If you are a fan of rich, indulgent treats that combine the irresistible flavors of peanut butter and chocolate, you are going to fall head over heels for this Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars Recipe. Imagine a soft and chewy base crafted from yellow cake mix, layered with smooth peanut butter, drenched in sweetened condensed milk, and generously topped with melty chocolate chips and chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups. This dessert is pure magic in every bite, balancing gooey texture with a perfect blend of sweet and salty notes that will have you craving more. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering, a potluck, or just an everyday treat, these bars are sure to become a fast favorite in your recipe arsenal.

Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the fluffy yellow cake mix creating the perfect base to the luscious peanut butter delivering that classic nutty richness. The chocolate chips and chopped Reese’s cups provide delightful bursts of texture and sweetness, while the sweetened condensed milk ties everything together with a creamy touch.

Yellow cake mix: Acts as the soft, slightly sweet foundation for these gooey bars.
Large egg: Helps bind the ingredients and adds moisture for a tender crumb.
Unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and keeps the bars moist and tender.
Creamy peanut butter: Delivers that classic, velvety peanut flavor throughout the bars.
Sweetened condensed milk (14 oz): Brings a luscious, sweet creaminess that makes the bars irresistibly gooey.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Add melty chocolate goodness with just the right amount of sweetness.
Chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups: For an extra decadent peanut butter-chocolate combo with a delightful crunch.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that it’s hot and ready to bake your bars evenly. Next, line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, making sure to leave some overhang on the sides—this makes lifting out the bars easy later on. Lightly grease the lining so the bars don’t stick. Preparation is key to hassle-free baking and flawless results!

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine your yellow cake mix with the melted butter and the egg. Mix everything well until it forms a cohesive dough. This mixture will become the soft and flavorful base of your bars. Once combined, press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. The even layer ensures that every single bar has that wonderful cake-y texture we’re aiming for.

Step 3: Add the Peanut Butter Layer

Now, drop spoonfuls of creamy peanut butter over the dough layer. Don’t worry about spreading it perfectly at first; just get it all on there. Then gently use a spatula to smooth out the peanut butter, covering the entire surface of the dough. This layer will add a savory, nutty richness that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the cake base.

Step 4: Pour Sweetened Condensed Milk

Pour the entire can of sweetened condensed milk evenly over the peanut butter layer. This ingredient is the secret to getting that luscious, gooey texture that makes these bars so addictively good. The milk seeps into every nook and cranny, binding the layers together and adding a creamy sweetness.

Step 5: Top with Chocolate and Reese’s Cups

Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups over the top of the bars. These delectable toppings add melty pockets of chocolate and the iconic peanut butter flavor with a little crunch. Don’t be shy here—generous coverage ensures each bite is packed with gooey decadence.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Carefully place your pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges turn a beautiful golden color and the center is set but still slightly soft. Resist the urge to overbake—these bars are supposed to be delectably gooey and tender.

Step 7: Cool and Cut

Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Cooling is important so that the gooey layers can firm up a bit for clean cutting. When they’re cool, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire block out of the pan. Then, cut into 24 squares and get ready to enjoy a peanut butter and chocolate lover’s dream come true!

How to Serve Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars Recipe

Garnishes

Want to take your presentation to the next level? Consider sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after baking for that extra flavor pop that enhances the peanut butter and chocolate. A drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel can also add visual appeal and more richness. Whipped cream on the side provides a light contrast to the dense bars.

Side Dishes

These bars are a dessert star on their own but pair amazingly with cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. If you want to balance the richness, fresh berries or a tangy fruit compote make a refreshing companion. Hot coffee or a creamy latte also complement the peanut butter-chocolate combination beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving these bars at a party, cut them into smaller bite-sized pieces for an easy-to-grab treat. You can also layer them with other desserts in a trifle bowl to create a peanut butter and chocolate trifle. For gifting, wrap the bars in colorful parchment paper tied with a ribbon for a homemade gift that’s guaranteed to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep them well covered to maintain their gooey, soft texture. If your kitchen is warm, storing them in the fridge can help preserve the bars longer without losing their flavor.

Freezing

These bars freeze exceptionally well. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Frozen bars can last up to 3 months, making them perfect for meal prep or unexpected sweet cravings!

Reheating

To enjoy thawed bars at their best, let them come to room temperature or warm them briefly in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This helps bring back their signature gooey texture. Just be careful not to overheat, or the peanut butter layer might become too runny.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a lovely texture contrast to these gooey bars, though it might slightly change the smoothness of the peanut butter layer.

Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the yellow cake mix for a gluten-free cake mix, ensuring the rest of your ingredients are gluten-free as well. This way, everyone can enjoy this delightful treat without worry.

Can I replace the sweetened condensed milk with something else?

Sweetened condensed milk is vital for that gooey sweetness, but you can experiment with evaporated milk mixed with sugar as a substitute, though the texture and sweetness might differ slightly.

How long do these bars last after baking?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these bars last about three to five days at room temperature or up to a week if refrigerated. Always check for freshness before enjoying leftovers.

Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?

You can definitely double the ingredients, but make sure to use a larger pan or two separate pans and adjust the baking time accordingly. Keep an eye on the bars to avoid overbaking.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars Recipe that turns simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing treat loaded with flavor and texture. Whether you’re baking for family, a party, or just yourself, these bars bring on the smile-inducing, finger-licking goodness you crave. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and dive into making these decadent bars—it’s a dessert experience you absolutely don’t want to miss!

Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.1 from 67 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Yield: 24 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Peanut Butter Cup Gooey Bars are a decadent, easy-to-make dessert combining a classic yellow cake base with layers of creamy peanut butter, sweetened condensed milk, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups. These bars bake to a golden, gooey perfection, making them a perfect treat for peanut butter and chocolate lovers.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Layer

1 box yellow cake mix
1 large egg
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Peanut Butter Layer

1 cup creamy peanut butter

Topping

1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the lined pan to ensure the bars do not stick.
Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Mix until well combined, forming a dough. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the base layer for your bars.
Add Peanut Butter Layer: Drop spoonfuls of creamy peanut butter over the dough. Using a spatula, gently spread the peanut butter to cover the entire surface evenly, creating a rich peanut butter layer.
Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the peanut butter layer. This will add sweetness and help bind the layers together during baking.
Top with Chocolate and Reese’s: Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups evenly over the top, adding a delicious chocolatey and nutty topping to the bars.
Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Bake until the edges are golden and the center is set but still gooey, ensuring the perfect chewy texture.
Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan, then cut into 24 squares for serving.

Notes

Line the pan with parchment paper to make removing bars easier and to avoid sticking.
For a crunchier texture, chill the bars in the refrigerator before cutting.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Customize by adding chopped nuts or swapping Reese’s cups with other candy bars.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American