Name: Midnight Peanut Butter Delight Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 1/2 cups brown sugar; 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 2 eggs; 1 tbsp vanilla extract; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips; 1/2 cup peanut butter chips; 3/4 cup crushed starlight mints (optional, for garnish)

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So, late at night, when you need something sweet? These bars hit just right. Chocolate, peanut butter, and a soft crunch—it’s like a cozy hug.

I made them on a whim one night, and oh wow. They’re rich, creamy, and kinda magical. Total midnight magic.

They’re no-bake, super simple, and crazy good. If you’re a peanut butter fan, this one’s for you. Let’s make ’em together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Peanut Butter Heaven: If you love peanut butter, this recipe is for you. The combination of peanut butter in both the batter and as chips really elevates the flavor.

Decadent Yet Easy: This dessert looks fancy but is incredibly easy to prepare. It’s a great way to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Rich and Creamy: The marriage of creamy peanut butter with chocolate chips creates a decadent, smooth texture in every bite.
Quick to Make: Ready in just under an hour, these bars come together quickly and effortlessly.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re making a batch for a family gathering or a late-night treat, Midnight Peanut Butter Delight Bars are perfect for any time you want a dessert that’s both satisfying and indulgent.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we jump into the recipe, let’s go over the essential kitchen tools you’ll need to make these delicious bars:

Mixing Bowls: A couple of medium and large mixing bowls are all you need for combining the ingredients.
Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: This is optional, but using an electric mixer makes the batter super smooth and easy to mix.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to making these bars come out just right!
9×13-inch Baking Dish: You’ll need a large enough baking dish to spread the batter evenly and bake the bars.
Spatula: For spreading the dough in the pan and scraping down the sides of the mixing bowl.
Parchment Paper or Cooking Spray: To prevent the bars from sticking, you’ll want to line your pan or lightly coat it with cooking spray.
Microwave-Safe Bowl (Optional): If you choose to melt the chocolate chips before layering, a microwave-safe bowl will come in handy.

Ingredients

Here’s a breakdown of all the ingredients you’ll need to make these irresistible bars (exact measurements are provided in the recipe card below):

Butter: 1 cup, softened (for the perfect texture in the bars)
Granulated Sugar: 1 1/2 cups (balances the peanut butter’s richness)
Brown Sugar: 1 1/2 cups (adds depth and chewiness to the bars)
Creamy Peanut Butter: 1 cup (this is the heart of the recipe, giving the bars that unmistakable nutty flavor)
Eggs: 2 large eggs (help bind the ingredients and give the bars structure)
Vanilla Extract: 1 tablespoon (adds warmth and depth to the flavor)
All-Purpose Flour: 2 1/2 cups (provides structure for the bars)
Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon (helps the bars rise and gives them a soft texture)
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (enhances sweetness and balances flavors)
Semisweet Chocolate Chips: 2 cups (for that melty chocolatey goodness)
Peanut Butter Chips: 1/2 cup (extra peanut butter flavor!)
Crushed Starlight Mints: 3/4 cup (optional, but they add a refreshing minty crunch and pretty decoration)

Variations for Midnight Peanut Butter Delight Bars

This recipe is wonderfully versatile, and you can easily customize it to your liking. Here are a few ways to switch things up:

Use Crunchy Peanut Butter: If you like a little extra texture in your bars, swap out the creamy peanut butter for crunchy peanut butter.
Add More Chocolate: You can layer in some extra chocolate chips or even drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the bars for a more indulgent finish.
Swap the Mints: While the starlight mints add a refreshing flavor and festive look, you could swap them for other types of crushed candy like toffee bits, crushed pretzels, or even mini marshmallows.
Use White Chocolate Chips: If you’re not a fan of semisweet chocolate, white chocolate chips will give these bars a lovely creamy flavor that pairs perfectly with peanut butter.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Midnight Peanut Butter Delight Bars

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to ensure the bars come out easily once baked.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and both types of sugar (granulated and brown sugar) until they are light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes if you’re using an electric mixer. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and creamy peanut butter, and mix until fully combined.

3. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed to ensure everything is well incorporated. You’ll end up with a thick batter.

4. Add Chocolate and Peanut Butter Chips

Now it’s time to add the semisweet chocolate chips and peanut butter chips to the batter. Gently fold them into the batter using a spatula, ensuring an even distribution of the chips throughout the bars.

5. Bake the Bars

Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish, making sure it’s smooth on top. Bake the bars for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs). The edges will start to turn golden brown, and the bars should look set.

6. Cool and Garnish

Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Once slightly cooled, sprinkle the crushed starlight mints over the top for a colorful, festive touch. If you like, you can drizzle a little extra melted chocolate on top of the bars for added flair.

7. Slice and Serve

Once the bars have cooled completely, slice them into squares and serve! These bars are perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or as a sweet snack after dinner.

Serving and Decoration Ideas

These Midnight Peanut Butter Delight Bars are as much about flavor as they are about presentation. Here are some creative ideas for serving and decorating these decadent bars:

Serve with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream on the side would be the perfect pairing for these rich bars.
Top with Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
Decorate with More Peanut Butter: If you’re a peanut butter lover, drizzle more melted peanut butter on top of the bars or sprinkle some extra chopped peanuts for texture.
Gift-Friendly Packaging: If you’re looking for a way to share these bars, cut them into squares and package them in pretty boxes or tins as homemade gifts.

Storing Midnight Peanut Butter Delight Bars

Room Temperature: If you’re planning to enjoy these bars within a few days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about 3-4 days.
Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep the bars in the refrigerator. They can last for up to 1 week when stored properly.
Freezing: These bars freeze well for up to 2 months. Simply wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or foil, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.