What is comfort food? What are some of the best Peanut Butter Bars? Is it the kind of treat that takes you right back to childhood, to sunny afternoons and to a good time? What is the smell of baking in the oven? If you’re a fan of classic peanut butter cookies, just imagine that turned up to eleven – richer, more delicious. Is there a fudgy topping? What are some of the best peanut butter recipes? What is Grandma’s secret with you? They’re so easy, they are quickly becoming a staple in my kitchen!
What are peanut butter bars?
Think of Peanut Butter bars as the love child of a Peanut Butter cookie and fudge brownie. What’s a peanut butter base with chocolate glaze? What is the base for a dish made of peanut butter, sugar and flour? What is the best texture for a nut? The chocolate glaze adds a perfect touch of sweetness and compliments the peanut butter perfectly. Is it a match made in heaven? My Grandma always called them “happiness squares” and I couldn’t agree more.
Why do I love this recipe?
Where do I start? What is that perfect balance of salty and sweet, creamy and fudgy? What are some of the best flavors of Peanut Butter and chocolate glaze? What I love about this recipe is just how easy it is to make. Can anyone make these? I don’t need any fancy equipment or fancy ingredients, just a few pantry staples and some pantry essentials. What is a budget-friendly treat? What are some of the best ingredients for peanut butter?
What are some of the best peanut butter bars? What are some good ways to serve them as a snack, or as an appetizer for someone who likes to cook with you? They’re always a crowd pleaser. I even had a friend who drizzled caramel on top – talk about taking it to the next level! I often get asked to bring something sweet to family gatherings, and these *always* get requested. Is it easier to make a whole cake? If you love brownies or blondies, these peanut butter bars are sure to become your new favorite.
How do I make peanut butter bars?
Quick Overview
How do you make peanut butter bars? I’ll start by prepping my pan and preheating my oven. If you’re baking in a pan, mix together the base ingredients, press them into the pan and bake until golden brown. Let cool. While the base cools, you’ll whip up the chocolate glaze and spread it over the top. Let everything set, slice into squares, and enjoy! Don’t let the baking time scare you! The process itself is straightforward and totally doable. Is this a fun project that the kids can help with?
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – Make sure it’s *really* soft, or you’ll have a hard, hard dough. What is the best way to spend time I usually leave mine out for a couple of hours.
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1 cup packed brown sugar – Light or dark for a richer flavor.
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Real vanilla is always best, but imitation works in a pinch.
I use a standard creamy peanut butter like Jif or Skippy. * 1 cup creamy Peanut Butter – I like to use them both. What is the texture of peanut butter?
* 2 cups all-purpose flour – Spoon and level the flour to avoid packing it in.
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* ½ teaspoon salt
For the Glaze:
* 6 tablespoons (¾ stick) unsalted butter
* 3 tablespoons milk
* 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
* 3 cups powdered sugar – Sift it if it’s lumpy!
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. Is it possible to line a paper bag with parchment paper for easy removal? I find that a little cooking spray followed by dusting of flour works best.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. Make sure everything is well combined to avoid pockets of baking soda in the final bars. This helps ensure even rising and a consistent texture.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light. Set aside. Beat the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and peanut butter. Serve warm or cold. Is it really important that the butter is soft? Is it a
Step 4: Combine
Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. How do I make a hard bar?
Step 5: Press into Pan
Is it okay to press the dough into the prepared baking pan? Just use your fingers or the back of a spoon to create an even layer. I sometimes wet my fingers to prevent the dough from sticking.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. When you come out clean, you’ Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary. You want them to be firm but not overly dry.
Step 7: Cool
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before adding the glaze. This is important because the glaze will melt if the bars are still warm. I usually let them cool for at least an hour, or even longer if I have time.
Step 8: Prepare & Spread Glaze
While the bars are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the milk and cocoa powder until smooth. Remove from heat and gradually whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth. What is the best glaze for a chocolate bar? I like to use an offset spatula for this to get a nice, even layer.
Step 9: Set & Slice
Let the glaze set before slicing into squares. If you’re impatient (like me), this usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour. Is it safe to pop them in the fridge for a bit? Use a sharp knife to slice the bars into squares. I find that wiping the knife clean between cuts helps to create clean, even slices.
What should I serve it with?
These peanut butter bars are great on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of other snacks. If you have a cup of coffee for breakfast, serve it with cold milk. What are some good morning pick-me-ups? For brunch, cut them into smaller squares and arrange them on a platter with fresh fruit and yogurt. They add a touch of sweetness to any savory spread.
As a dessert, serve them with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. What are some good sprinkles of chopped peanuts or chocolate? What are some of the best cozy snacks to pair with a glass of apple cider? My family loves to eat them while watching movies on a cold night. What is a comforting treat that hits the spot? I like to crumble them over ice cream for an extra special sundae!
What are some tips for perfecting peanut butter bars?
How do you take peanut butter bars from good to amazing? What are some of the best tips I’ve learned over the years?
What is Butter MattersWhat is the best butter for flavor? I prefer European-style butter because it has a higher fat content, which makes the bars richer and more flavorful. I have tried it once and it was delicious.
Don’t Overmix:Can overmixing the dough lead to hard bars? Mix until smooth, and don’t worry about lumps.
Cool Completely: WhatLet the bars cool completely before adding the glaze to prevent it from melting. What is the best way to achieve a firm glaze?
Glaze Consistency: If the glaze is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
Peanut Butter Choice: While creamy peanut butter is recommended, you can experiment with crunchy peanut butter for added texture. Just be aware that it might make the bars a little more crumbly.
Salted vs. Unsalted Butter: I always use unsalted butter in baking so I can control the amount of salt. If you only have salted butter on hand, you can omit the salt in the recipe.
Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the bars while they’re baking, as oven temperatures can vary. You want them to be golden brown around the edges and set in the center.
Easy Removal: For easy removal, line the baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang. This makes it easy to lift the bars out of the pan after they’ve cooled.
Glaze Variations: Get creative with the glaze! You can add a pinch of espresso powder for a mocha flavor, or a dash of peppermint extract for a festive twist. Sometimes, I even swirl in a little extra peanut butter for a double dose of peanut butter goodness!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Proper storage is key to keeping these peanut butter bars fresh and delicious. Here’s how to store them:
Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’ll stay fresh and moist.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can store the bars in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just make sure they’re in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer Instructions: These peanut butter bars freeze beautifully! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the bars, it’s best to freeze them without the glaze. Then, when you’re ready to serve them, you can make the glaze and spread it over the thawed bars. This will ensure that the glaze is fresh and glossy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
These peanut butter bars are truly special. They are easy to make, incredibly delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. The salty-sweet combination of peanut butter and chocolate is simply irresistible. If you love peanut butter, you absolutely have to try this recipe. It is one of my go-to recipes for potlucks, parties, and just a simple weeknight treat. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other dessert recipes. I have a whole collection of easy and delicious treats that you’re sure to love!
Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you make any variations, be sure to share them with me. I’m always looking for new and exciting ways to enjoy my favorite recipes. Don’t forget to rate this recipe if you loved it. Enjoy!
Peanut Butter Bars
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 0.5 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, powdered sugar, and softened butter. Mix until well combined.
- Stir in graham cracker crumbs until evenly distributed.
- Press mixture into an 8x8 inch baking pan.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before cutting into bars.
