If you have a serious sweet tooth and love all things chocolate and peanut butter, then this Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Bars Recipe might just become your new obsession. These bars combine a rich, fudgy chocolate base with a luscious, creamy peanut butter layer, topped off with melty chocolate chips that create a decadent, ooey gooey texture in every bite. Whether you’re serving them for a casual get-together or a comforting weekend treat, these bars are effortless to make and impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the few ingredients fool you; each one plays an essential role in building that dreamy, gooey texture and irresistible flavor combination that makes this recipe stand out. From the chocolate cake mix providing a dense, chocolaty foundation to the peanut butter and cream cheese adding that perfect creamy richness, every element contributes something special.
- Chocolate cake mix: Acts as a convenient base that delivers deep chocolate flavor and a fudgy crust.
- Butter, melted (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and richness, helping to bind the crust together perfectly.
- Egg (1): Provides structure to the chocolate crust, ensuring it bakes firm but tender.
- Cream cheese, softened (8 oz): Brings a smooth, tangy creaminess to the peanut butter layer.
- Peanut butter (1/4 cup): Infuses nutty flavor and luscious texture into the filling.
- Powdered sugar (2 cups): Sweetens the filling and helps achieve that classic “buttery” gooeyness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors with a warm, aromatic touch.
- Chocolate chips (1/2 cup): Creates melty pockets of chocolate on top, adding both texture and richness.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Stir everything together until you get a smooth, workable dough. Then press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared dish to form a thick, chocolatey base for your bars.
Step 2: Whip Up the Peanut Butter Filling
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Keep mixing until you achieve a silky-smooth, creamy texture. This mixture will be the luscious, slightly tangy layer that contrasts beautifully with the chocolate crust beneath it.
Step 3: Assemble and Add the Chocolate Chips
Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over your chocolate crust, using a spatula to smooth it out. Once the filling covers the entire base, sprinkle the chocolate chips generously over the top. These chips will melt slightly during baking, creating those irresistible gooey spots of chocolate that complement every bite.
Step 4: Bake to Ooey Gooey Perfection
Place your dish in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the top turns a light golden color and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs clinging to it. This timing ensures the filling is set but still perfectly ooey and gooey.
Step 5: Cool and Cut
Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into squares. Cooling lets the layers firm up just enough to handle, so your bars keep their shape while still melting in your mouth. These bars are too good to rush!
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A little goes a long way when garnishing these bars. Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar for a simple elegant touch or add a few chopped roasted peanuts on top for extra crunch and that unmistakable peanut flavor boost. You could also drizzle melted chocolate or peanut butter over each square for an extra special presentation.
Side Dishes
While these bars shine as a standalone treat, pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream elevates the indulgence. Fresh fruit, like sliced strawberries or raspberries, provides a lovely tart contrast to the sweetness, balancing the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, consider cutting these bars into bite-size squares and arranging them on a festive platter with colorful paper liners. Or stack a few alongside a hot cup of coffee or milk for a cozy dessert board. Wrapping individual bars in wax paper makes for adorable and convenient homemade gifts your friends will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover bars (and you probably will), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep that ooey gooey texture intact. After that, transferring them to the fridge helps extend freshness for up to a week, but keep in mind it might firm them up slightly.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully. Cut them into squares before freezing, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid. Once frozen, transfer squares to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked warmth, gently reheat individual bars in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or until soft and melty without overheating. You can also warm them in a low oven (around 300°F) for a few minutes. This step truly revives the ooey gooey magic.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?
Natural peanut butter can be used but may affect the texture slightly since it’s often thinner and less sweet than regular peanut butter. If you choose natural, consider adding a bit more powdered sugar to balance sweetness and achieve the right gooey consistency.
Is it necessary to use a chocolate cake mix?
The chocolate cake mix simplifies the recipe and gives that fudgy base, but you could experiment with homemade chocolate batter if you prefer. Just keep in mind the cake mix also contributes to the right texture and ease of preparation.
Can I substitute cream cheese with something else?
Cream cheese adds a tangy richness that balances the peanut butter’s sweetness, but if you need a dairy-free option, try using vegan cream cheese. The flavor might be slightly different but will still create a creamy texture.
What’s the best way to cut these bars cleanly?
Make sure the bars are completely cooled or even chilled before slicing. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts to keep the edges neat and prevent sticking.
Can I double the recipe to make a bigger batch?
Absolutely! Just use a larger pan or bake in two batches. Keep an eye on baking time; larger batches may need a bit more time but check with a toothpick to avoid overbaking.
Final Thoughts
Whipping up these Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Bars Recipe is like creating a bite of homemade heaven that everyone can enjoy. The balance of chocolate and peanut butter, along with the satisfyingly gooey texture, makes this recipe a standout anytime you want to indulge or impress. Trust me, once you try these bars, they’ll quickly become your go-to dessert for birthdays, holidays, or just because moments. So grab your ingredients, get baking, and prepare for some serious deliciousness!
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Bars combine a rich chocolate cake crust with a creamy, sweet peanut butter and cream cheese filling, topped with melty chocolate chips. Perfectly gooey and indulgent, they make a delightful dessert or snack for chocolate and peanut butter lovers.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 egg
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make the chocolate crust: In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Mix thoroughly until fully combined. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust layer.
- Prepare the peanut butter filling: In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy without lumps.
- Assemble the bars: Pour the peanut butter mixture over the chocolate crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.
- Add the chocolate chip topping: Sprinkle the chocolate chips uniformly over the peanut butter layer, so they melt into the filling during baking.
- Bake the bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool and serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares. This step ensures the bars set properly and hold their shape when served.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth filling.
- You can substitute peanut butter with almond butter or any nut butter if preferred.
- For extra indulgence, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars before serving.
- If you prefer a thicker crust, press the cake mix mixture slightly more densely into the pan.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
