These Peanut Butter Bars are a dreamy blend of creamy richness and sweet indulgence, ready in just 15 minutes. Each bite offers a perfect balance of smooth peanut butter and a hint of decadent sweetness, making them irresistible. The soft, chewy texture melts in your mouth, while the subtle crunch adds a delightful contrast. Packed with protein and a touch of fiber, they’re a treat you can feel good about enjoying.
Whether you’re whipping up a quick dessert or need a satisfying snack, these bars are a crowd-pleaser. Their rich, nutty flavor is enhanced by a hint of sweetness, creating a treat that’s both comforting and indulgent. Perfect for sharing or savoring solo, they’re a simple yet irresistible way to brighten your day. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, these bars are a must-try for any peanut butter lover.
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Bars
- 2 cups (475 g) creamy peanut butter
- 10 Tablespoons (140 g) salted butter, softened
- 2 Tablespoons (25 g) brown sugar, tightly packed
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
- 3 ¼ cups (405 g) powdered sugar
- 4 ounces (115 g) semisweet chocolate, broken into small pieces (or ⅔ cup semisweet chocolate chips)
- 1 teaspoon shortening
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Line a 9″x9″ baking pan with aluminum foil and set aside.
- Mix the base: Using an electric mixer, beat together the peanut butter and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add flavor: Stir in the brown sugar and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Incorporate powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until completely combined.
- Spread the filling: Transfer the peanut butter mixture to the prepared pan. Use a spoon or spatula to spread it evenly, then smooth the surface by placing wax paper over it and pressing with your hands.
- Chill the base: Place the pan in the refrigerator while preparing the chocolate topping.
- Melt the chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate pieces (or chips) and shortening. Microwave in 20-second increments, stirring well between each, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Add the topping: Remove the pan from the refrigerator and spread the melted chocolate evenly over the peanut butter layer.
- Chill again: Return the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Serve: Cut into bars and serve. Keep uneaten bars refrigerated for firmness.
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
These Peanut Butter Bars are delicious on their own, but they can be elevated with a few simple additions. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert, or pair them with a glass of cold milk for a classic treat. For a fun twist, drizzle a bit of caramel or melted white chocolate over the top before serving.
Keep It Fresh: Storage Tips
To maintain their firmness and flavor, store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week. If you need to store them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months—just wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Customize Your Bars: Recipe Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Swap out the semisweet chocolate for dark or milk chocolate depending on your preference. You can also mix in crushed pretzels or graham crackers into the peanut butter filling for added texture. For a nut-free version, try using sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
Quick Tips for Smooth Success
To ensure your bars turn out perfectly, make sure your butter is softened but not melted—this helps achieve a creamy texture. When spreading the peanut butter filling, using wax paper to smooth it out prevents sticking and creates an even surface. For the chocolate topping, stirring frequently while melting ensures a smooth, glossy finish.
Common Questions Answered
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but the texture may be slightly different due to the oil separation. Stir it well before using.
What can I substitute for shortening?
Coconut oil works as a great alternative for a similar smooth consistency.
Can I skip the refrigeration step?
Chilling is essential for the bars to set properly, so don’t skip it!
Peanut Butter Bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 10 Tablespoons salted butter softened
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar tightly packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ¼ cups powdered sugar
- 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, broken into small pieces (or ⅔ cup semisweet chocolate chips)
- 1 teaspoon shortening
Instructions
- Prepare a 9″x9″ baking pan by lining with aluminum foil. Set aside.
- Using an electric mixer, beat together peanut butter, and butter until smooth and creamy. 2 cups (475 g) creamy peanut butter, 10 Tablespoons (140 g) salted butter
- Add brown sugar and vanilla extract, stir well.2 Tablespoons (25 g) brown sugar, 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
- Gradually add powdered sugar, stirring until completely combined.3 ¼ cups (405 g) powdered sugar
- Spread peanut butter filling into prepared pan. To make the surface smooth and even, I like to first spread with the a spoon or spatula, and then lay a piece of wax paper over the filling and use my hands to smooth it out (see video for visual).
- Place pan in refrigerator while you prepare your chocolate topping.
- To prepare chocolate topping, combine chocolate pieces or chocolate chips and shortening in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 20 seconds, stir well, and continue to heat on 15-second increments (stirring well between) until chocolate is completely melted and smooth.4 ounces (115 g) semisweet chocolate, broken into small pieces, 1 teaspoon shortening
- Remove bars from refrigerator and spread chocolate evenly over the surface.
- Return to refrigerator and chill at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Cut and serve. Keep uneaten bars refrigerated for firmness.