If you are craving a dessert that perfectly balances rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, look no further than the Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Bars Recipe. This indulgent treat features a fudgy chocolate base topped with a luscious peanut butter layer that is irresistibly smooth and delightfully gooey. It’s the ultimate comfort dessert that feels like a warm hug in every bite, sure to satisfy both your sweet tooth and your need for something deeply satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating the perfect harmony between chocolate and peanut butter. The mix of simple pantry staples and a few decadent additions ensures the bars are moist, flavorful, and ooey gooey just like the name promises.
- Chocolate cake mix: Provides a rich, chocolatey base that’s easy to work with and adds a soft texture.
- Butter, melted: Adds moisture and richness to the crust while helping bind the ingredients.
- Egg: Binds the crust ingredients together, giving them structure and stability.
- Cream cheese, softened: Makes the peanut butter filling creamy and smooth with a slight tang.
- Peanut butter: The star of the show, bringing that iconic nutty flavor and luscious texture.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the peanut butter layer perfectly.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances and rounds out the flavors with a warm, aromatic touch.
- Chocolate chips: Sprinkle over the top for melty pockets of chocolate goodness that perfectly complement the peanut butter.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish or lining it with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix with melted butter and an egg. Mix thoroughly until everything is fully integrated, then press the chocolate mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This will form a dense, chocolatey crust that sets the stage for the decadent peanut butter topping.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Peanut Butter Filling
Next, in a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. This mixture becomes the luscious filling that balances the rich chocolate crust. The smoothness is crucial, so make sure there are no lumps for that perfect ooey gooey texture.
Step 3: Assemble the Bars
Pour the silky peanut butter mixture evenly over the chocolate crust, spreading gently with a spatula to cover every inch. Then, sprinkle the chocolate chips uniformly across the top to add a final chocolate punch and delightful texture contrast when baked.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. You’re aiming for a golden top and a set filling. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center — it should come out mostly clean but might have a few moist crumbs, which means the bars remain irresistibly gooey inside.
Step 5: Cool Before Serving
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. This resting time helps the gooey filling firm up slightly so each bar holds its shape while retaining that signature ooey gooey texture on every bite.
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the presentation and taste by adding a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top. A few whole peanuts or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt add a textural contrast and highlight the nutty flavor delightfully. Whipped cream on the side can make each bite feel extra indulgent, too.
Side Dishes
This rich dessert pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of light whipped cream to balance the density of the bars. Fresh berries provide a juicy, tart counterpoint that complements the sweetness and richness, making for a well-rounded dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Raise the wow factor by serving these bars as mini squares on a dessert platter garnished with edible flowers or chopped nuts for a vibrant look. Alternatively, cut bars into bite-sized pieces and place them on skewers for a fun party-friendly treat. Personalizing each bar with a drizzle of peanut butter or chocolate sauce creates a beautiful, rustic finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week, as the cream cheese and peanut butter filling stays safely moist and tasty when chilled.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap each bar or the whole pan tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then place in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready for a treat, thaw them in the fridge overnight and enjoy the same ooey gooey satisfaction.
Reheating
If you prefer warm bars, gently reheat individual bars in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or place them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. Just be careful not to overheat, or they might dry out. Warm bars bring out the melty textures and flavor in a wonderfully comforting way.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?
Natural peanut butter can be used, but because it tends to be thinner and more oily, it might slightly affect the consistency of the filling. For the best ooey gooey texture, creamy peanut butter is preferred.
Is it necessary to use a boxed cake mix?
Using a boxed cake mix keeps this recipe quick and easy, but if you want, you can substitute with a homemade chocolate cake batter. Just make sure it’s thick enough to press firmly into the pan as the crust.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply choose a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and confirm that all other ingredients like chocolate chips and vanilla extract are gluten-free. These bars will still deliver that gooey, indulgent experience.
How do I get the perfect ooey gooey texture every time?
The key is not to overbake. Watch your bars closely from the 30-minute mark onward and remove them from the oven when the top is golden and the center is just set but still soft. Letting them cool completely also helps the gooey filling set beautifully.
Can I substitute cream cheese with something else?
Cream cheese is what gives this recipe its signature smooth and tangy richness, so substituting it would change the texture and flavor significantly. However, for a dairy-free option, you can try a vegan cream cheese alternative with similar consistency.
Final Thoughts
If you want to impress friends or simply indulge yourself, the Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Bars Recipe is an absolute must-try. Its fantastic combination of textures and flavors makes every bite a moment of pure joy. Once you make it, you’ll have a new favorite dessert to share and savor again and again.
Print
Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in these rich and decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Bars, featuring a chocolate cake crust topped with a creamy peanut butter and cream cheese layer, finished with melty chocolate chips. Perfect for peanut butter lovers craving a gooey, irresistible dessert that’s easy to bake and share.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 egg
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make the Chocolate Crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Stir well until the mixture is fully incorporated. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish to create the crust layer.
- Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Assemble the Bars: Pour the peanut butter and cream cheese filling over the chocolate crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the entire surface.
- Add the Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the top of the filling layer for that extra chocolatey touch.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The bars are done when the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean, with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened at room temperature for easier mixing.
- For extra gooey bars, avoid overbaking; check doneness at 30 minutes.
- You can substitute peanut butter with almond butter for a different nutty flavor.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix.
