Gooey Peanut Butter Bars

Featured in: Sweet Cozy Treats

These bars feature a rich blend of creamy peanut butter and melted chocolate, baked to a soft and chewy texture. The batter layers peanut butter-infused dough with a luscious chocolate chip topping, creating a sweet, gooey treat. Baking time is brief to keep the bars moist and tender. Ideal warm with ice cream or as a snack, these bars bring comfort with every bite.

Updated on Mon, 10 Nov 2025 11:21:00 GMT
Gooey Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars topped with melted chocolate and creamy peanut butter drizzle.  Save
Gooey Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars topped with melted chocolate and creamy peanut butter drizzle. | forkta.com

Rich, decadent dessert bars with a soft, chewy texture, layered with creamy peanut butter and pools of melted chocolate. Perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth.

This recipe quickly became a favorite in my household because of its balance between sweetness and peanut butter flavor.

Ingredients

  • Wet Ingredients: 1 cup (240 g) creamy peanut butter, 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter melted, 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar packed, 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • Dry Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups (155 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp salt
  • Chocolate Layer: 1 cup (175 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1/2 cup (90 g) milk chocolate chips

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9 inch (23x23 cm) baking pan with parchment paper leaving an overhang for easy removal.
Step 2:
In a large bowl whisk together the melted butter peanut butter brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth.
Step 3:
Add eggs and vanilla extract whisking until well combined.
Step 4:
In a separate bowl whisk together flour baking powder and salt.
Step 5:
Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 6:
Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Step 7:
Sprinkle semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips evenly over the batter.
Step 8:
Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the chocolate layer and gently spread to cover most of the chocolate (its okay if some chocolate peeks through).
Step 9:
Bake for 23 25 minutes or until the edges are golden and the center is just set (do not overbake for gooey bars).
Step 10:
Allow to cool completely in the pan before lifting out and cutting into bars.
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This dessert always brings everyone together especially during family gatherings and celebrations.

Required Tools

9x9 inch (23x23 cm) baking pan Mixing bowls Whisk and spatula Parchment paper

Allergen Information

Contains peanuts eggs milk and wheat (gluten). Check chocolate chips and all ingredients for potential traces of nuts soy or other allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories 285 Total Fat 16 g Carbohydrates 33 g Protein 5 g per serving

Decadent Gooey Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars served warm with a scoop of ice cream.  Save
Decadent Gooey Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars served warm with a scoop of ice cream. | forkta.com

These bars are best served warm with vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Recipe FAQs

How can I achieve a gooey texture in these bars?

To keep the bars gooey, slightly underbake them and allow to cool completely before cutting. This preserves softness in the center.

Can I substitute the chocolate chips used?

Yes, dark chocolate chips can be used for a richer flavor or to vary sweetness according to preference.

What baking pan size is recommended?

A 9x9 inch pan works well to ensure even cooking and the right thickness for chewy bars.

Is it possible to add crunch to these bars?

Adding chopped roasted peanuts to the batter or sprinkling on top introduces a pleasing crunchy contrast.

How should these bars be stored after baking?

Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate to extend freshness.

Gooey Peanut Butter Bars

Soft, chewy bars combining creamy peanut butter and melted chocolate for a decadent finish.

Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
25 min
Total Time
45 min
Created by Mia Parker


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 16 Portions

Diet Preferences Meat-Free

What You'll Need

Wet Ingredients

01 1 cup creamy peanut butter
02 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
03 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
04 1/2 cup granulated sugar
05 2 large eggs
06 2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

01 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 1/2 tsp baking powder
03 1/4 tsp salt

Chocolate Layer

01 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
02 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips

How to Make It

Step 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

Step 02

Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.

Step 03

Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs and vanilla extract to the wet mixture and whisk until fully combined.

Step 04

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 05

Combine Batter: Add dry ingredients to wet mixture and stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to maintain texture.

Step 06

Layer Batter and Chocolate: Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared pan, then sprinkle semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips evenly over the layer.

Step 07

Top with Remaining Batter: Drop spoonfuls of remaining batter over the chocolate layer and gently spread to cover most of the chocolate, allowing some to peek through.

Step 08

Bake Bars: Bake for 23 to 25 minutes until edges are golden and center is just set; do not overbake to keep bars gooey.

Step 09

Cool and Serve: Allow bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting out and cutting into 16 portions.

Equipment Needed

  • 9x9 inch baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk and spatula
  • Parchment paper

Allergy Details

Check every item for allergens, and check with your doctor if you’re unsure.
  • Contains peanuts, eggs, milk, and wheat (gluten)
  • Potential traces of nuts, soy, or other allergens in chocolate chips

Nutrition Per Serving

For informational purposes; please consult your healthcare professional.
  • Calories: 285
  • Total Fat: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Protein: 5 g