Description

These Fudge-Filled Peanut Butter Cake Bars combine the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate fudge into a moist, easy-to-make dessert. Using a yellow cake mix as the base, the bars feature a creamy peanut butter dough layered with a luscious chocolate fudge filling, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are indulgent yet simple to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

Peanut Butter Cake Bars

1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Fudge Filling

1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars.
Make Peanut Butter Cake Batter: In a large bowl, beat together the yellow cake mix, creamy peanut butter, softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined and thick in consistency.
Form Base Layer: Press about two-thirds of the peanut butter cake batter evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create a solid base layer.
Prepare Fudge Filling: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, semisweet chocolate chips, 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, and salt. Stir constantly until the mixture is fully melted and smooth, forming a rich fudge sauce.
Assemble Layers: Pour the warm fudge mixture evenly over the peanut butter base layer in the pan, spreading it out carefully.
Top Layer: Crumble the remaining one-third peanut butter cake batter over the fudge layer to create a textured top.
Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top layer turns golden and is set firmly.
Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to set properly before slicing them into approximately 24 bars.

Notes

For a crunchier texture, sprinkle chopped peanuts on top before baking.
You can substitute milk chocolate chips for semisweet chocolate chips if you prefer a sweeter fudge layer.
Ensure the peanut butter and butter are softened for easier mixing and better texture.
Letting the bars cool completely before slicing helps in cleaner cuts and better presentation.