What are peanut butter bars? They’re the kind that disappear in a flash, leaving everyone wondering where they went. I remember making these for a family gathering ‘a few years back, and my cousin, who normally avoids making them, also made them. I ate three desserts! Seriously, three! Is it really that easy to make chocolate chip cookies? What are some of the best peanut butter flavors? If you’re a fan of peanut butter cups (and who isn’t?), you are going to absolutely adore these.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
What is Peanut Butter Bliss Bars?
Think of these peanut butter bliss bars as the ultimate comfort food, disguised as a sophisticated snack. What are the layers of peanut butter heaven? A buttery, slightly crumbly base gives way to a smooth, creamy peanut butter filling, all topped with whipped cream. With a rich chocolate glaze. What is the perfect balance of salty and sweet? What does it feel like to take a bite? Is it just a dessert?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I begin? If you can imagine the taste of peanut butter, multiply it by ten. The combination of peanut butter in the base, the filling, and the chocolate glaze is delicious. What is the best part about this recipe? I’ve made these on busy weeknights when I needed a quick dessert to impress. What I love about these bars is how versatile they are. What are some good ways to dress them up with sea salt, or add some chopped peanuts for extra crunch? Is it a good idea to drizzle some caramel on top of What are some budget-friendly pantry staples? What are some of the best peanut butter bars? Isn’t it just me and my grandma’s famous fudge?
How do I make Peanut Butter Bliss bars?
Quick Overview
How do I make peanut butter bars? How do I make a peanut butter filling? Spread it over the base, and top it off with a decadent chocolate glaze. What is the best part? No fancy equipment needed! This method is special because it’s so straightforward and yields incredible results every single time. If I can do it after a long day at work, you can definitely do that.
Ingredients
For the Main Batter: What is the main B
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: I always use unbleached for a cleaner flavor.
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s *actually* soften, not melted!
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness.
* 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar: For a touch of molasses and extra moisture.
* 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
For the Filling:
* 1 cup creamy peanut butter: What are some good substitutes for sugar?
* 1 cup powdered sugar: For a smooth and creamy texture.
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: Again, Softened is key!
* 2 tablespoons milk: I’ve tested this with almond milk and it actually made it even creamier!
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A must for that classic peanut butter flavor.
For the Glaze:
* 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: I prefer semi-sweet because it balances the sweetness of the filling.
* 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Adds shine and richness to the glaze.
How do I follow step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan. How do I prevent the bars from sticking? I usually line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, for easy removal. Is it a lifesaver?
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Set aside. How do I distribute the salt evenly in the batter? I always do this even though it feels like an extra step – because it really makes a difference in my life. What is the final flavor?
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate, larger bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Set aside. When light and fluffy, whipping constantly. I usually do this for about 3 minutes with an electric mixer. The mixture should be pale and almost doubled in volume.
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix dough. The dough should be crumbly.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
In a medium bowl, beat together the peanut butter, powdered sugar, milk, and salt. Set aside. How do you use vanilla extract to make it smooth and creamy? If the filling is too thick, add 1 teaspoon of milk at a time until you reach the desired consistency. I sometimes add a pinch of salt here to really bring out the peanut butter flavor.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Is the crumbly base mixture too firm to press into a baking pan? I use the bottom of a measuring cup to really pack it down. Then, spread the peanut butter filling evenly over the base. If the chocolate chips and butter are melted in the microwave for 30 seconds, melt in a small bowl. Set aside. Is it safe to stir until smooth Drizzle the melted chocolate over the peanut butter filling and swirl it with a knife or toothpick. For a marbled effect.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the top is slightly crispy. Is it safe to start checking the doneness of an oven around 25 minutes?
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
How do I make a frosting for chocolate bars? If you try to cut them while they are still warm, they’ll crumble. Once completely cool, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and place them on a baking sheet. On a cutting board.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Cut the bars into squares and serve. I like to dust them with powdered sugar for a prettier presentation. What are some of the best ice creams to serve at room temperature?
