Fudge-Filled Peanut Butter Cake Bars Recipe
If you have a soft spot for rich, comforting desserts, you are going to adore this Fudge-Filled Peanut Butter Cake Bars Recipe. Imagine a tender peanut butter cake base that cradles a luscious layer of creamy fudge, creating an irresistible harmony of flavors in every bite. This dessert is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a heartwarming treat perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether you need a sweet pick-me-up or a show-stopping bake for your next gathering, these bars deliver that perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and chocolatey goodness that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Fudge-Filled Peanut Butter Cake Bars Recipe are simple pantry staples, yet each plays a vital role. From the creamy peanut butter that provides depth and nuttiness to the sweetened condensed milk forming the silky fudge layer, every element works harmoniously to create a truly delectable dessert.
- Creamy peanut butter: Provides a rich, nutty base that defines the bars’ signature flavor.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds moistness and a tender crumb to the cake.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the peanut butter with just the right level of sweetness.
- Brown sugar (packed): Contributes a warm, caramel undertone for depth.
- Large eggs: Bind ingredients together and help the cake rise.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances flavor complexity both in the cake and fudge layers.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the cake bars.
- Baking soda: Lightens the texture for a soft and fluffy bite.
- Salt: Accentuates the sweetness and balances flavors.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Creates the rich, creamy fudge filling.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: Melts down to form a decadent chocolate fudge.
- Unsalted butter (for fudge): Adds smoothness to the fudge texture.
- Vanilla extract (for fudge): Brightens the fudge layer with a sweet aromatic touch.
How to Make Fudge-Filled Peanut Butter Cake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly; this ensures your bars release beautifully after baking without sticking. This simple first step sets the stage for your perfect peanut butter bars.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat together the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This aeration is key for that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Then, add the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated, ensuring your batter is smooth and well blended.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and salt, which helps to balance sweetness and create light structure in the cake bars.
Step 4: Form the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing carefully until a soft dough comes together. It should be thick and pliable but not dry. This dough is the foundation for your peanut butter bars, so handle it gently for best results.
Step 5: Press Dough and Prepare Fudge Layer
Press about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of your greased pan, forming a smooth base layer. Then, over low heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, semisweet chocolate chips, and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a saucepan. Stir constantly until the chocolate is completely melted and the fudge mixture is smooth and glossy. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract to round out the fudge’s flavor.
Step 6: Assemble and Finish Baking
Pour the luscious fudge over the dough in the pan, spreading it evenly to cover the base layer. Next, drop small spoonfuls of the remaining dough on top of the fudge layer, gently pressing them down to create a rustic top crust. Bake your masterpiece for 25 to 30 minutes or until the top is beautifully golden brown. Let the bars cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices and that fudgy interior.
How to Serve Fudge-Filled Peanut Butter Cake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To take your Fudge-Filled Peanut Butter Cake Bars Recipe up a notch, sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or add a few chopped roasted peanuts on top just before serving. These garnishes add delightful texture and visual appeal that will make your bars look as fantastic as they taste.
Side Dishes
Serve these bars alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a refreshing contrast. The cool creaminess of ice cream pairs beautifully with the rich peanut butter and fudge, creating an indulgent dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the bars into small bite-sized squares and thread onto wooden skewers for easy sharing at parties. Alternatively, layer chunks of these bars between whipped cream in a trifle dish for a stunning layered dessert perfect for special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Fudge-Filled Peanut Butter Cake Bars Recipe leftovers keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This storage method preserves their moist texture without drying out the peanut butter layers or fudge filling.
Freezing
If you want to save these bars for later, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze well for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave.
Reheating
To revive a bar’s fresh-baked warmth, a few seconds in the microwave will melt the fudge to its smooth, gooey state again. Warm bars taste absolutely divine, especially with a drizzle of warm caramel sauce on top for extra indulgence.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can swap in crunchy peanut butter if you prefer a little extra texture in your bars. It adds a lovely crunch but will slightly change the smoothness of the batter.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder for the best texture.
Can I use dark chocolate chips for the fudge layer?
Definitely! Dark chocolate chips tend to offer a richer, less sweet fudge layer, which balances beautifully with the peanut butter’s sweetness.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The top should be golden brown and set, but still soft when you gently press it. A toothpick inserted near the dough portion will come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
Can I add other mix-ins to the dough?
Yes! Chopped peanuts, chocolate chunks, or even mini marshmallows can be folded into the dough for extra flavor and texture variety.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like the warm satisfaction of biting into a bar that combines the creamy richness of peanut butter with a decadent fudge surprise in the middle. This Fudge-Filled Peanut Butter Cake Bars Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a comforting treat that you will want to make again and again. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into the delicious adventure of creating these irresistible bars for yourself and your loved ones.
Print
Fudge-Filled Peanut Butter Cake Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Fudge-Filled Peanut Butter Cake Bars are a decadent American dessert combining creamy peanut butter cake with a rich, smooth chocolate fudge layer. Perfectly balanced between sweet and salty, these bars offer a soft, cake-like texture with a luscious chocolate center that delights at any gathering or as an everyday treat.
Ingredients
Cake Dough
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Fudge Filling
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure the bars release easily after baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, then mix until thoroughly combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt through the flour.
- Form the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture tender.
- Press Base Layer: Take about two-thirds of the dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating a uniform layer.
- Make Fudge Filling: In a saucepan over low heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, semisweet chocolate chips, and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Stir constantly until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
- Assemble Layers: Pour the warm fudge mixture over the peanut butter dough base in the pan and spread it evenly. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the fudge layer, gently pressing them down to partially cover the fudge.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the edges comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into 24 bars. This will help the fudge set and make clean slices easier.
Notes
- For a crunchier texture, add 1/2 cup chopped peanuts to the dough before pressing it into the pan.
- Substitute dark chocolate chips for semisweet chocolate chips to create a richer, more intense fudge flavor.
- Ensure the fudge layer is well spread for even coverage between the peanut butter cake layers.
- Allow bars to cool fully to prevent the fudge from oozing when cut.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
