Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars – A Decadent Treat for Chocolate and Peanut Butter Lovers

These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars combine the chewy texture of classic cookie bars with the irresistible combination of chocolate and peanut butter. The rich, fudgy layers of peanut butter are swirled between chocolate chip dough, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and salty flavors. With a slightly crisp top and soft, gooey center, these bars are the ultimate indulgence. Whether you’re serving them for a family gathering or simply craving a sweet treat, these bars are perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  
  

• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  
  

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
  
  

• ½ teaspoon salt
  
  

• ½ cup salted butter, softened
  
  

• 1 cup granulated sugar
  
  

• 2 large eggs
  
  

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  
  

• 1 cup buttermilk
  
  

• ½ cup hot fudge sauce
  
  

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  
  

For the Fudge Topping

• ½ cup hot fudge sauce, warmed
  
  

• ¼ cup chocolate chips
  
  

• 2 tablespoons chopped nuts (optional)
  
  

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
   
   

2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
   
   

3. Make the dough: In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
   
   

4. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk into the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
   
   

5. Add peanut butter: Gently fold in the hot fudge sauce and chocolate chips, ensuring even distribution.
   
   

6. Assemble the bars: Press half of the dough into the prepared pan. Dollop the peanut butter on top, but do not spread. Add the remaining dough over the peanut butter, crumbling it slightly with your fingers.
   
   

7. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 24-28 minutes, or until the bars are slightly jiggly but firm up as they cool.
   
   

8. Finish the bars: Let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove to a wire rack. Drizzle with warmed hot fudge sauce and sprinkle with chocolate chips and nuts, if desired.
   
   

Nutritional Value (per serving)

• Calories: 220 kcal
  
  

• Carbohydrates: 27g
  
  

• Protein: 3g
  
  

• Fat: 12g
  
  

• Saturated Fat: 6g
  
  

• Cholesterol: 45mg
  
  

• Sodium: 190mg
  
  

• Potassium: 120mg
  
  

• Fiber: 2g
  
  

• Sugar: 18g
  
  

• Vitamin A: 300 IU
  
  

• Vitamin C: 0mg
  
  

• Calcium: 35mg
  
  

• Iron: 2mg