A Rich and Decadent Dessert
If you love the combination of chocolate and peanut butter, these Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Bars are a must-try! With a rich, fudgy base and a creamy, sweet peanut butter topping, this dessert is irresistibly indulgent and easy to make in under 30 minutes.
The Story Behind This Indulgent Treat
I’ve always had a soft spot for gooey butter cakes, but I wanted to take it to the next level by adding my two favorite flavors—chocolate and peanut butter. The result? A rich, melt-in-your-mouth bar that’s part cake, part brownie, and completely delicious.
This recipe takes inspiration from classic ooey gooey butter cake but with a twist. The bottom layer is a chocolate cake mix base, while the top layer is a luscious peanut butter cream cheese filling. If you love peanut butter cups, you’re going to be obsessed with this version!
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Chocolate Cake Mix – Forms the rich, fudgy base. You can substitute with brownie mix for an extra dense texture.
- Butter – Adds moisture and enhances the gooey texture.
- Eggs – Help bind everything together.
- Cream Cheese – Gives the topping its signature creamy texture.
- Peanut Butter – The star of the show! Use creamy peanut butter for the smoothest result.
- Powdered Sugar – Sweetens and thickens the filling.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Bars
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix chocolate cake mix, melted butter, and one egg until combined. Press into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Topping
In another bowl, beat cream cheese, peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and remaining eggs until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Spread and Bake
Pour the peanut butter mixture over the chocolate base and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly gooey.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
Let the bars cool completely before slicing. Enjoy warm for an extra gooey texture or chilled for a firmer bite.
Expert Tips for the Best Butter Bars
- Don’t overbake – The center should still be slightly gooey when removed from the oven.
- Use room-temperature ingredients – This ensures a smooth and creamy peanut butter topping.
- For extra decadence – Sprinkle chopped peanut butter cups or drizzle melted chocolate on top.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are perfect for:
- Parties and potlucks – A guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Holiday desserts – A fun twist on traditional butter cake.
- Late-night treats – Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Reheating: Microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back the gooey texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cake mix?
Yes! A brownie mix or a peanut butter cake mix would also work well.
How do I make it even gooier?
Reduce the baking time slightly and serve while warm.
Can I add chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips for extra chocolatey goodness.
Does it need to be refrigerated?
Since it contains cream cheese, it’s best to store it in the fridge.
A Chocolate and Peanut Butter Lover’s Dream
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Bars are a rich and satisfying treat that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Whether you’re making them for a party or just indulging in a sweet craving, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Let me know how they turn out and any fun variations you try!
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Bars
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 16–20 bars (increased by 2 servings) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These irresistible bars combine a fudgy chocolate cake mix base with a creamy peanut butter filling for a decadent dessert that’s both gooey and indulgent. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Peanut Butter Topping:
- 8 ounces (227g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (125g) creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups (250g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
-
Prepare the Base:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, mix together the chocolate cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg until well combined.
- Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
-
Make the Peanut Butter Topping:
- In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and the remaining 2 eggs until smooth and creamy.
-
Spread and Bake:
- Pour the peanut butter mixture over the chocolate cake base and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly gooey.
-
Cool and Serve:
- Let the bars cool completely before slicing. Enjoy warm for a gooey texture or chilled for a firmer bite.
Notes
- For a more decadent touch, sprinkle chopped peanut butter cups or drizzle melted chocolate on top.
- If you prefer an even gooier texture, reduce the baking time slightly.
- Store these in the fridge because of the cream cheese content.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
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