Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Bars Recipe
If you’re looking for a dessert that perfectly balances chocolate decadence, creamy peanut butter, and that irresistible gooey center, the Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Bars are destined to become your new go-to treat. With layers of rich, fudgy chocolate and a luxuriously smooth peanut butter topping, these bars come together with pantry staples yet taste like bakery magic. They’re show-stopping at any gathering, blissful with a cold glass of milk, and truly the definition of melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything you need for Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Bars is probably already in your kitchen, and each part plays a starring role. From the buttery-rich base to the creamy, sweet filling, every ingredient works together to create that signature gooey bite and bold flavor contrast.
- Chocolate Cake Mix: This is the secret shortcut for a rich and fudgy chocolatey crust in no time flat.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted to blend seamlessly into the crust, giving it that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
- Large Eggs: Eggs bind everything; one for the crust and two for the filling keep things fabulously gooey yet stable.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: Choose a classic creamy version for a lusciously smooth layer—the heart of these bars.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese adds tang and a velvety texture to the peanut butter topping.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a splash brings out the sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
- Powdered Sugar: Four cups for that classic gooey butter bar texture and a sweet finish.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Give a 9×13-inch baking dish a thorough greasing so nothing sticks—parchment paper makes the bars even easier to lift out later, but it’s optional.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Crust
In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, melted butter, and one egg. Stir until the mixture is thick and comes together into a dough. Use clean hands or a spoon to press this chocolatey dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared dish, making sure every corner is covered for a firm base.
Step 3: Mix the Peanut Butter Layer
In a separate bowl, beat the creamy peanut butter and softened cream cheese until the mixture is silky smooth—no lumps allowed! Add the remaining two eggs and the splash of vanilla extract, then beat until thoroughly mixed. Next, gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low to avoid clouds of sugar. Once it’s all blended, you’ll have a thick, velvety batter.
Step 4: Assembly and Baking
Spoon the peanut butter filling over the chocolate crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Pop the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes. The edges should look set, but the center will still have a little wobble—trust this texture for that signature gooeyness!
Step 5: Cooling and Slicing
Let the bars cool completely in the pan. For perfectly defined slices and an even gooier middle, refrigerate the entire pan for at least an hour before cutting into squares. They’re rich, so even small bars are oh-so-satisfying.
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Bars
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar makes these bars look extra fancy. If you want to play up the contrast, sprinkle some chopped roasted peanuts or mini chocolate chips over the top right before serving. A swirl of whipped cream never hurt anyone, either!
Side Dishes
Serve your Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to take things totally over-top, or offer with fresh berries to add a little pop of tartness and cut through the richness. Cold milk or a cup of strong coffee on the side is also highly recommended!
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the bars crisscrossed on a platter for visual drama at a party. For dessert plates, nestle each square on a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce, or cut them into bite-sized cubes and arrange on a tiered stand for an elegant treat table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. The bars will keep their gooey magic and fresh taste for up to 5 days, and they’re as delightful cold as they are at room temperature.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Bars! Slice them first, then wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and transfer to a freezer bag or lidded container. They’ll stay delicious for up to 2 months—just thaw in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
If you love them warm, pop a bar in the microwave for about 8–10 seconds to restore some gooeyness. Just don’t overdo it; you want it warm, not molten!
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds delightful bits of peanut throughout the filling, giving a slightly different texture. Just know the filling won’t be quite as silky smooth, but it’ll definitely be tasty.
Can I make Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Bars gluten-free?
Yes, just use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and double-check your other ingredients for any hidden gluten. The results will be just as delicious and gooey!
Can I add mix-ins, like chocolate chips or nuts, to the filling?
Definitely—try stirring in up to 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or even bits of toffee to amp up the texture and flavor in your gooey butter bars.
How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?
The bars are ready when the edges are set and pulling slightly from the pan, but the center is still a little jiggly. Don’t overbake; the soft center is what makes these bars truly ooey gooey!
Are these bars suitable for shipping or gifting?
Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Bars travel surprisingly well once chilled and cut. Wrap each square in parchment or plastic, pack snugly, and ship with an ice pack if temperatures are warm—they make a decadent homemade gift.
Final Thoughts
If you need a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s effortless to make but tastes wildly indulgent, Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Bars are always a hit. They’re the kind of treat everyone asks for the recipe after just one bite! Go ahead—bake a batch and prepare to fall in love with every gooey, chocolatey, peanut-buttery square.
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Bars for a rich and satisfying dessert experience. A luscious peanut butter layer over a chocolate cake crust, these bars are a perfect blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Crust:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Peanut Butter Layer:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make the chocolate crust: Mix chocolate cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg in a large bowl to form a dough. Press into the prepared dish.
- Prepare the peanut butter layer: Beat peanut butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar; mix well.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the peanut butter mixture over the chocolate crust, spread evenly, and bake for 40–45 minutes until set.
- Cool and slice: Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars. For best results, refrigerate before serving.
Notes
- For added crunch, consider mixing in 1/2 cup of chopped peanuts or chocolate chips to the peanut butter layer.
- These bars are rich, so enjoy in moderation—a little goes a long way!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
