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
Scale
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.
