Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars Recipe
If you are searching for a dessert that is both irresistibly rich and packed with all the peanut buttery, chocolatey goodness you crave, the Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars Recipe is exactly what you need. These bars combine a soft, buttery cake base with layers of creamy peanut butter, luscious sweetened condensed milk, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and chunks of Reese’s peanut butter cups, creating a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because, this recipe hits every note of indulgence and texture that makes dessert dreams come true.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars starts with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each element plays a vital role: the yellow cake mix forms a tender base, peanut butter adds creamy richness, and the sweetened condensed milk introduces that signature gooey sweetness.
- Yellow cake mix: Provides a soft, buttery foundation that’s easy to work with and creates a tender crumb.
- Large egg: Binds the ingredients together for structure without weighing down the bars.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and moistness while helping blend the dough smoothly.
- Creamy peanut butter: Spreads a luscious, nutty layer that infuses every bite with classic peanut butter flavor.
- Sweetened condensed milk (14 oz): The secret to gooey, caramel-like sweetness that holds everything together perfectly.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Brings a slightly bittersweet contrast that complements the peanut butter beautifully.
- Chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups: Sprinkles of pure delight that add texture, bursts of chocolate, and a nostalgic twist.
How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving some overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out later. Give the lined pan a quick grease so the bars won’t stick. This preparation makes your baking and serving far simpler.
Step 2: Mix the Base Dough
In a large bowl, blend the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg until everything is combined smoothly. This mixture creates a soft, cake-like base with a buttery richness. Press the batter evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan—getting it nice and smooth will set the stage for the gooey layers to come.
Step 3: Spread the Peanut Butter Layer
Drop dollops of creamy peanut butter all across the cake base. Instead of fully mixing it in, use a spatula to gently spread the peanut butter, covering the surface in a luscious, nutty blanket. This layer will add both flavor and an irresistible creamy texture as it bakes.
Step 4: Pour on the Sweetened Condensed Milk
Next, evenly pour the entire can of sweetened condensed milk over the peanut butter layer. This ingredient is essential for the gooey magic of these bars, adding a rich sweetness and silky texture that melds the layers together during baking.
Step 5: Sprinkle Chocolate and Reese’s
Now for the best part: scatter semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups generously on top. These toppings will melt slightly and then set again, creating pockets of chocolatey bliss and adding that iconic peanut butter cup crunch throughout.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Gooey
Slide your pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Look for golden edges and a set center—the perfect combination of firm enough to hold together but still delightfully gooey inside. The aroma alone will have you eager to dig in!
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Cooling not only lets them set but makes cutting easier. Use the parchment overhang you created earlier to lift out the entire block, then slice into satisfying squares ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of crushed peanuts or mini chocolate chips on top right after baking adds a little extra crunch and eye appeal. For a fun twist, drizzle some melted peanut butter or chocolate over each bar just before serving—it amps up the decadence and invites more drooling.
Side Dishes
Serve these bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to balance their rich texture. Fresh berries also make a fantastic light contrast, cutting through the sweetness with a juicy pop that keeps every bite exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or special occasions, arrange the bars on a rustic wooden board or a colorful platter. Add edible flowers or a dusting of cocoa powder for a gourmet touch. You could even stack mini bars for a delightful dessert tower that gets everyone’s attention.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft, gooey, and ready whenever you want a quick sweet bite without losing their wonderful texture.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these bars later, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator overnight to keep their perfect gooey consistency.
Reheating
To bring out that fresh-baked warmth, gently reheat bars in the microwave for about 15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. This helps the chocolate soften and the peanut butter layer regain its melt-in-your-mouth texture.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes! Using crunchy peanut butter will add an extra layer of texture to your bars. Just keep in mind it will be a bit chunkier, which some people absolutely love for that added crunch.
Is it necessary to use a boxed yellow cake mix?
While boxed yellow cake mix is convenient and consistent, you can substitute with homemade cake mix if you prefer. Just make sure the base is sturdy enough to hold the layers and bake evenly.
Can I swap the Reese’s peanut butter cups for another type of candy?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite chocolate or nut candies. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces to maintain the delightful texture without overshadowing the peanut butter layers.
How gooey are these bars once fully baked?
The bars have a set bottom and edges with a luscious, molten center—that perfect gooey balance that makes them unique. They aren’t runny but delightfully soft and chewy, making every bite an indulgent experience.
What’s the best way to cut these bars without them crumbling?
Make sure the bars are completely cool, preferably chilled for a bit in the fridge before slicing. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat, clean squares.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully comforting about the Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars Recipe that makes it an instant favorite for any dessert lover. The combination of creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and sweet gooey layers is simply irresistible. Give yourself the gift of this delightfully easy recipe — I promise these bars will become one of your go-to treats for sharing, gifting, or indulging whenever the craving strikes!
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Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
Delight in these rich and gooey Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars featuring a buttery cake base layered with creamy peanut butter, sweetened condensed milk, melted chocolate chips, and chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, these bars offer a decadent treat that’s easy to make and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Base Layer
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Peanut Butter Layer
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
Toppings
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 cups chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving an overhang for easy removal and lightly grease the lined pan.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Mix well until fully combined and then press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the base layer.
- Add Peanut Butter Layer: Drop spoonfuls of creamy peanut butter over the dough base. Use a spatula to gently spread the peanut butter evenly across the entire surface.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the peanut butter layer, covering the surface thoroughly.
- Top with Chocolate and Reese’s: Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the top followed by the chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups, distributing them uniformly.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and cut into squares for serving.
Notes
- For easier cutting, refrigerate the bars for about an hour after they have cooled.
- You can substitute crunchy peanut butter if you prefer added texture.
- Make sure to grease the pan to prevent sticking, even with parchment paper or foil.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
