Peanut Butter Passion Bars

Rich, chewy, and totally addictive, Peanut Butter Passion Bars are the ultimate dessert for peanut butter lovers. With a soft cookie base, gooey peanut butter filling, and layers of chocolate chips and crunchy toppings, these bars are a crowd-pleasing treat perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or just a sweet craving fix.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Irresistibly Gooey – Soft and chewy with a rich, peanut buttery center.
One-Bowl Wonder – Easy to mix and bake with minimal cleanup.
Layers of Flavor – Peanut butter, chocolate, and a buttery crust in every bite.
Perfect for Sharing – Makes a big batch ideal for parties and gatherings.
Customizable – Add chopped nuts, pretzels, or drizzle with melted chocolate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup chopped peanuts (optional)
• ½ cup peanut butter chips (optional for extra peanut butter flavor)

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl
• Hand or stand mixer
• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper or nonstick spray
• Rubber spatula
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper or grease with nonstick spray.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together butter, peanut butter, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla extract and beat until well combined.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.

Step 4: Add the Good Stuff
Fold in chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, and peanut butter chips (if using) with a spatula.

Step 5: Spread and Bake
Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Do not overbake—they should be soft and chewy in the center.

Step 6: Cool and Cut
Let cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cut into bars and serve.

Tips for Best Results
Don’t Overmix – Stir just until the flour disappears to keep bars soft.
Use Room Temp Ingredients – Makes mixing smoother and easier.
Line the Pan – For easy removal and cleaner slices.
Add a Drizzle – Melt extra peanut butter or chocolate and drizzle on top before serving.
Make It Your Own – Add crushed pretzels, mini marshmallows, or swirl in raspberry jam.

Serving Suggestions
With Cold Milk – The classic combo that never fails.
Ice Cream Sundae – Warm a bar and top with vanilla ice cream and chocolate syrup.
Coffee Companion – Perfect with a morning or afternoon cup of coffee.
Party Platter – Stack and serve on a dessert tray with brownies and cookies.
Gift Boxes – Wrap in parchment and tuck into treat boxes for friends and neighbors.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Refrigerate: For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Freezing:
Wrap bars individually and freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.
Thaw at room temperature or microwave for 10–15 seconds to enjoy warm.

Reheating:
Microwave: Warm individual bars for 10–15 seconds to restore gooeyness.
Oven: Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes if serving a batch warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chunky peanut butter?
   Yes, but it will add extra texture. Smooth peanut butter creates a creamier base.
2. Can I make this gluten-free?
   Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
3. Can I use almond butter instead?
   Definitely! It changes the flavor but still results in rich, delicious bars.
4. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes, just use a larger sheet pan and adjust bake time slightly (check at 30–35 minutes).
5. Can I make this into cookie cups?
   Yes, scoop the dough into a muffin tin and bake at 350°F for 15–18 minutes.

Final Thoughts
Peanut Butter Passion Bars are everything a dessert should be—easy, rich, and utterly satisfying. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself to a peanut butter-packed indulgence, these bars are a must-try. They’re chewy, gooey, and layered with all the flavors you love in one perfect square.

Bake a batch today and taste the passion for yourself. Don’t forget to share them—if you can!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Bar):
Calories: 280 | Protein: 5g | Carbohydrates: 32g | Fat: 15g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 160mg

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