Short Description
Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Bars are the ultimate indulgence for dessert lovers. Combining rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture, these bars are a decadent treat perfect for any occasion. With a gooey center and a slightly crispy top, every bite offers a delightful mix of sweetness and texture that will keep you coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Decadent – These bars have a luscious, buttery texture with the perfect balance of chocolate and peanut butter.
- Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
- Crowd-Pleaser – Whether served at a party, potluck, or holiday gathering, these bars are sure to be a hit.
- Perfect for Make-Ahead Treats – Store them for later and enjoy their deliciousness anytime.
- Customizable – Easily adjust the recipe to fit different dietary preferences and flavor combinations.
Ingredients
- Chocolate cake mix
- Butter
- Eggs
- Cream cheese
- Powdered sugar
- Peanut butter
- Vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Prepare the crust by combining the chocolate cake mix, melted butter, and eggs in a large bowl. Mix until a thick dough forms.
- Press the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even layer.
- Make the filling by beating together the softened cream cheese, peanut butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar to the mixture, blending well to create a creamy, sweet filling.
- Pour the filling over the crust and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool completely before cutting into squares. The bars will firm up as they cool.
- Serve and enjoy!
Variations
- Gluten-Free Option – Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix for a gluten-free version.
- Extra Chocolatey – Add chocolate chips to the filling for an extra layer of chocolate goodness.
- Crunchy Texture – Sprinkle chopped peanuts or toffee bits on top before baking.
- Salted Caramel Drizzle – Drizzle caramel sauce over the bars before serving for a salty-sweet contrast.
- Healthier Twist – Substitute reduced-fat cream cheese and natural peanut butter to lighten up the recipe.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Servings: 12-16 bars, depending on size
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Enjoy chilled or microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore the gooey texture.
FAQs
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The top should be set and slightly golden, but the center should still be a little gooey.
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes! Try vanilla, peanut butter, or even red velvet for a fun twist.
Can I make these bars in advance?
Absolutely! They taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Do I need to refrigerate the bars?
Yes, because of the cream cheese filling, they should be stored in the fridge.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes, it will add some texture to the filling.
What can I serve these with?
A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of melted chocolate enhances their flavor.
How can I make these less sweet?
Reduce the powdered sugar slightly or use natural peanut butter for a less sweet variation.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time accordingly.
How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan?
Line the baking dish with parchment paper or grease it well before baking.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Chopped peanuts, walnuts, or even pretzel pieces would add a great crunch.
Conclusion
Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Bars are a must-try dessert for anyone who loves a rich and satisfying treat. Easy to make and full of flavor, these bars are perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself! Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or chilled, they’re sure to become a favorite in your dessert lineup.
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Bars
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 bites 1x
Description
Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Bars are a rich and indulgent dessert featuring a chocolate cake base, creamy peanut butter filling, and a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a sweet treat at home!
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Prepare the crust by combining the chocolate cake mix, melted butter, and eggs in a large bowl. Mix until a thick dough forms.
- Press the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even layer.
- Make the filling by beating together the softened cream cheese, peanut butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar to the mixture, blending well to create a creamy, sweet filling.
- Pour the filling over the crust and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool completely before cutting into squares. The bars will firm up as they cool.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Gluten-Free Option – Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix.
- Extra Chocolatey – Add chocolate chips to the filling.
- Crunchy Texture – Sprinkle chopped peanuts or toffee bits on top before baking.
- Salted Caramel Drizzle – Drizzle caramel sauce over the bars before serving.
- Healthier Twist – Use reduced-fat cream cheese and natural peanut butter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Bars & Brownies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chocolate peanut butter bars, gooey butter bars, chocolate dessert, easy peanut butter bars, indulgent baked treats
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