Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars

Name: Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 16
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tsp Salted Butter; 0.5 cup Chunky Peanut Butter; 1.5 cups Dark Brown Sugar; 2 piece Eggs; 1 tbsp Vanilla Extract; 2 cups All-Purpose Flour; 1 tsp Baking Powder; 1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips; Simply Organic Cinnamon, Ground; Nonstick Cooking Spray

Deliciously gooey peanut butter chocolate chip bars with a hint of cinnamon.

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C) and spray an 8x8-inch dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2

Combine the salted butter and chunky peanut butter in a large, microwave-safe bowl. Heat in a microwave oven for 30 seconds, then stir together. Microwave another 30 seconds and stir until completely melted.

Step 3

Stir in the dark brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Slowly add in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips.

Step 4

Spread the batter into an even layer in the prepared baking dish and bake for 40-45 minutes. The top should be dry and starting to crisp up around the edges, while the center will still be slightly gooey.

Step 5

Let them cool completely, then cut into 16 squares by making 3 equal cuts both vertically and horizontally. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Ensure the peanut butter and butter are fully melted and combined for a smooth batter.

Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares for clean edges.

How can I make peanut butter chocolate chip bars gluten-free?

To make gluten-free peanut butter chocolate chip bars, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend you choose is suitable for baking, and you may need to adjust the liquid slightly depending on the blend's absorbency.

What are some good substitutions for ingredients in peanut butter chocolate chip bars?

If you don't have chunky peanut butter, creamy peanut butter works just as well. You can also replace dark brown sugar with light brown sugar or granulated sugar for a different sweetness level. For a dairy-free option, use coconut oil instead of salted butter.

How should I store peanut butter chocolate chip bars to keep them fresh?

To keep your peanut butter chocolate chip bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container.

What can I pair with peanut butter chocolate chip bars for a dessert platter?

Peanut butter chocolate chip bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. You can also serve them alongside fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas for a balanced dessert platter.

What is the best way to ensure my peanut butter chocolate chip bars are perfectly gooey in the center?

To achieve perfectly gooey peanut butter chocolate chip bars, be careful not to overbake them. Start checking for doneness at the 40-minute mark; the edges should be crisp, while the center remains slightly underbaked. Let them cool completely before cutting to maintain that gooey texture.