I mixed melted unsalted butter with granulated and light brown sugars, eggs, and vanilla extract to create an unforgettable treat featuring creamy peanut butter and semisweet chocolate chips. These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars 9×13 boast a rich, fudgy texture along with an inventive twist that always catches my attention.

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I was messing around in the kitchen the other day and somehow stumbled upon what might be the ultimate treat. I mixed 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter with 3/4 cup granulated sugar and 3/4 cup light brown sugar, then tossed in 2 large eggs and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.

After stirring in 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda and 1/4 teaspoon salt, I folded in 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter and 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips. The mix came together like a scene from one of those epic peanut butter chocolate chip bars or even something reminiscent of a peanut butter m&m blondie.

It’s super rich and fudgy and promises a mix of textures you wouldnt believe until you try it. I think serving these warm with a bowl of ice cream makes it a next level dessert, perfect for indulging without too much fuss.

Enjoy experimenting in your own kitchen!

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because it always comes out super rich and fudgy, and that melt-in-your-mouth feel is just unbeatable.
I love how the peanut butter gets swirled throughout the batter; every bite gives me a fun surprise of creamy and chocolatey flavors mixed together.
It reminds me of home baking even though it’s really easy to make and looks like something from a bakery.
And when I serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream, it feels like the ultimate comfort treat that always brightens my day.

Ingredients

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Unsalted butter adds a rich, smooth flavor and moisture when melted.
Granulated and light brown sugars sweeten the mix, giving a hint of caramel flavor.
Eggs supply protein that helps bind the ingredients quite nicely.
Creamy peanut butter adds extra protein and healthy fats for extra richness.
Semisweet chocolate chips deliver bursts of sweet, satisfying flavor every bite.
All-purpose flour gives structure and lightness, making the bars slightly crumbly.
Baking soda and salt evenly leaven and balance flavor across the bars.
Vanilla extract offers a subtle, sweet aroma that enhances every bite.
An extra pinch of salt intensifies the sweetness while balancing the rich flavors.

Ingredient Quantities

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

3/4 cup granulated sugar

3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed

2 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×9 inch pan with parchment paper or grease it well.

2. In a large bowl, mix the melted butter with the granulated and brown sugars until theyre well combined.

3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

4. Add the all-purpose flour, baking soda and salt and stir until just combined. Dont over mix!

5. Fold in the chocolate chips gently until theyre evenly distributed.

6. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

7. Drop dollops of the creamy peanut butter evenly over the batter.

8. Grab a knife and lightly swirl the peanut butter into the batter to create a marbled effect.

9. Bake for 20-25 minutes or till the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

10. Let cool completely, then cut into bars and serve warm, maybe even with a scoop of ice cream!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven (preheated to 350°F)
2. 9×9 inch baking pan plus parchment paper or grease for lining
3. Large mixing bowl
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Whisk or sturdy spoon for mixing
6. Spatula to smooth the batter
7. Knife for swirling the peanut butter
8. Toothpick to test the bake

FAQ

Q: Do I have to use unsalted butter?

A: Not really, but it's best to use unsalted butter so that the bars don't end up too salty. If you only have salted butter, try reducing the added salt a bit.

Q: Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

A: Yup, you can use crunchy peanut butter, though it might give the bars a different texture than what's expected. It still tastes great though!

Q: Should I let the batter chill before baking?

A: Not necessary at all. Mixing the ingredients and quickly spreading the batter should be fine. Some folks let it rest in the fridge for ten minutes if they want a firmer texture.

Q: How should I store these bars?

A: They last in an airtight container at room temp for about 4 days. If you wanna keep them longer, put them in the freezer and let 'em thaw before serving.

Q: Is it okay to add extra chocolate chips or nuts?

A: Sure thing, you can toss in extra chocolate chips or a handful of nuts if you like more texture. Just be careful not to overdo it so the bars still hold together.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Instead of unsalted butter you can use salted butter (just use a little less salt overall), or even try melted coconut oil for a different twist
If you don’t have granulated sugar around, you could just use more light brown sugar, or try coconut sugar as a substitute but keep in mind the flavor might change a bit
For the eggs, sometimes using 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce per egg works pretty well in baked treats if you’re in a pinch
If you need a switch up from vanilla extract, almond extract can be used, though it’s a bit stronger so you might want to use a little less
Not a fan of semisweet chocolate chips? Dark chocolate chips or even chopped up chocolate bars can be used instead

Pro Tips

1. Make sure to let your melted butter cool just a bit before mixing in the eggs so they dont start cooking the butter which can mess up the texture.
2. Be really careful when you fold in the chocolate chips, overmixing can make your bars turn tough, so stir gently.
3. Before you cut up your bars, let them cool completely in the pan so they hold together better and dont crumble all over the place.
4. For that perfect marbled look, use a butter knife or spatula to swirl the peanut butter gently instead of mixing it too much, you want those cool streaks to show.