Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the combination of peanut butter and chocolate, and these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars are a testament to that. Rich, gooey, and packed with flavor, these bars are perfect for a snack, dessert, or even as a treat to share with friends and family. Let’s dive into how you can make these delicious bars at home.

What are Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars?

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars are a delightful treat that combines the creamy, nutty flavor of peanut butter with the rich, sweet taste of chocolate chips. These bars have a soft, chewy texture and are incredibly easy to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal preparation time.

Key Ingredients

Peanut Butter

• Creamy Peanut Butter: Provides the main flavor and contributes to the bars’ moist texture.

Chocolate Chips

• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Balance the sweetness of the bars and add a rich chocolatey flavor.

Flour

• All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure to the bars.

Sugar

• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the bars and helps create a slightly crisp top.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a deeper, caramel-like flavor and moisture.

Butter

• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps with the chewy texture.

Eggs

• Large Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the ingredients together.

Vanilla Extract

• Pure Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the bars.

Essential Kitchen Tools

1. Mixing Bowls: For combining ingredients.
2. Electric Mixer: Makes mixing ingredients easier.
3. Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements.
4. Spatula: For folding in chocolate chips.
5. Baking Pan: An 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch pan works well.
6. Parchment Paper: For easy removal of the bars.
7. Cooling Rack: To cool the bars after baking.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Preparing the Ingredients

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Measure Ingredients: Measure out all your ingredients to have them ready.

Mixing the Wet Ingredients

3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together 1/2 cup of unsalted butter (softened), 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup of brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Peanut Butter and Vanilla: Mix in 3/4 cup of creamy peanut butter and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Incorporate Eggs: Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.

Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients

6. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 and 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
7. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.

Adding Chocolate Chips

8. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Using a spatula, fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

Baking the Bars

9. Transfer to Pan: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan.
10. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
11. Cool: Allow the bars to cool in the pan on a cooling rack. Once cool, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang and cut into squares.

Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to tough bars. Mix until just combined.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room temperature butter and eggs for a smoother batter.
• Check for Doneness: Be careful not to overbake. The bars should be slightly underbaked in the center for a gooey texture.

Serving Suggestions

These bars are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra treat.

Variations and Substitutions

• Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter or another nut-free butter substitute.
• Different Chips: Swap out semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate, dark chocolate, or peanut butter chips.
• Add Nuts: Stir in chopped peanuts or pecans for added crunch.

Storing and Freezing Leftovers

• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the bars in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutritional Information

Each serving (based on 16 bars) of Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars has approximately:

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 16g

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars are a simple yet satisfying treat that brings together the beloved flavors of peanut butter and chocolate. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Give them a try and enjoy the deliciousness!

FAQs

1. Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe? Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but be sure to stir it well before using to incorporate the oil.

2. Can I make these bars gluten-free? Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

3. How do I know when the bars are done baking? The bars are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

4. Can I add other mix-ins to these bars? Yes, feel free to add chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even coconut flakes for extra texture and flavor.

5. How long will these bars stay fresh? Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, the bars will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Source: averiecooks.com