If you are searching for a treat that perfectly combines rich peanut butter and melty chocolate chips in a soft, chewy package, look no further than this Easy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe. With its simple ingredients and straightforward method, this recipe delivers a dessert that feels indulgent yet approachable, making it the perfect bake whether you need a quick snack or a crowd-pleasing dessert. These bars come out with a golden top and a tender crumb, showcasing the irresistible harmony of creamy peanut butter and semi-sweet chocolate chips with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an important role: the peanut butter brings creaminess and flavor depth, the mixture of sugars adds sweetness and moist texture, and the flour, combined with a touch of baking powder and salt, gives structure and balance. Lastly, the chocolate chips are the star embellishments that make these bars truly special.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: This is the luscious base that gives the bars their signature nutty taste and creamy texture.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and helps keep the bars moist and tender throughout.
- ¾ cup brown sugar: Provides a deep, caramel-like sweetness and contributes to chewiness.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and lightens the texture slightly.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add protein for sturdiness.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances flavor and adds warmth.
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour: The main structure component giving the bars their perfect density.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: A slight lift to keep the bars from being too dense.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies flavors.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melty pockets of chocolate that contrast wonderfully with the peanut butter.
How to Make Easy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it to ensure the bars come out easily without sticking. This setup step is key to achieving those perfect edges and easy cleanup.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter with the creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Stir the mixture until it is smooth and well blended. Then, beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until the batter is silky and consistent. This part builds the rich, moist foundation for the bars.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisking these dry ingredients ensures even distribution so that every bite of the bars has balanced texture and taste.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gradually add the flour mixture to the peanut butter batter, stirring gently just until everything is fully incorporated. Take care not to overmix, as that can make the bars tough rather than tender and chewy.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips and Bake
Finally, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, making sure they are evenly spread throughout the batter. Pour the mixture into your prepared pan and spread it into an even layer. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top turns a beautiful golden color and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Allow the baked bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper. This cooling step helps the bars set perfectly, making them easier to slice into 16 delightful squares.
How to Serve Easy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of indulgence, you can dust the bars with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or drizzle melted peanut butter or chocolate over the top. A handful of chopped roasted peanuts also adds a lovely crunch and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic dessert experience. Fresh berries or banana slices can also balance the sweetness and add a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these bars into portable treats by wrapping individual pieces in parchment and tying them with twine — perfect for gifting or lunchbox surprises. Alternatively, serve them as part of a dessert platter alongside other nutty or chocolatey bites for a fun party spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them soft and delicious without drying out, so you can enjoy them all week long.
Freezing
If you want to keep these bars for longer, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To freshen up chilled or frozen bars, warm them in a microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes until soft and melty again. This enhances the gooey chocolate chip experience.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add delightful bits of texture to your bars, making them even more interesting and crunchy with every bite.
Is it possible to substitute the butter with a healthier fat?
You can try replacing butter with coconut oil or a plant-based margarine, but keep in mind that the flavor and texture might slightly change. Butter offers a richness that complements the peanut butter beautifully.
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend that is suitable for baking. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to maintain the right texture.
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Yes, you can try reducing the sugars slightly, but since they contribute to the chewiness and caramel flavor, cutting too much may affect texture and taste. Consider cutting granulated sugar first before brown sugar for best results.
What’s the best way to cut these bars neatly?
Using a sharp knife, gently score the bars while still slightly warm and then cut after they have fully cooled. You can also warm the knife under hot water and wipe it dry between cuts for cleaner edges.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe is a fantastic go-to when you want a homemade treat that’s quick, satisfying, and irresistible. Pulling these bars from your oven fills your kitchen with a cozy aroma that invites everyone to gather around. Don’t hesitate to make a batch today—you’ll find yourself reaching for these bars again and again whenever you crave a little peanut butter and chocolate magic.
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
These Easy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars combine creamy peanut butter with rich chocolate chips to create a deliciously soft and chewy dessert. Perfect for an anytime treat, these bars are simple to make with straightforward ingredients and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 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 ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix well until the mixture is smooth and consistent. Then, beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt.
- Incorporate Dry Into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet peanut butter mixture, stirring gently until the batter is fully combined and smooth without overmixing.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold the semi-sweet chocolate chips gently into the batter, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout.
- Spread Batter and Bake: Pour and spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top turns a golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Slice into 16 equal bars and serve.
Notes
- For additional texture and crunch, stir in chopped peanuts or swirl extra peanut butter on top of the batter before baking.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
