11 Fudgy Peanut Butter Cake Bars

peanut butter cake bars

Ingredients You’ll Need

peanut butter cake bars recipe

Peanut Butter Cake Bars are a delightful and indulgent treat that combines the rich flavor of peanut butter with a soft and chewy cake texture. Perfect for dessert or as a snack, these bars are simple to make and are sure to please both peanut butter lovers and those with a sweet tooth.

Ingredients Quantity
All-purpose flour 1 ½ cups
Baking powder 1 tsp
Baking soda ½ tsp
Salt ¼ tsp
Unsalted butter ½ cup (1 stick)
Granulated sugar 1 cup
Brown sugar ¼ cup
Peanut butter ½ cup
Eggs 2 large
Vanilla extract 1 tsp
Milk ¼ cup
Chocolate chips ½ cup (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Stir in the peanut butter.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and milk.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips if desired.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Allow to cool before cutting into bars and enjoying your Peanut Butter Cake Bars!
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Preparing the Fudgy Chocolate Base

fudgy chocolate cake preparation

Peanut Butter Cake Bars are a heavenly treat that offer a combination of fudgy chocolate and creamy peanut butter. In this section, we’ll focus on preparing the fudgy chocolate base that will serve as a delicious foundation for the cake bars.

Ingredients Quantity
All-purpose flour 1 cup
Unsweetened cocoa powder ⅓ cup
Baking powder ½ tsp
Baking soda ½ tsp
Salt ¼ tsp
Unsalted butter ½ cup (1 stick)
Granulated sugar ¾ cup
Brown sugar ¼ cup
Eggs 2 large
Vanilla extract 1 tsp
Milk ½ cup

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8 inch baking pan by greasing or lining it with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, melt the unsalted butter and then blend in granulated sugar and brown sugar until smooth.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time and mix until fully incorporated, then stir in the vanilla extract and milk.
  5. Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture until just blended.
  6. Pour the chocolate batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly, ready to be topped with the creamy peanut butter swirl in the next step.
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Making the Creamy Peanut Butter Swirl

creamy peanut butter swirl

Peanut Butter Cake Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of a fudgy chocolate base with a creamy, smooth peanut butter swirl. This recipe for the creamy peanut butter layer adds the perfect balance to the bars, creating a deliciously decadent treat that will please any sweet tooth.

Ingredients Quantity
Creamy peanut butter ½ cup
Powdered sugar ½ cup
Vanilla extract ½ tsp
Milk 1 tbsp (optional)

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a medium bowl, mix together the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined. If desired, add milk a tablespoon at a time to achieve a smoother consistency.
  2. Once the chocolate batter is poured into the prepared baking pan, drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture over the chocolate base.
  3. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the peanut butter into the chocolate batter gently, creating a marbled effect.
  4. Proceed to bake the bars according to the instructions in the previous section.
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Combining the Batter

peanut butter chocolate cake

Peanut Butter Cake Bars are a scrumptious combination of moist chocolate cake and a delectable peanut butter swirl that creates a beautiful presentation and a mouthwatering flavor. These bars are perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings and are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Ingredients Quantity
All-purpose flour 1 cup
Granulated sugar 1 cup
Unsweetened cocoa powder ½ cup
Baking powder ½ tsp
Baking soda ½ tsp
Salt ¼ tsp
Eggs 2 large
Vegetable oil ½ cup
Water ½ cup
Vanilla extract 1 tsp

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until fully combined.
  3. In another bowl, mix the eggs, vegetable oil, water, and vanilla extract until well blended.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined, ensuring not to overmix.
  5. Pour the combined batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
  6. Allow to rest briefly while preparing the creamy peanut butter swirl.
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Swirling in the Peanut Butter

peanut butter chocolate swirl

Peanut Butter Cake Bars are an indulgent treat that combines rich chocolate cake with a creamy peanut butter swirl, creating a delightful contrast in flavors and textures. These bars are not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious, making them a perfect dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients Quantity
Creamy peanut butter ¾ cup
Granulated sugar ⅓ cup
Egg 1 large
Vanilla extract ½ tsp

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and granulated sugar. Mix until smooth and well combined.
  2. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the peanut butter mixture and stir until fully integrated.
  3. Drop spoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture onto the chocolate batter in the baking pan.
  4. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the peanut butter mixture into the chocolate batter, creating a marbled effect.
  5. Proceed to the next step of baking your Peanut Butter Cake Bars to perfection.
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Baking to Perfection

peanut butter chocolate cake bars

Peanut Butter Cake Bars are a delightful dessert that merges the rich flavors of chocolate cake with a creamy peanut butter swirl. This combination creates a mouthwatering treat that is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while offering a tasty contrast in flavor and texture. Baking these bars is straightforward, ensuring you can whip them up with ease for any gathering or special occasion.

