Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars

There’s something undeniably comforting about the combination of chocolate and peanut butter. Growing up, I always loved sneaking a peanut butter cup from the candy jar, but I never thought I could recreate that indulgent experience in a homemade dessert. That changed when I discovered peanut butter cup gooey bars—a treat that delivers everything I love about my favorite candy in a warm, chewy, bakery-style bar.

This recipe is perfect for beginners because it requires no special baking skills, just a few simple steps, and minimal cleanup. If you’re looking for an easy yet impressive dessert, these gooey bars will become your go-to recipe for potlucks, family gatherings, or even a cozy night in.

Why This Recipe is Special

These peanut butter cup gooey bars are not just your average dessert. They combine the best elements of cookies and bars with an irresistible gooey peanut butter filling. Here’s what makes them stand out:

• Foolproof Cookie Dough: The base of this dessert is a simple chocolate chip cookie dough made with melted butter, which means no need for an electric mixer or complicated creaming techniques.
• Rich, Gooey Filling: A layer of sweetened condensed milk mixed with peanut butter creates a decadent center that stays soft even after baking.
• Peanut Butter Cup Perfection: Miniature peanut butter cups are scattered throughout, ensuring each bite is packed with peanut buttery goodness.
• Customizable and Fun: You can easily switch up the mix-ins, add nuts, or even use different flavored chocolate chips to make this recipe your own.

Ingredients and Their Roles

Cookie Dough Base

• Butter (melted): Creates a chewy texture and makes the dough easy to mix by hand.
• Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness, while granulated sugar helps with structure.
• Eggs: Provide stability and richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
• Baking Soda & Salt: Ensures the bars rise properly and balances the sweetness.
• All-Purpose Flour: The main structure-building ingredient.
• Chocolate Chips: Adds melty chocolate pockets throughout the dough.

Gooey Peanut Butter Filling

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates the signature gooey layer.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: Adds richness and deep peanut butter flavor.
• Miniature Peanut Butter Cups: Melty pockets of peanut butter and chocolate in every bite.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Butter: Substitute with coconut oil or margarine for a dairy-free option.
• Flour: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if needed.
• Chocolate Chips: Swap for white chocolate or peanut butter chips for variation.
• Peanut Butter Cups: Use chopped chocolate bars, caramel-filled chocolates, or nut butter cups for a twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Beginners

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13” baking pan by lining it with foil and spraying it with cooking spray. This makes cleanup easier and ensures the bars come out of the pan smoothly.

Step 2: In a large bowl, stir together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each. Stir in vanilla extract, salt, and baking soda.

Step 3: Gradually add the flour, mixing just until no dry streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars dense. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Step 4: In a separate small bowl, mix the sweetened condensed milk with peanut butter until smooth. This will be your gooey filling.

Step 5: Press half of the cookie dough into the prepared pan. Spray your hands lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Evenly distribute the peanut butter cups over the dough layer. Pour the peanut butter and condensed milk mixture on top, leaving a slight border around the edges.

Step 7: Break the remaining cookie dough into small pieces and scatter them over the filling. It won’t fully cover the surface, but that’s okay—the dough will spread as it bakes.

Step 8: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are set. The center may still look slightly soft, but it will firm up as it cools.

Step 9: Let the bars cool completely before cutting. This allows the gooey filling to set and prevents a messy cut.

Beginner Tips and Notes

• How to Tell When It’s Done: The bars should be golden brown on top but still slightly soft in the center. A toothpick inserted near the edge should come out clean, while the center will firm up as it cools.
• Cooling is Key: Resist the urge to cut into the bars right away—cooling ensures a clean cut and prevents the filling from oozing out.
• Mess-Free Mixing: Since this dough is made with melted butter, you can mix everything with a simple spoon or spatula—no need for a mixer.
• Lining the Pan: Using foil or parchment paper helps lift the bars out easily, making cutting and serving effortless.
• Storing the Bars: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to a month.

Serving Suggestions

• With Ice Cream: Warm a bar slightly in the microwave and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
• Drizzle with Chocolate: Melt some extra chocolate and drizzle it over the top for added decadence.
• Crunchy Twist: Sprinkle crushed peanuts or pretzels over the gooey filling before baking for an extra crunch.

Conclusion: Ready to Bake?

Baking doesn’t have to be intimidating, and these peanut butter cup gooey bars prove just that. With simple steps, easy-to-find ingredients, and a no-fail method, this is a dessert that any beginner can confidently make. The result? A soft, gooey, peanut buttery delight that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Try this recipe and let me know how it turns out! Share your experience in the comments or tag me on social media—I’d love to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!

FAQ About Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars

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