Get ready to experience the most decadent, melt-in-your-mouth dessert that combines two irresistible flavors: rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter. These fudgy peanut butter bars are not just a treat; they're a culinary experience that will have everyone begging for your secret recipe. Whether you're a chocolate lover, a peanut butter fanatic, or simply someone who appreciates mind-blowing desserts, these bars are about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of peanut butter and 1 cup of brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to blend them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the peanut butter and sugar mixture. Beat the ingredients together until they are fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, sift together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of cocoa powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This will help to evenly distribute the dry ingredients and prevent clumping.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be thick and fudgy.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform thickness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The bars should not be overbaked to maintain their fudgy texture.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the bars to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, cut the bars into 16 equal squares. You can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for an extended shelf life.
- Enjoy your delicious fudgy peanut butter bars as a sweet treat or dessert!
Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and optimal texture.
- Don't overmix the batter - this can lead to tough, dense bars instead of the desired fudgy consistency.
- For extra indulgence, consider adding chocolate chips to the batter or drizzling melted chocolate on top after cooling.
- Use a high-quality cocoa powder for the most intense chocolate flavor.
- Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting.
- Check the bars a few minutes before the recommended baking time to prevent overbaking.
- Let the bars cool completely to allow them to set and develop their rich, fudgy texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 35mg
