If you’re a devoted fan of chocolate and peanut butter, these Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars are a swoon-worthy treat you absolutely must try. Imagine a buttery cookie base, overflowing with creamy peanut butter, rich sweetened condensed milk, and lots of melty peanut butter cups in every bite. These bars are the kind of dessert that stops conversation at potlucks and family gatherings—you’ll instantly become the most popular person in the room! Plus, they’re effortless to make, starting with a box of cake mix and a handful of pantry staples, yet the flavor is pure homemade magic from the very first gooey, chocolatey square.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars is delightfully short, but each one plays a starring role in both the crave-worthy flavor and that signature melty, gooey texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Yellow cake mix: The base of the bars, giving them a soft, moist crumb and just the right amount of sweetness.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Makes the dough rich and tender—be sure to use quality butter for the best flavor.
- Creamy peanut butter: Brings that signature salty-sweet nuttiness that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
- Large eggs: Provide structure for both the crust and the gooey filling, keeping everything together.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Guarantees luscious gooeyness throughout the bars—it’s the secret weapon for true decadence.
- Peanut butter chips: Add rich peanut butter flavor in every bite and a lovely melty texture.
- Chopped mini peanut butter cups: The star of the show! These deliver pockets of chocolatey, peanut buttery goodness in every square.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out all the flavors with a warm, sweet undertone.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting it hang over the edges for easy lifting later, or lightly grease the pan. This ensures your Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars come out cleanly and don’t stick to the pan.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, creamy peanut butter, and one egg. Mix until everything is thoroughly blended and you have a soft, thick dough. This will form that irresistible chewy base you crave in dessert bars.
Step 3: Press and Reserve the Dough
Set aside about one-third of the dough for the topping. Take the remaining two-thirds and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Make sure to reach all the corners—a little patience here pays off in perfect layers later!
Step 4: Whip Up the Gooey Filling
In a separate bowl, stir together the sweetened condensed milk, remaining egg, vanilla extract, peanut butter chips, and chopped mini peanut butter cups. This is where the “gooey” magic happens—the filling will bubble up and create dreamy pockets of goo inside your bars.
Step 5: Assemble and Top the Bars
Pour the gooey filling mixture over your pressed dough, smoothing it into an even layer. Now, drop spoonfuls of your reserved dough right over the top. Don’t worry if it doesn’t completely cover the filling; those golden swirls look gorgeous after baking.
Step 6: Bake to Gooey Perfection
Pop your pan in the oven and bake for 28 to 32 minutes, just until the edges turn golden and the center is mostly set—don’t overbake if you want that signature ooey gooey-ness! Let the bars cool completely in the pan so they set up for clean slicing.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars
Garnishes
For a show-stopping finish, drizzle the cooled bars with melted chocolate or a little warm peanut butter. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a dusting of powdered sugar can also take your Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars to the next level of indulgence.
Side Dishes
These bars are truly rich, so serve them with a glass of cold milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a hot cup of coffee. The cool, creamy contrast of ice cream with the warm gooey centers is absolutely sublime!
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the bars into smaller bites for party trays, or layer cut squares in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for a sweet edible gift. You can even crumble the bars over ice cream sundaes or use them as a decadent base for a dessert trifle. Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars are versatile enough to steal the show at any occasion!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature; they’ll stay soft and delicious for up to four days. The flavors deepen a little each day, making leftovers a real treat!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before serving for gooey goodness on demand.
Reheating
If you like your bars warm and melty, just pop a square in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. The centers get even gooier and the chocolate softens for pure comfort food bliss.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix adds classic buttery richness, you can try chocolate, white, or even spice cake mix for a fun twist. Each one will bring a unique flavor to your Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite gluten-free yellow cake mix in the same amount. Just make sure all the add-ins, like peanut butter cups and peanut butter chips, are gluten-free as well.
What if I don’t have mini peanut butter cups?
No worries! You can use chopped regular peanut butter cups or even swirl in some chocolate chips for extra chocolatey goodness. The bars are very forgiving and delicious with all sorts of mix-ins.
Do I need to chill the bars before slicing?
It helps! Letting the bars cool completely ensures clean, sturdy slices and helps all the layers set up perfectly. If you’re in a hurry, you can pop the pan in the fridge for 30 minutes before slicing.
Are these bars suitable for gifting?
Definitely! Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars make an amazing edible gift—just wrap the cooled bars in parchment or cellophane and tie with a cute ribbon. Friends and neighbors will rave about your baking skills!
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend these Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars enough—they’re ridiculously easy, wildly indulgent, and guaranteed to put a huge smile on everyone’s face. Whether you’re baking for a party, a family movie night, or just a well-deserved treat, you’ll love every gooey, chocolatey bite. Give them a try and get ready to share the recipe—everyone will be asking!
Print
Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the irresistible decadence of these Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars. A delightful blend of cake mix, peanut butter, sweetened condensed milk, and peanut butter cups, these bars are gooey perfection in every bite.
Ingredients
Cake Mix Dough:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 ounces)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg
Filling:
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 ounces)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup peanut butter chips
- 1 cup chopped mini peanut butter cups
Instructions
- Prep the Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or greasing.
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine cake mix, melted butter, peanut butter, and 1 egg to form a soft dough. Press two-thirds of it into the pan.
- Prepare the Filling: In another bowl, mix condensed milk, remaining egg, vanilla, peanut butter chips, and chopped peanut butter cups. Spread over the crust.
- Bake: Drop spoonfuls of remaining dough over the top. Bake for 28–32 minutes until set. Cool before slicing into bars.
Notes
- For added richness, drizzle melted chocolate or warm peanut butter on top.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
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