If you have a serious sweet tooth and love the classic combo of chocolate and peanut butter, then you are going to adore this Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Bars Recipe. It’s a luscious, rich dessert that perfectly balances a fudgy chocolate crust with a creamy peanut butter filling that’s so irresistibly gooey, every bite feels like a little celebration in your mouth. This recipe brings together the best of both worlds—decadent chocolate and nutty peanut butter—in a simple, no-fuss bar that’s perfect for sharing at parties, potlucks, or just treating yourself on a cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dessert lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient works its magic to create that perfect texture and flavor harmony. From the chocolate cake mix that forms a rich, sturdy base to the silky cream cheese and luscious peanut butter filling, each component is essential to achieving that signature ooey gooey goodness.
- Chocolate cake mix: Forms a rich, fudgy base that’s easy to work with and delivers deep chocolate flavor.
- Butter, melted: Adds moisture and richness to the crust while helping it bind perfectly.
- Egg: Gives structure and helps hold the crust together without making it dry.
- Cream cheese, softened: Creates a smooth and luxurious filling that’s delightfully creamy.
- Peanut butter: Brings that irresistible nutty flavor and creamy texture to the filling layer.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the filling for that perfect balance of flavors.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors with a hint of warmth and depth.
- Chocolate chips: Adds bursts of melty chocolate on top for extra indulgence and texture contrast.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to ensure the bars release smoothly. This prep step sets the stage for baking perfection.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Crust
In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Mix thoroughly until everything is fully incorporated. Then, press this chocolaty mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish to create a rich and sturdy crust that will hold all the ooey gooey goodness.
Step 3: Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This filling layer is the heart of the bars, delivering that signature ooey gooey texture and a peanut buttery punch.
Step 4: Layer the Filling Over the Crust
Pour the smooth peanut butter mixture over the chocolate crust. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, covering every corner of your baking dish. This even layering is key to getting every bite just right.
Step 5: Add the Chocolate Chip Topping
Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the top of the peanut butter layer. These melty pockets of chocolate add a wonderful texture contrast and extra chocolatey bursts in every bite.
Step 6: Bake to Gooey Perfection
Bake your creation in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. The top should turn a lovely golden color, and when you insert a toothpick, it should come out mostly clean but with a few moist crumbs clinging to it. This ensures the bars stay soft and gooey inside while holding their shape.
Step 7: Cool Completely and Slice
Once out of the oven, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This step is crucial for the bars to set properly and make slicing easier without losing that classic ooey gooey texture. Cut them into squares and get ready to savor every bite.
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, dust the bars lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted peanut butter or chocolate sauce. Adding a sprinkle of chopped peanuts or a few mini chocolate chips on top can also take the presentation to the next level, creating textures that are as delightful to look at as they are to taste.
Side Dishes
These bars are quite rich and satisfying on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream makes the dessert experience even more indulgent. A cup of strong coffee or a cold glass of milk also complements the sweet and nutty flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or special occasions, cut the bars into bite-sized squares and serve them on a decorative platter. Layer them with parchment paper, or stack them in a mason jar for a charming gift idea. You can also wrap individual squares in wax paper tied with a ribbon for a delightful homemade treat that’s perfect for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, storing them in the fridge extends freshness for up to a week while preserving that ooey gooey texture.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and place in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge to maintain that perfect texture.
Reheating
If you like your bars warm and extra gooey, gently reheat squares in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. Avoid overheating to keep the bars from drying out. Reheating brings out the creamy peanut butter flavor even more and makes them feel freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use homemade chocolate cake mix instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! While this recipe is designed for convenience with a box mix, homemade chocolate cake batter can be a delicious substitute and give you more control over sweetness and ingredients.
Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, by using a gluten-free chocolate cake mix as the base and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free, this recipe can easily adapt to gluten-free needs without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Can I substitute peanut butter with another nut butter?
Definitely. Almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter can be swapped for peanut butter if you want to change things up or accommodate allergies, though the taste will naturally vary.
How important is it to let the bars cool completely before cutting?
It’s very important. Cooling allows the filling to set properly, making it much easier to cut clean squares without the gooey filling spilling out, preserving the texture and presentation.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the recipe?
Yes! Chopped peanuts, walnuts, or even a handful of toffee bits mixed into the peanut butter layer or sprinkled on top before baking add delightful crunch and extra flavor.
Final Thoughts
Making the Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Bars Recipe is truly a rewarding experience because it results in a scrumptious treat that feels both indulgent and comforting. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or simply craving an amazing dessert to brighten your day, these bars never disappoint. So don’t hesitate—gather your ingredients, dive into this recipe, and enjoy every luscious bite of chocolatey, peanut buttery ooey gooey goodness.
Print
Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Bars combine a rich chocolate cake crust with a creamy peanut butter and cream cheese filling, topped with melty chocolate chips. Perfectly baked to a golden finish, these bars are irresistibly gooey, sweet, and easy to make for any dessert craving.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 egg
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make the Crust: In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Mix thoroughly until fully incorporated. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a firm crust.
- Prepare Filling: In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy with no lumps remaining.
- Assemble Bars: Pour the peanut butter and cream cheese mixture over the chocolate crust in the baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the top of the peanut butter layer for an added chocolatey finish.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The bars are done when the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut into 12 squares and serve.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a creamier texture.
- Do not overbake to maintain the ooey gooey texture; slight moistness in the center is ideal.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- You can substitute peanut butter with almond butter for a different flavor variation.
- For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate chips or mix in some chopped nuts.
