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
Scale
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
