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
Scale
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.
