If you’re craving a dessert that combines creamy peanut butter with melty chocolate chips in a chewy, irresistible bar, then you’re in for a real treat. This Easy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe is one of those childhood favorites that feels like a warm hug in every bite. The balance of nutty richness and sweet chocolate is so comforting, and the simplicity of the recipe means you can whip up these bars any day of the week with minimal fuss. Whether you’re making them for a potluck, a lunchbox surprise, or just because, these bars deliver big flavor and satisfy that sweet tooth without needing any fancy ingredients or complicated steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward pantry staples that each play a crucial part in creating the perfect texture, taste, and look of your peanut butter chocolate chip bars. Every ingredient adds a layer of deliciousness that makes these bars shine.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: Provides a rich, nutty base that holds everything together with its creamy texture.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted): Adds buttery flavor and helps keep the bars moist and tender.
- ¾ cup brown sugar: Brings deep caramel notes and keeps the bars chewy.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and enhances the golden-baked crust.
- 2 large eggs: Bind all the ingredients for perfect structure and softness.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that provides the bars’ classic chewy texture.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Gives a slight lift, ensuring the bars are not too dense.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melts into pockets of gooey chocolate that make each bite heavenly.
How to Make Easy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, then lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Preparing the pan ahead of time ensures your bars come out clean and easy to remove once baked.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The sugars will dissolve into the fats, giving you a luscious base for the batter. Then beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture is silky and fully blended.
Step 3: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures your baking powder and salt are evenly distributed, which helps your bars bake uniformly without any bitter pockets of seasoning.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mixing slowly prevents overworking the batter, so your bars stay tender and chewy. Once everything is just incorporated, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips to distribute them evenly without breaking them up.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan and pop it into the oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top turns a lovely golden color. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing to avoid a crumbly mess.
How to Serve Easy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe
Garnishes
While these bars are perfect just as they are, adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right after baking can elevate the flavors beautifully. You can also drizzle melted peanut butter or chocolate over the bars for a pretty, indulgent finish.
Side Dishes
These bars pair brilliantly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra decadent treat. A refreshing side of sliced fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas can add a nice balance to the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the bars into bite-sized squares and serve them on a tiered dessert tray at your next party. Wrapping individual bars in pretty parchment paper tied with twine also makes them great for gifting or lunchbox treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your peanut butter chocolate chip bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them soft, chewy, and satisfying whenever the craving hits.
Freezing
If you want to keep these bars fresh for longer, you can freeze them. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy this easy peanut butter chocolate chip bars recipe anytime.
Reheating
To enjoy bars straight from the freezer, thaw them overnight in the fridge or warm them gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. The chocolate chips will melt slightly, giving you that fresh-baked feeling in seconds.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful texture variation to your bars. Just expect a bit more crunch with every bite, which some people love!
Is there a way to make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binding agent for the best results. The bars will still taste amazing.
Can I substitute the butter for a healthier fat?
You can try using coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative if you prefer, but keep in mind this might subtly change the flavor and texture. Melted butter creates the classic rich taste that complements peanut butter perfectly.
How do I know when the bars are fully baked?
Look for a golden top and edges pulling slightly away from the pan. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with only a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Can I add other mix-ins to this recipe?
Definitely! Chopped peanuts, shredded coconut, or even white chocolate chips work beautifully. Just be careful not to overload the batter as it might affect baking time and texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Easy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe that makes it a winner every single time. It’s simple enough for any skill level but rich and flavorful enough to satisfy the most discerning dessert lover. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to bake a batch of bars that are guaranteed to become a beloved classic in your home.
Print
Easy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make peanut butter chocolate chip bars that combine creamy peanut butter with rich chocolate chips for a perfect sweet treat. These bars are soft, chewy, and perfect for dessert or snacks.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat the eggs and vanilla extract into the peanut butter mixture until everything is well combined and the batter becomes smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening.
- Incorporate dry into wet: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet peanut butter mixture. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Fold in chocolate chips: Gently fold the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter to evenly distribute the chocolate throughout.
- Spread batter and bake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 16 bars for serving.
Notes
- For extra texture, stir in chopped peanuts or swirl additional peanut butter into the batter before baking.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
