Peanut Butter Fudge Bars

Oh my goodness, you guys! I just made the most amazing treat ever. These peanut butter fudge bars are, well, pure magic.

So here’s the thing – I love peanut butter. Like, really love it. But these bars? They’re way better than just peanut butter.

Picture this: creamy peanut butter meets rich chocolate fudge. It’s like a hug for your taste buds. And honestly, they’re so easy to make too.

Trust me on this one. You’re gonna want to try these bars. Let me show you exactly how I make them.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Balance of Sweet and Salty: These Peanut Butter Fudge Bars hit the sweet spot between rich peanut butter flavor and the indulgent taste of chocolate fudge.
• No-Bake Fudge Layer: The fudge layer comes together in minutes, requiring no oven time, making these bars both quick and convenient.
• Family-Friendly: A fun recipe to make with kids and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Make these bars in advance for a simple, stress-free dessert.
• Customizable: You can add your own mix-ins, toppings, or adjust sweetness to your liking.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a quick look at the kitchen tools you’ll need to make these Peanut Butter Fudge Bars:

• 9×13-inch baking pan: This is the size you’ll need to hold the full batch. I like to line it with parchment paper to make clean-up easy.
• Mixing bowls: For both the cookie dough and the fudge layer.
• Electric mixer: For making the dough, though you can also do it by hand with a whisk if needed.
• Spatula: For spreading the peanut butter dough and fudge layers evenly in the pan.
• Saucepan: To melt the fudge ingredients together on the stovetop.

Ingredients

Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Ingredients:

• Salted butter (1 ½ cups or 340 g): Softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
• Granulated sugar (1 ½ cups or 318 g): To provide sweetness and help create that soft, chewy texture.
• Brown sugar (1 ½ cups or 318 g): Light or dark brown sugar works well, adding a rich, caramel-like flavor.
• Large eggs (3): Eggs help bind the dough and provide structure.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): For added flavor complexity.
• Creamy peanut butter (1 ½ cups or 383 g): The star ingredient that gives the bars their delicious flavor and rich texture.
• All-purpose flour (4 ½ cups or 638 g): Provides the bulk and structure for the cookie dough.
• Baking soda (1 tbsp): For leavening to make the bars light and fluffy.
• Salt (¾ tsp): Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.

Fudge Layer Ingredients:

• Sweetened condensed milk (1 can or 14 ounces): A rich base for the fudge, which adds both sweetness and creaminess.
• Butter (2 tbsp): Adds richness and smoothness to the fudge.
• Pinch of salt: A small amount of salt enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the fudge.
• Semisweet chocolate chips (2 cups or 340 g): The key ingredient for a creamy, decadent fudge layer.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds a depth of flavor to the fudge layer.

Variations for Peanut Butter Fudge Bars

While this recipe is already a winning combination of peanut butter and chocolate, there are several ways to make it your own:

• Add Chopped Nuts: You can stir in chopped peanuts or other nuts like almonds or cashews into the peanut butter dough for extra crunch and flavor.
• Swirl in More Fudge: If you love a gooey, fudgy center, double the fudge layer and swirl it into the peanut butter dough before baking.
• Top with More Peanut Butter: For an extra peanut butter kick, swirl additional peanut butter into the top of the fudge layer before it sets.
• Add M&M’s or Other Candies: For a fun, colorful touch, sprinkle some M&M’s or chopped-up candy bars on top of the bars before chilling.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Peanut Butter Fudge Bars

Making these Peanut Butter Fudge Bars is easy, and once you have all your ingredients ready, you’re just a few steps away from enjoying a mouthwatering treat!

1. Prepare the Peanut Butter Cookie Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease your 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars later.

• Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
• Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
• Incorporate the Peanut Butter: Add the peanut butter and beat until fully combined. The mixture will be thick and creamy.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

• Do not overmix at this stage to keep the dough from becoming too tough.

3. Press the Dough into the Pan

Transfer the peanut butter cookie dough into your prepared 9×13-inch baking pan. Use a spatula to press it evenly into the pan, making sure the dough covers the bottom in a smooth, even layer.

4. Bake the Peanut Butter Dough

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the dough turns golden brown on top. The edges should be set, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean (it’s okay if it’s slightly gooey due to the fudge layer, though).

• Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and set it aside to cool for about 15 minutes before adding the fudge layer.

5. Prepare the Fudge Layer

While the peanut butter cookie dough is cooling, it’s time to make the fudge layer:

• Melt the Fudge Ingredients: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, butter, and a pinch of salt. Stir constantly until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth.
• Add the Chocolate Chips: Once the mixture is smooth, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the semisweet chocolate chips until they are fully melted and the fudge is thick and glossy.
• Add Vanilla Extract: Stir in the vanilla extract for extra flavor and smoothness.

6. Layer the Fudge over the Cookie Dough

Once the peanut butter cookie dough has cooled for about 15 minutes, pour the freshly made fudge layer over the dough. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the top.

• Chill the Bars: Let the bars sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to cool slightly before transferring them to the fridge to set for at least 2 hours, or until the fudge layer has firmed up.

7. Slice and Serve

Once the bars are fully chilled, cut them into squares or rectangles. You’ll have a beautiful combination of peanut butter cookie dough and rich fudge that’s ready to be devoured!

How to Serve Peanut Butter Fudge Bars

These bars are perfect for all kinds of occasions, from family gatherings to after-school snacks. Here are a few ideas for serving them:

• For a Dessert Buffet: Add them to a dessert table alongside cookies, cakes, and other treats.
• With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Pack in Lunchboxes: These bars make a sweet and satisfying addition to any lunchbox.
• As a Snack: Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth during the day.

Storing Peanut Butter Fudge Bars

These bars will keep well for several days if stored properly:

• Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Refrigeration: If you prefer them chilled, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Freezing: For long-term storage, freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.

To serve frozen bars, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Nutrition	Amount per serving
Calories	350 kcal
Fat	18g
Carbohydrates	45g
Protein	5g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	32g

Conclusion:

Whether you’re a peanut butter lover or simply craving a sweet dessert, these Peanut Butter Fudge Bars will quickly become a favorite in your household. The chewy peanut butter cookie dough paired with the rich, creamy fudge layer creates a dessert that is simply irresistible. Best of all, these bars are easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and can be customized to suit your tastes.

So, grab your ingredients, get baking, and enjoy these delectable treats with family and friends!