Delight in the ultimate treat with these Irresistible Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars. This recipe brings together the creamy richness of peanut butter and the decadent sweetness of semisweet chocolate chips, all baked into a soft, chewy bar. The addition of a smooth chocolate icing on top makes these bars an indulgent delight that’s hard to resist. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are sure to become a favorite.
Why You'll Love This: You'll love these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars for their perfect balance of flavors and textures. The creamy peanut butter adds a rich, nutty flavor, while the semisweet chocolate chips provide bursts of sweetness in every bite. The bars are wonderfully soft and chewy, making them a comforting and satisfying treat. The chocolate icing on top adds an extra layer of indulgence, making these bars irresistible. They are easy to make and perfect for sharing, ensuring that everyone will love them.
Perfect Occasion: These bars are ideal for any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a delicious homemade treat. They are perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or as a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea. They also make great gifts when you want to share a little homemade love with friends and family. Their beautiful presentation and delicious flavor make them a standout dessert that will leave a lasting impression.
Decoration Tips: For a professional finish, consider adding a drizzle of melted chocolate over the top of the icing for a decorative touch. You can also sprinkle some chopped peanuts or chocolate shavings on top for added texture and visual appeal. To serve, cut the bars into neat squares and arrange them on a decorative platter or cake stand. If you want to add a festive twist, you can use colorful sprinkles or edible glitter to match the occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/8 cups (142g) all-purpose flour, sifted (plus 1 teaspoon for chips)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (124g) creamy peanut butter
- 3/4 cup (150g) packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup (50g) sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (170g) semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line the bottom of an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Grease and flour the insides.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and fine sea salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and creamy peanut butter together with an electric mixer until well blended. Add the packed brown sugar and sugar, and beat until well combined. Beat in the eggs and pure vanilla extract in three separate additions, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Fold in the flour mixture until just combined. In a small bowl, toss the semisweet chocolate chips with 1 teaspoon of flour, then fold them into the batter.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, about 22-25 minutes. Let cool in the pan.
Icing:
- 1/2 cup (71g) chopped semisweet chocolate
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon light corn syrup
- Melt together the chopped semisweet chocolate, butter, and light corn syrup in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth.
- Spread the icing over the cooled bars.
Enjoy!