent batter texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 16
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 17g
  • Sodium: 105mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Showcasing ingredients in plant-forward vegetarian dishes.
  • Creating adaptable weeklong menu templates centered on seasonal produce.

Education

Schoolcraft College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Associate Degree
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, menu planning, and food safety.

With an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Schoolcraft College and a natural knack for teaching, Olivia Bennett’s all about making home cooking feel possible, even on your busiest day.
Her thing? Recipes that are budget-friendly, season-forward, and full of Southern warmth. Whether it’s a roasted veggie bowl or a five-ingredient skillet bake, Olivia makes sure it’s simple, satisfying, and something you’ll want to make again tomorrow.
When she’s not shooting step-by-step videos or testing spice blends, she’s out foraging, flipping through old cookbooks, or throwing laid-back dinner parties with a BYO-mason-jar theme.

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