If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate comforting treat, these Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Bars are guaranteed to hit the sweet spot. Each bar features a decadent trio of creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and fluffy cream cheese atop a chewy chocolate cake base, all crowned with melty chocolate chips. Every bite strikes that magical balance between fudgy and oozy, making them irresistible for peanut butter and chocolate fans alike. Trust me, these bars disappear fast—don’t be surprised if you catch yourself sneaking a second (or third) piece!
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s nothing complicated here—just pantry staples that come together in pure dessert bliss. Each ingredient plays its part, bringing either chocolatey depth, creamy tang, sweetness, or texture to ensure your Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Bars are unforgettable.
- Chocolate cake mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): The base for our chewy crust; it’s the shortcut secret to maximum flavor.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted – crust): Adds rich, velvety texture to the crust and helps it hold together.
- Large egg (1 – crust): Binds the crust and makes it pleasantly tender.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Brings signature tang and a luscious, creamy layer to the filling.
- Creamy peanut butter (1 cup): Infuses the gooey filling with nutty depth and classic flavor.
- Large eggs (2 – filling): Work their magic, giving the filling that plush, custardy finish.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavor with comfort and warmth.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted – filling): Makes the filling extra rich and gives it melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Powdered sugar (4 cups): Sweetens and thickens the filling, keeping it smooth and spreadable.
- Mini chocolate chips (1/2 cup, optional): Scattered on top for melty pools of chocolate in every bite.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to bake up magic. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish; a spritz of nonstick spray or a quick swipe of butter will ensure the bars pop right out without sticking.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Crust
In a large bowl, stir together the chocolate cake mix, 1/2 cup of melted butter, and 1 large egg until a soft, doughy mixture forms. This is your chewy, chocolatey base! Transfer the dough to your prepared pan and press it evenly across the bottom, making sure to reach all four corners for an even layer.
Step 3: Whip Up the Ooey Gooey Filling
Grab a clean bowl and beat together the softened cream cheese and peanut butter until completely smooth—this is the heart of your Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Bars. Next, add in the two eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter, mixing until the filling is luscious and creamy. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar a cup at a time; things will get thick and dreamy!
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Pour your peanut butter cream cheese filling right over the chocolate crust. Gently smooth it out with a spatula—it’s thick and generous, just how we like it! For a touch of extra indulgence, sprinkle the top with mini chocolate chips. Press a few in so they melt into the surface as the bars bake.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’re looking for edges that are set and a center that’s still a little jiggly—don’t overbake! The gooey center is what makes these bars so special. Allow the bars to cool completely (patience!) before slicing, so every piece holds together in its glorious, layered form.
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Bars
Garnishes
Dress up these bars with a dusting of powdered sugar, an extra drizzle of warm peanut butter, or a scattering of chopped roasted peanuts. If you want to go all out, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side turns each square into a special occasion.
Side Dishes
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Bars are showstoppers solo, but they pair beautifully with cold milk, robust coffee, or a mug of hot cocoa. For a dessert platter, serve them alongside fresh berries or even salty pretzels for a sweet-and-salty touch.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the bars into small cubes for brownie bites at parties, stack them high on a vintage cake stand, or wrap them in parchment and twine for an irresistible homemade gift. You can even layer chunks of bar in jars with whipped cream for delightful parfaits—let your imagination run wild!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftover bars into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. Chilling makes them extra fudgy and lets the flavors meld. They’ll stay fresh and gooey for up to five days, if they last that long!
Freezing
These bars freeze like a dream. Arrange slices in a single layer (with parchment between) in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. You can store them for up to three months—just thaw overnight in the fridge whenever chocolate-peanut butter cravings strike.
Reheating
To restore that warm, freshly-baked magic, pop a bar or two in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. The filling softens up, and the chocolate chips get a little melty, recreating that ooey gooey sensation we all love.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! You can swap in a yellow or devil’s food cake mix for a fun twist. Just keep the rest of the ingredients the same—you’ll still end up with deliciously gooey bars.
Is it okay to use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes, you can! Crunchy peanut butter will add little pockets of texture throughout the filling. For even more crunch, stir in a handful of chopped roasted peanuts before spreading the filling over the crust.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Look for golden, set edges and a slightly jiggly center. If you overbake, the signature gooeyness can be lost, so keep a close eye during the last few minutes in the oven.
Can I make Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Bars gluten free?
Definitely! Use your favorite gluten-free chocolate cake mix, and confirm your other ingredients are gluten free. The results will be just as rich and satisfying.
Do these bars need to be refrigerated?
While they can be left at room temperature for a few hours, it’s best to refrigerate them for longer storage—especially because the rich, gooey layer stays extra lush when chilled.
Final Thoughts
There’s a good reason Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Bars have their reputation as a crowd-pleaser—they truly are irresistible. Whether you’re making them for a party, packing them up for a sweet gift, or sneaking a square for an afternoon pick-me-up, these bars always bring big smiles. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and fall in love with every ooey gooey bite!
Print
Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of these Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Bars. A luscious blend of chocolate cake crust, creamy peanut butter filling, and optional chocolate chips come together for a truly irresistible dessert.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make the crust: In a bowl, mix chocolate cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Press into the pan.
- Prepare the filling: Beat cream cheese and peanut butter. Add eggs, vanilla, melted butter, and powdered sugar. Pour over crust.
- Bake: Sprinkle with chocolate chips and bake for 40–45 minutes until set. Cool before slicing.
Notes
- For a crunchier texture, add chopped roasted peanuts or use crunchy peanut butter.
- Bars are best stored chilled for a firmer texture but can be enjoyed at room temperature for ultimate gooeyness.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *