If you’re searching for the ultimate dessert that combines chocolatey decadence with nutty comfort, look no further than Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars. These irresistible bars are everything a sweet tooth dreams of: a chewy cookie base, a creamy peanut butter filling, and a generous layer of chopped peanut butter cups all packed into every bite. The gooey texture, paired with layers of flavor, is guaranteed to steal the show at any gathering—or make a quiet night at home feel extra special.

Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about these Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars is that you only need a handful of simple ingredients, each one playing a starring role. Every item brings something unique, whether it’s richness, chew, sweetness, or that essential peanut butter cup magic.

Yellow cake mix: This shortcut forms the sweet, buttery base and keeps things fuss-free.
Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Adds richness and makes the dough perfectly tender.
Creamy peanut butter (1 cup, divided): Deepens the peanut flavor throughout both the dough and gooey filling.
Large eggs (2): Help hold everything together with a soft, chewy texture.
Sweetened condensed milk (14 oz can): The secret to that irresistibly creamy, gooey middle layer.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, aromatic note that ties all the flavors together.
Mini peanut butter cups (1 1/2 cups, chopped): The crown jewels that melt and pool in every bite for pure bliss.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy lifting later, or give it a light greasing to prevent sticking. Taking a few seconds on this prep makes bar removal (and cleanup!) a breeze.

Step 2: Mix Up the Cookie Dough Base

Grab a large bowl and dump in your yellow cake mix. Pour in the melted butter, half a cup of creamy peanut butter, and crack in both eggs. Stir everything together until you get a soft, slightly sticky dough. This will be the base and topper, so make sure it’s nicely blended with no dry pockets of cake mix hiding at the bottom.

Step 3: Press in the Bottom Layer

Take about two-thirds of your dough and press it evenly into the prepared pan. Don’t worry if it seems thin; it puffs and bakes up perfectly. Press it right out to the edges, making sure there are no gaps—this will hold in all that gooey deliciousness!

Step 4: Create the Gooey Peanut Butter Filling

In a clean bowl, whisk together the can of sweetened condensed milk, the remaining half cup of creamy peanut butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and luscious. Pour this mixture over the dough base and gently spread it to all corners. This layer is what puts the “gooey” in Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars!

Step 5: Sprinkle on the Star Ingredients

Now for the fun part—scatter the chopped mini peanut butter cups all over the creamy filling. Don’t be shy! Each peanut butter cup will melt slightly into the bars as they bake, creating pockets of chocolate-peanut butter goodness you won’t be able to resist.

Step 6: Top and Bake

Crumble the remaining dough over the top, letting some of the filling peek through for that signature gooey look. Slide the pan into your hot oven and bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until the bars look set around the edges and just barely golden on top. They should still jiggle a little in the center when you give the pan a gentle shake.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Let the Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars cool completely in the pan—trust me, this is the hardest part! Once cool, lift them out by the parchment paper or run a knife around the edges and slice into bars. Small squares pack a big punch, so plan on serving them in bite-size pieces.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars

Garnishes

Top your bars with a little flair for that homemade bakery effect! A light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or even a sprinkle of chopped roasted peanuts can all add extra eye appeal and a fun twist to your Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars. Serve them on a platter lined with parchment for that inviting, rustic look.

Side Dishes

Since these bars are rich and sweet on their own, they pair beautifully with fresh strawberries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a tall glass of icy cold milk. For parties, consider serving with a little fruit salad or a coffee bar—perfect for balancing out the decadence.

Creative Ways to Present

Try packaging a few bars in cellophane treat bags for sweet homemade gifts, or layering them on a cake stand for a show-stopping dessert table. You can even cut them into bite-sized squares and spear each one with a toothpick for a crowd-pleasing finger-food treat. No matter how you present them, Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars are sure to be the first to disappear.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extra bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Their gooey center helps them stay fresh and soft, so you can enjoy them all week long—if they last that long!

Freezing

For longer storage, arrange the cut bars in a single layer (or with parchment between layers) in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay delicious for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter before serving.

Reheating

If you’re craving a warm treat, pop a Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bar in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This revives its gooey magic and melts the chocolate just a touch for an extra-indulgent experience.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix flavor instead of yellow cake?

Absolutely! White or even chocolate cake mix works beautifully and can put a unique spin on the flavor profile—just keep an eye on the baking time, as some cake mixes may brown a little faster.

Do I have to use mini peanut butter cups, or can I substitute regular ones?

Mini peanut butter cups are easiest to chop and distribute, but you can use regular-sized ones—just chop them into small pieces so you get even bites of chocolate-peanut butter goodness throughout the bars.

What’s the best way to cut Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars cleanly?

Let the bars cool completely before slicing for the neatest edges. Run a sharp knife under hot water, wipe it dry between cuts, and you’ll get perfect squares every time.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite gluten-free yellow cake mix for the standard cake mix, and check that all candies and ingredients are certified gluten-free. The results will be just as gooey and delicious.

Can I add extra mix-ins to the recipe?

Definitely—feel free to stir in a handful of chopped salted peanuts for crunch, swirl a little extra chocolate or caramel into the filling, or even sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking for an upscale twist.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dessert that wows, Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars are the answer every chocolate and peanut butter lover has been seeking. They’re so simple to whip up, but they taste like a bakery masterpiece—you’ll want to make them again and again. Go ahead, bake up a batch and watch them work their magic on family and friends!

Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 24 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the irresistible combination of peanut butter and sweetened condensed milk with these Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars. A decadent dessert that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Base:

1 box yellow cake mix
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
2 large eggs

Filling:

1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups chopped mini peanut butter cups

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease.
Mix the base: Combine cake mix, melted butter, 1/2 cup peanut butter, and eggs. Press two-thirds of the dough into the pan.
Prepare the filling: Whisk condensed milk, 1/2 cup peanut butter, and vanilla. Pour over the base, add peanut butter cups, and crumble remaining dough on top.
Bake: Bake for 28–32 minutes until golden. Cool before slicing into bars.