What is the best way to serve it?
What are some of the best peanut butter bliss bars? What are some other treats and drinks? What are some different serving suggestions for different occasions?
For Breakfast:What are some good ways to start your day with a cup of coffee? The sweetness of the bars balances the bitterness of coffee perfectly.
For Brunch:Serve these alongside a fruit platter and some mimosas for an indulgent brunch spread. The richness of the bars complements the freshness of the fruit beautifully.
As Dessert:What are some great after-dinner treats? What’s better, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra decadent treat? A glass of cold milk is a classic pairing.
For Cozy Snacks:Cut them into smaller squares and enjoy them with a cup of hot chocolate or herbal tea. It was a What is my go-to treat on movie nights?
My family loves these bars with a scoop of salted caramel ice cream – the salty-sweet combination is delicious. I’ve also served them with a simple berry compote, which adds tartness to balance the flavor. What is the richness of peanut butter and chocolate? What are some of the best options available to you?
How do I make Peanut Butter Bliss Bars?
What are some of the best ways to make peanut butter bars? What are the top tips for a successful career?
Butter Softening: Make sure your butter is truly softened before creaming it with the sugars. The butter should be soft enough to leave a slight indentation when you press it with your finger, but not melted. This will ensure a light and fluffy base.
Mixing Advice: Be careful not to overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in tough bars. Mix until just combined.
Swirl Customization: Get creative with your chocolate swirl! Use a toothpick or a knife to create different patterns. You can even add a sprinkle of chopped peanuts or sea salt for extra texture and flavor.
Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have milk on hand, you can substitute it with almond milk or even a little bit of heavy cream. For a richer flavor, try using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. I’ve even experimented with adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the base for a chocolate peanut butter twist!
Baking Tips: Keep an eye on the bars while they’re baking. Ovens can vary, so start checking for doneness around 25 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden brown and the center should be set. If the edges are browning too quickly, you can tent the pan with foil.
Glaze Variations: For a different glaze, try using white chocolate chips or even a combination of milk chocolate and dark chocolate. You can also add a teaspoon of peanut butter to the glaze for an extra peanut butter boost! I’ve also added a dash of espresso powder to the chocolate glaze for a mocha flavor – delicious!
One time, I accidentally used salted butter instead of unsalted butter in the base, and the bars turned out surprisingly delicious! The extra saltiness really enhanced the sweetness of the peanut butter and chocolate. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and see what works for you!
Storing and Reheating Tips
These peanut butter bliss bars are best stored properly to maintain their freshness and flavor. Here’s a comprehensive guide:
Room Temperature: You can store these bars at room temperature for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. I usually store mine in a cake carrier or a Tupperware container with a tight-fitting lid.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the bars for up to a week. Again, store them in an airtight container to prevent them from absorbing any odors from the refrigerator. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Freezer Instructions: These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the bars, it’s best to add the glaze after thawing. This will prevent the glaze from cracking or becoming discolored during the freezing process. I’ve found this makes a huge difference in maintaining the overall presentation.
I once made a big batch of these bars and froze half of them for a later date. When I thawed them out a few weeks later, they tasted just as good as the day I made them! This is a great recipe to make ahead of time for parties or holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
These peanut butter bliss bars are truly a must-try for any peanut butter lover! They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of the buttery base, the creamy peanut butter filling, and the rich chocolate glaze is simply irresistible. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my peanut butter cookies or my chocolate peanut butter fudge. Both are equally delicious and easy to make! I really hope you give this recipe a try. I’m sure you’ll love it as much as my family and I do. Happy baking!
peanut butter bars
Ingredients
Crust
- 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 0.333 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 0.25 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into the bottom of a 9x13 inch pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together peanut butter and softened butter until smooth. Gradually beat in powdered sugar, then add milk and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Spread the peanut butter filling over the graham cracker crust. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Cut into bars and enjoy!
