The Best Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe – Perfect for Any Occasion

Are you looking for the ultimate dessert bar that’s both rich and chewy with the perfect blend of peanut butter and chocolate? Look no further than these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars! These bars are an absolute dream—rich, gooey, and packed with creamy peanut butter and melty semi-sweet chocolate chips.

Photo byInsanelyGoodRecipes

This dessert is one of my all-time favorites, combining the best of two worlds: the nutty goodness of peanut butter and the sweet decadence of chocolate. I remember the first time I made these, they instantly became a family favorite, with requests for seconds (and even thirds) coming from everyone around the table.

I found this incredible recipe over at Insanely Good Recipes, and after trying it myself, I knew I had to share it with you! You won’t regret giving this easy peanut butter chocolate chip bars recipe a try. Whether you're looking for a sweet snack, a potluck treat, or a rich dessert to pair with coffee, these bars have got you covered.

A Little Backstory

Peanut butter and chocolate are one of those magical combinations that seem destined to go together. I’ve made many desserts in my time, but these bars stand out because of their irresistible texture—chewy with a slight crunch from the chocolate chips on top. They’re also incredibly easy to make! Within 30 minutes of baking time, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

This recipe is also wonderfully customizable. For a bit more indulgence, you can press half the dough into the pan, spread over an extra layer of peanut butter, and then cover it with the remaining dough. The result? A rich, layered bar that’s even more decadent!

Cultural Origins

Did you know that the peanut butter and chocolate combo we all love so much became popular during the early 20th century in America? Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups were introduced in the 1920s and quickly gained a cult following. Since then, bakers have found endless ways to fuse the nutty richness of peanut butter with the smooth sweetness of chocolate in countless treats—this recipe is one of the tastiest examples.

The Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg + 2 egg yolks, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal later.
2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and peanut butter together until smooth. Make sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl, ensuring everything is well mixed. Add in the sugars and beat again until the mixture is light and fluffy—this should take about 3-4 minutes.
3. Next, blend in the egg, egg yolks, and vanilla extract. The extra yolks add to the rich texture of the bars.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
5. Stir in 1 ½ cups of the chocolate chips, mixing just until there are no streaks of flour visible.
6. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, and sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips over the top.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center looks just set.
8. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before using the parchment overhang to lift them out. Cut into squares and serve.

Pro Tips:

• Avoid natural peanut butter as it may make the bars too oily or dry. Stick to creamy peanut butter for the best texture.
• Use high-quality chocolate chips to ensure that the chocolate is smooth and flavorful.
• For an extra indulgent twist, spread a layer of peanut butter between the dough for a double-layer effect.

Recipe Variations:

• Gluten-Free: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour to make these bars gluten-free without losing that chewy texture.
• Lower Sugar: Reduce the amount of granulated sugar if you want to dial back on sweetness, or use sugar substitutes.

Serving Suggestions:

These bars are incredibly rich, so they pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee. For an extra special treat, try serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top!

Call to Action:

Did you enjoy this recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and let me know if you made any creative changes. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and follow me for more delicious dessert ideas!