Description
Peanut Butter Dream Bars are a luscious, easy-to-make dessert combining creamy peanut butter and sweet chocolate chips for a rich, satisfying treat. Perfectly soft and chewy, these bars offer a delightful balance of nutty and chocolaty flavors, ideal for snack time or any festive occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Sugars
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
- Cream the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, indicating proper incorporation of air for a tender texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the two large eggs and vanilla extract thoroughly until the batter is smooth and well combined, ensuring an even structure.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until combined to avoid overmixing which can make the bars tough.
- Fold in Chocolate and Nuts: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped peanuts if using, dispersing them evenly throughout the batter for consistent flavor and texture in every bite.
- Transfer and Bake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the edges turn golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 16 bars to ensure clean slices and set texture.
Notes
- For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle melted chocolate or a peanut butter glaze over the cooled bars.
- Using crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy can add a pleasant texture contrast.
- Ensure not to overbake to keep the bars soft and chewy rather than dry.
- Store bars in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 4 days.
