These peanut butter bars are a beloved classic for a reason, offering an irresistible combination of salty and sweet that satisfies every craving. This recipe elevates the humble bar with a rich, chewy texture and generous semi-sweet chocolate chunks, making it a standout treat. Crafting the perfect peanut butter bar is all about achieving that ideal balance of moistness and chewiness, ensuring each bite melts in your mouth. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this guide will help you create peanut butter bars that are truly unforgettable.

⏱ Time: 45 min
👥 Servings: 16
📊 Level: Easy
🥗 10 ingredients
Chewy Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars - peanut butter bars - Peanut Butter Bars: bake these incredibly chewy and rich bars loaded with semi-sweet chocolate chunks.

Chewy Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars

Peanut Butter Bars: bake these incredibly chewy and rich bars loaded with semi-sweet chocolate chunks. Perfect for a quick dessert or snack.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 16
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 380
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 stick (113 grams) unsalted butter
  • 1 3/4 (350 grams) cups light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup (135 grams) smooth peanut butter
  • 2 eggs plus one egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cups (286 grams) all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 6 ounces (170 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chunks

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8 by 8-inch metal baking pan with parchment or foil.
  2. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar, stirring until smooth. Remove from the heat and stir in the peanut butter. Allow to cool.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
  4. Once the butter mixture is cool, add the eggs and yolk, one at a time, stirring until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the mixture into the prepared dry ingredients, and stir to create a very thick dough-like batter. Fold in 3/4 the chocolate chunks, reserving the rest for sprinkling on top.
  5. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, spreading evenly to the edges. Sprinkle with the remaining chocolate chunks, lightly pressing them into the batter.
  6. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are slightly browned. Allow to cool in the pan. Use the parchment to remove the bars before cutting into squares and serving. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Notes

– For the chewiest peanut butter bars, ensure your butter and brown sugar mixture cools sufficiently before adding eggs. Adding eggs to a hot mixture can inadvertently cook them, affecting the final texture.
– If your dough seems too thick or stiff to spread, gently warm it for a few seconds in the microwave to make it more pliable. I once tried to force a cold batter into the pan and ended up with uneven bars; a slight warm-up makes all the difference.
– Storage: Store leftover peanut butter bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, individual bars can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.

Pro tips

  • For the chewiest peanut butter bars, ensure your butter and brown sugar mixture cools sufficiently before adding eggs. Adding eggs to a hot mixture can inadvertently cook them, affecting the final texture.
  • If your dough seems too thick or stiff to spread, gently warm it for a few seconds in the microwave to make it more pliable. I once tried to force a cold batter into the pan and ended up with uneven bars; a slight warm-up makes all the difference.
  • Storage: Store leftover peanut butter bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, individual bars can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.

These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Bars are a testament to simple ingredients creating extraordinary flavors. Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful treat!

More from Peanut Butter Cookies →