If you adore the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter combined with the decadent allure of warm fudge, then this Fudge-Filled Peanut Butter Cake Bars Recipe is going to become your new favorite indulgence. Imagine soft, moist cake bars with a luscious, gooey fudge center that melts with every bite—each square is bursting with a perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and chocolatey goodness. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself to an irresistible snack, these bars are simple to whip up but deliver a sophisticated twist on classic peanut butter desserts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of everyday ingredients is all it takes to create these irresistible bars. Each component plays a crucial role, from enriching the batter with creamy peanut butter to providing that fudgy surprise inside.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Acts as the rich, creamy base that adds moisture and flavor to the cake.
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter: Provides that signature nutty richness and smooth texture everyone loves.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter while contributing to its tender crumb.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note to enhance depth of flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together while keeping the texture light and fluffy.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Boosts the overall aroma and rounds out the sweetness.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cake bars while keeping them soft.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bars rise and maintain a tender crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the peanut butter flavor.
- 1 cup hot fudge sauce, slightly warmed: The luscious, gooey core that gives these bars their famous fudge-filled surprise.
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional): Adds an extra layer of melty chocolate goodness on top if desired.
How to Make Fudge-Filled Peanut Butter Cake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Begin by setting your oven to 350°F. Grease your 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure your cake bars come out cleanly without any sticking hassles.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This step is key to creating a moist and tender crumb in your bars.
Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse your batter with a warm, sweet fragrance.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Then, gradually fold these dry ingredients into your wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your bars might end up dense.
Step 5: Layer the Batter and Fudge
Spoon half of the batter evenly into your prepared pan and spread it gently. Then pour the warmed hot fudge sauce over the batter, spreading it to create a smooth, even fudge layer. Carefully dollop the remaining batter on top and gently spread it to cover the fudge completely – this seals in the sweet surprise inside.
Step 6: Add Chocolate Chips and Bake
If you’re feeling extra indulgent, sprinkle chocolate chips evenly across the top for a melty, chocolatey finish. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the top is lightly golden and set. Let the bars cool fully before slicing to keep your fudge center perfectly gooey.
How to Serve Fudge-Filled Peanut Butter Cake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of extra hot fudge sauce right before serving takes these bars to the next level. Crushed peanuts or a sprinkle of sea salt also make fantastic toppings that highlight the peanut butter flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
For a truly memorable treat, serve these bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh berries provide a bright, refreshing contrast and help balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these bars in a dessert platter for sharing at parties or cutting them into bite-sized pieces for a fun, finger-food style dessert. Wrapping individual bars in parchment makes for perfect grab-and-go snacks or thoughtful homemade gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once fully cooled, store your fudge-filled peanut butter cake bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate them for up to a week to maintain freshness.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To enjoy your bars warm again, simply microwave an individual portion for 15 to 20 seconds or reheat briefly in a low oven. This brings back that gooey, fudgy center everyone loves.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a delightful texture, but it will slightly change the smoothness of the bars’ crumb.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes, substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend works well, just be sure your blend contains xanthan gum for structure.
Can I make my own hot fudge sauce for the filling?
Definitely! Homemade hot fudge sauce made with chocolate, heavy cream, butter, and sugar will give your bars a personalized touch and extra richness.
What is the best way to cut these bars without making a mess?
Wait until the bars are completely cooled, then use a sharp knife warmed under hot water for clean slices without pulling or sticking.
Can I substitute the chocolate chips with another topping?
Yes, chopped nuts, toffee bits, or mini peanut butter cups make fantastic alternatives that add texture and flavor variety.
Final Thoughts
There is just something incredibly comforting about these Fudge-Filled Peanut Butter Cake Bars Recipe that makes it impossible to resist. Whether baking for family, friends, or treating yourself, I promise you’ll savor every fudgy, peanut buttery bite. Give this recipe a try and watch it quickly become a beloved staple in your dessert rotation!
Print
Fudge-Filled Peanut Butter Cake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these rich and gooey Fudge-Filled Peanut Butter Cake Bars, combining a tender peanut butter cake with a luscious layer of warm hot fudge sauce. Perfectly soft and bursting with chocolate-peanut butter flavors, these bars make a heavenly dessert treat.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Filling and Topping
- 1 cup hot fudge sauce, slightly warmed
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth base for the batter.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to incorporate air and create a tender texture. Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter which can cause toughness.
- Layer Batter and Fudge: Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Pour the warmed hot fudge sauce evenly over this layer, gently spreading it to cover the batter.
- Top with Remaining Batter and Chocolate Chips: Spoon the remaining batter over the fudge layer, carefully spreading it to seal the fudge inside. Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly on top if using.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is set and lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 16 bars to let the fudge set and avoid runny filling.
Notes
- Warm the fudge sauce slightly so it spreads easily without hardening.
- For a thicker, fudgier center, avoid spreading the top layer of batter too thin.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner slicing.
- These bars keep well stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
