Ready in: 50 minutes · Serves: 16 · Technique: Baking · Storage: Airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Quick Answer
Experience the joy of baking with Reese's Bake Peanut Butter Bars, a delightful combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate that's perfect for the holidays.
Introduction:
As the holiday season approaches here in New York City, my kitchen turns into a bustling haven of festive treats and comforting favorites. One delightful addition to my holiday repertoire is the Reese's Bake Peanut Butter Bars. These bars are a glorious indulgence that perfectly balances creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate, making them ideal for both Thanksgiving gatherings and cozy Christmas celebrations.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously rich flavor combining creamy peanut butter and decadent chocolate.
- Easy to make, perfect for holiday gatherings and celebrations.
- Gooey, chewy texture that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
- Great for sharing or storing for a sweet treat throughout the week.
Ingredients
Gather these quality ingredients to create your Reese's Bake Peanut Butter Bars:
Bar Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (preferably Jif)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (Ghirardelli recommended)
- 1 cup chopped Reese's peanut butter cups for topping
How to Make Reese's Bake Peanut Butter Bars (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious peanut butter bars:
Step 1: Create the Peanut Butter Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Blend using a hand mixer on medium speed until smooth and glossy. The wonderful aroma of peanut butter and sugar will make you eager to continue.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Dry Ingredients
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the peanut butter mixture until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as the batter should remain thick and slightly sticky.
Step 3: Stir in Chocolate Chips
Now, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, ensuring they're evenly distributed throughout the dough. Reserve a handful for sprinkling on top later for an added treat!
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper and spread the peanut butter batter evenly in the prepared dish. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips and chopped Reese's cups on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center has a slight jiggle. The delightful smell will fill your kitchen!
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice into generous squares and enjoy the rich, gooey goodness!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't overbake: Keep an eye on the bars; they should be slightly underbaked for that gooey texture.
- Avoid using natural peanut butter: It can lead to a different consistency and may not hold together as well.
- Don't skip the parchment paper: This helps in clean removal from the baking dish, making for easy slicing and clean-up.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- For a peanut butter punch in every bite, mix in additional chopped Reese's cups or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top before serving.
- Pair these bars with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee to bring out the flavors even more.
- These bars can be made a day ahead, making them perfect for holiday meal prep.
Variations
- Substitute half the chocolate chips with white chocolate chips for a different flavor.
- Use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for added texture.
- Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- Top with drizzled caramel sauce for an indulgent twist.
How to Serve
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Offer with a side of whipped cream for an extra treat.
- Pair with fresh fruit for a sweet and savory contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
- These bars can be made a day ahead, making them perfect for holiday meal prep.
- Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- If you want to keep them longer, they can be refrigerated for up to two weeks.
- Frozen bars can last for several months; just ensure they're well wrapped to maintain freshness!
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Baking these Reese's Bake Peanut Butter Bars always reminds me of the joy of cooking; it's not just about the treats, but also about the warm memories made around the kitchen. Each bite is a little reminder of the sweetness of the season, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 20 bars · Serving Size: 1 bar
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~250 calories · 5g protein · 30g carbs · 13g fat
Recipe by:
Delicious Reese's Peanut Butter Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Blend using a hand mixer on medium speed until smooth and glossy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the peanut butter mixture until just combined.
- Now, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, ensuring they're evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper and spread the peanut butter batter evenly in the prepared dish. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips and chopped Reese’s cups on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes until the edges are golden and the center has a slight jiggle.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice into generous squares and enjoy!
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
While creamy peanut butter is recommended for a smooth texture, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer a bit of added texture. Just keep in mind that it may change the consistency slightly.
2. How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the edges are golden and the center has just a slight jiggle. It's important not to overbake them, as you want to keep that gooey texture.
3. Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts, like walnuts or peanuts, make a great addition. Just fold them in along with the chocolate chips for an added crunch.
4. How should I store leftover bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to two weeks or freeze them for several months.
5. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! These bars can be made a day ahead, making them perfect for holiday meal prep. Just remember to store them properly to keep them fresh.