Ingredients Quantity
All-purpose flour 1 cup
Unsweetened cocoa powder ⅓ cup
Baking powder 1 tsp
Baking soda ½ tsp
Salt ¼ tsp
Unsalted butter (melted) ½ cup
Granulated sugar 1 cup
Brown sugar ¼ cup
Eggs 2 large
Vanilla extract 1 tsp
Milk ½ cup

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk until well blended.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  5. Pour the chocolate batter into the prepared pan and follow the previous instructions for swirling in the peanut butter mixture.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Allow to cool in the pan before cutting into bars for serving.
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Cooling and Setting the Bars

cool and set bars

Peanut Butter Cake Bars are a deliciously decadent dessert that combines the rich, chocolatey goodness of cake with creamy swirls of peanut butter. Once baked, these bars need proper cooling to guarantee they set perfectly and maintain their shape. The cooling process not only enhances the flavors but also allows the bars to firm up, making them easier to cut and serve.

Ingredients Quantity
Creamy peanut butter ½ cup
Powdered sugar ½ cup
Milk (or as needed for consistency) 1-2 tbsp
Chocolate cake batter (prepared)

Cooking Steps:

  1. Once the bars are baked, remove them from the oven and place the pan on a wire rack to cool for at least 15-20 minutes.
  2. After cooling in the pan, gently run a knife along the edges to loosen the bars.
  3. Allow the bars to cool completely, about 30-40 minutes, until they are set.
  4. If desired, refrigerate for about 30 minutes for extra firmness before cutting.
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Cutting Into Perfect Squares

cutting peanut butter bars

Peanut Butter Cake Bars are a delightful treat that captures the perfect balance of rich chocolate cake and creamy peanut butter. These bars not only offer a satisfying texture but also a delicious burst of flavor that makes them ideal for sharing or enjoying yourself. Once the bars have cooled and set, it’s time to cut them into perfect squares for serving.

Ingredients Quantity
Peanut Butter ½ cup
Powdered Sugar ½ cup
Milk (optional) 1-2 tbsp
Chocolate Cake Batter

Cooking Steps:

  1. Use a sharp knife to carefully slice the cooled bars into squares, ensuring that you cut through the peanut butter swirls evenly.
  2. To achieve neat cuts, wipe the knife between each slice for cleaner edges.
  3. Make uniform squares by cutting the bars into equal pieces, typically 2×2 inches for a standard size.
  4. Transfer the cut squares to a serving plate or keep them in the original pan for easy storage.
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Serving Suggestions

peanut butter cake bars serving suggestions

Peanut Butter Cake Bars are a delectable dessert that combines a rich, moist chocolate cake with a creamy peanut butter layer, making it a satisfying treat for any occasion. These bars can be served warm or chilled, and are perfect for parties, picnics, or a cozy night in. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your Peanut Butter Cake Bars experience.

Ingredients Quantity
Peanut Butter ½ cup
Powdered Sugar ½ cup
Milk (optional) 1-2 tbsp
Chocolate Cake Batter

Serving Suggestions:

  1. Serve the bars warm with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce on top.
  2. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
  3. Dust the bars with additional powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch.
  4. Pair with fresh fruit, such as berries or bananas, for a invigorating contrast.
  5. Cut into smaller pieces for bite-sized treats at gatherings or parties.

With these serving ideas, you can enjoy Peanut Butter Cake Bars in various delicious ways!

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Storing Leftovers

store peanut butter bars

Peanut Butter Cake Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and peanut butter into a convenient bar form. They are not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them properly is key to keeping them fresh and delicious for later enjoyment.

Ingredients Quantity
Peanut Butter ½ cup
Powdered Sugar ½ cup
Milk (optional) 1-2 tbsp
Chocolate Cake Batter

Instructions:

  1. Allow the Peanut Butter Cake Bars to cool completely at room temperature after baking.
  2. Once cooled, cut the bars into desired sizes and place them in an airtight container.
  3. Store the container in the refrigerator for up to one week for maximum freshness.
  4. For longer storage, freeze the bars by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
  5. When ready to enjoy, thaw a frozen bar in the refrigerator overnight before serving or heat it gently in the microwave for a few seconds.

Tips for Customizing Your Cake Bars

customize your peanut butter bars

Peanut Butter Cake Bars are a versatile and scrumptious dessert that can be easily customized to fit your taste preferences. They combine the creamy richness of peanut butter with the sweet and moist texture of chocolate cake, allowing for a delicious base on which to build. Whether you want to add extra flavors or tweak the recipe to suit dietary needs, these bars are perfect for experimentation.

Ingredients Quantity
Peanut Butter ½ cup
Powdered Sugar ½ cup
Milk (optional) 1-2 tbsp
Chocolate Cake Batter
Chocolate Chips (optional) ½ cup
Chopped Nuts (optional) ½ cup
Vanilla Extract (optional) 1 tsp
Sea Salt (optional) Pinch

Instructions:

  1. Prepare your chocolate cake batter according to package directions or your favorite homemade recipe.
  2. In a bowl, combine peanut butter, powdered sugar, and milk (if desired) until smooth. Mix in any optional ingredients like chocolate chips, nuts, or vanilla extract.
  3. Fold the peanut butter mixture into the chocolate cake batter until swirled together.
  4. Pour the mixture into a lined baking pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  5. Allow to cool, cut into bars, and enjoy your customized Peanut Butter Cake Bars!

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Hi! I’m Emily. I’m a cozy‑kitchen tinkerer turning everyday ingredients into crave‑worthy plates—quick sizzles, bright flavors, and zero fuss, always with a smile. Playlist on, whisk in hand, I chase comfort that tastes a little sparkly and a lot homemade—playful, practical, and unapologetically delicious.