If you are craving a dessert that perfectly balances creamy peanut butter with rich, indulgent chocolate, then the Fudge-Filled Peanut Butter Cake Bars Recipe should be your next baking adventure. These bars boast a buttery peanut butter cake base wrapped around a luscious fudge filling that melts in your mouth with every bite. The combination of textures and flavors makes this treat incredibly addictive, and once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the first step toward making these irresistible bars. Each component brings something special to the party—from the creamy peanut butter that infuses robust flavor, to the sweetened condensed milk creating that perfect fudge consistency.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: The star of the show, adding rich nuttiness and moisture.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: For a tender and flavorful base without overwhelming saltiness.
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar: Adds warmth and depth with its molasses notes.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with the texture.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and give structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances and rounds out all the flavors.
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the bars their cakey texture.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bars rise just right for a light crumb.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and boosts flavor overall.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: For a luscious fudge center that’s perfectly bittersweet.
- 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk: Magic ingredient that makes the fudge smooth and creamy.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for fudge layer): Adds richness and a silky finish to the fudge.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for fudge layer): Adds warmth and depth to the chocolate fudge filling.
How to Make Fudge-Filled Peanut Butter Cake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan, or better yet, line it with parchment paper for an easy release. This prep ensures your bars will bake evenly and come out in perfect squares.
Step 2: Mix the Peanut Butter Dough
In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter, softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air and creates a smoother batter. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time along with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until everything is fully combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. These dry elements will help your bars hold their shape while keeping them soft and chewy.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the peanut butter mixture until a soft dough forms. Make sure not to overmix; you want to keep the batter light for the best texture.
Step 5: Form the Base Layer
Take about two-thirds of the dough and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. This forms the sturdy yet tender foundation that will support your irresistible fudge filling.
Step 6: Make the Fudge Filling
Combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until everything is melted and smooth—this luscious fudge is what takes these bars over the top. Remove from the heat and stir in the remaining ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract, then pour the fudge evenly over the peanut butter base.
Step 7: Add the Top Layer
Using the remaining peanut butter dough, drop small spoonfuls over the fudge layer. This rustic top creates delightful pockets of peanut butter goodness amidst the chocolate.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake the bars for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top turns golden and the center is set but still moist. Let the pan cool completely before slicing into squares. Cooling is key to getting clean cuts and letting the fudge layer firm up just right.
How to Serve Fudge-Filled Peanut Butter Cake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts on top just before serving for delightful crunch and extra peanut flavor. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate adds a decorative touch and makes these bars even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
Pair your bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a slightly healthier touch, fresh berries add a juicy contrast to the rich fudge and peanut butter flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the bars into bite-sized squares and serve them on a platter with skewers for easy grabbing at parties. You can also layer them in a glass trifle bowl with whipped cream and crushed peanuts for an impressive dessert display everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, so they taste fantastic even the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep these decadent bars longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
Rewarm bars briefly in the microwave for about 10 seconds if you prefer them warm and gooey. Just be careful not to overheat because you don’t want to melt the fudge filling too much.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
Natural peanut butter can be used, but keep in mind it has a higher oil content and thinner texture, which may affect the dough consistency. You might need to refrigerate the peanut butter or add a little extra flour to get the right texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that contains xanthan gum. This swap maintains the texture without compromising on flavor.
Can I substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate?
Absolutely. Dark chocolate will add a more intense chocolate flavor and less sweetness, which pairs beautifully with the peanut butter. Adjust sugar levels slightly if your chocolate is very bitter.
How should I cut the bars to ensure clean slices?
Make sure the bars are completely cooled and use a sharp knife. For easier slicing, chill the bars for an hour or two beforehand. Wiping the knife clean between cuts helps keep each piece neat.
Can I add nuts to the batter?
Definitely! Adding about ½ cup of chopped peanuts into the dough adds delicious crunch and enhances the peanut flavor. Feel free to sprinkle some on top before baking too for an extra special touch.
Final Thoughts
These Fudge-Filled Peanut Butter Cake Bars Recipe offer an irresistible blend of rich peanut butter and smooth chocolate fudge that will quickly become a favorite in your dessert rotation. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, these bars deliver incredible flavor and texture in each bite. I absolutely can’t recommend giving this recipe a try enough—once you do, I bet these bars will get talked about for years to come at your gatherings!
Print
Fudge-Filled Peanut Butter Cake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Fudge-Filled Peanut Butter Cake Bars are a decadent dessert featuring a rich peanut butter cake layered with creamy fudge. These bars offer a perfect balance of sweet chocolate and nutty peanut butter flavors, baked to a golden perfection. Ideal for parties, snacks, or dessert cravings, they deliver a delightful combination of moist cake texture and luscious fudge filling.
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Cake Dough
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Fudge Filling
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the peanut butter, ½ cup softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, then mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and uniform.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning elements.
- Make Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring carefully until a soft dough forms, avoiding overmixing for a tender texture.
- Form Base Layer: Press two-thirds of the peanut butter dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating an even layer for the base.
- Create Fudge Filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. Stir continuously until the chocolate melts completely and the mixture is smooth.
- Finish Fudge: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in ½ teaspoon vanilla extract to enhance flavor.
- Assemble Bars: Pour the fudge mixture evenly over the peanut butter dough layer in the pan. Then, drop small spoonfuls of the remaining peanut butter dough over the fudge layer to create a marbled effect.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top turns golden and the center is set, indicating the bars are fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut into 24 bars and serve.
Notes
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- For added texture and crunch, mix ½ cup chopped peanuts into the dough or sprinkle them on top before baking.
