Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Bars

Indulge in the delightful world of Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Bars! These bars are the perfect combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate, making them a favorite treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a sweet snack, or craving dessert after dinner, these fudge bars will satisfy your sweet tooth. Their ease of preparation and the irresistible flavor make them a must-try recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Simple: This recipe requires minimal steps and ingredients, making it ideal even for beginner bakers.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of peanut butter and chocolate creates a decadent treat that everyone will love.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for parties, bake sales, or just a cozy night in—these bars fit any occasion.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare these fudge bars in advance and store them for days or freeze them for later enjoyment.
• Large Batch: With 48 servings, this recipe is great for sharing with friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or handheld electric mixer
• Large mixing bowl
• Rimmed baking sheet (11X17 inches)
• Microwave-safe bowl or saucepan
• Offset spatula or knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or handheld electric mixer: These make mixing the dough quick and easy while ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
• Rimmed baking sheet: A large pan is necessary to hold all the delicious batter without spilling.
• Offset spatula or knife: Ideal for spreading the fudge evenly over the cookie dough layer.

Ingredients

To create your Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Bars, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups salted butter (softened)
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups light or dark brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Pinch of salt
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a large rimmed baking sheet (11X17 inches) with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Peanut Butter Cookie Dough

In a large bowl with a handheld electric mixer or in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment:
1. Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and creamy (about 1-2 minutes).
2. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract; mix again for another 1-2 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed.

Step 3: Mix in Peanut Butter and Dry Ingredients

Add the creamy peanut butter to your mixture:
1. Mix until fully combined.
2. Stir in the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, salt) until no dry streaks remain.

Step 4: Press Dough into Pan

Reserve about 2 1/2 cups of the dough (20-25 ounces) for topping:
1. Press the remaining cookie dough firmly into the bottom corners of your prepared pan.

Step 5: Make the Fudge Filling

In a microwave-safe bowl (or saucepan on low heat):
1. Combine sweetened condensed milk, butter, pinch of salt, chocolate chips, and vanilla.
2. Heat in 1-minute increments while stirring until melted and creamy—be careful not to overheat!

Step 6: Assemble Bars

Pour the fudge filling over your pressed cookie dough layer:
1. Spread it evenly using an offset spatula or knife.
2. Crumble reserved cookie dough over the top in small pieces.

Step 7: Bake

Bake your bars for about 15 minutes:
* Avoid overbaking; they should remain soft. Let cool completely before slicing.

Step 8: Storage

Once cooled:
* Cut into squares and store well covered in the refrigerator for several days or freeze for future treats!

How to Serve Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Bars

These Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Bars are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing that balances the sweetness of the fudge bars with the creaminess of milk. Choose whole or almond milk for a richer taste.

Warmed Up

• Heat the bars slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This melts the chocolate and enhances the peanut butter flavor, creating a gooey texture.

Topped with Ice Cream

• Serve warm bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The cold ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm fudge.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• Add an extra layer of indulgence by drizzling warm chocolate sauce over each bar. This makes for an eye-catching presentation and adds more chocolate flavor.

Garnished with Chopped Nuts

• Sprinkle chopped peanuts or walnuts on top for added crunch and nutty flavor. This also offers a nice visual appeal to your fudge bars.

Served at Parties

• Cut into small squares and serve on a platter at gatherings. These bars are perfect for sharing and will be a hit among guests.

How to Perfect Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Bars

To ensure your Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Bars turn out delicious every time, consider these tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow butter and eggs to come to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter that blends well.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tougher bars instead of soft and chewy ones.
• Check Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated correctly. An inaccurate temperature can cause uneven baking, resulting in undercooked or overbaked bars.
• Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality peanut butter and chocolate chips. Better ingredients lead to better flavor in your fudge bars.
• Cool Completely Before Slicing: Allow the bars to cool thoroughly before cutting them into squares. This helps maintain their structure and prevents them from falling apart.
• Store Properly: Keep leftover bars covered in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer. This will keep them fresh longer and maintain their texture.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Bars

Pairing side dishes with your Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Bars can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some ideas:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances out the sweetness of the fudge bars.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and berries for a creamy contrast that complements the rich fudge flavor.
3. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These treats offer another layer of chocolatey goodness, making them a perfect match.
4. Coffee or Espresso: The bitterness of coffee pairs wonderfully with sweet desserts, enhancing their flavors.
5. Nutty Granola Bars: A crunchy side brings textural variety while keeping with the nutty theme.
6. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like Brie or Gouda; the creaminess cuts through sweetness for balance.
7. Trail Mix: A mix of nuts, dried fruits, and dark chocolate provides a crunchy contrast to soft fudge bars.
8. Mini Cupcakes: Offer mini cupcakes as another dessert option; they can come in various flavors to please different palates.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Bars, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing your dough too long can lead to tough bars. Mix just until combined for a softer texture.
• Skipping the Cooling Step: Cutting the bars before they cool can result in a gooey mess. Allow them to cool completely for clean slices.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Starting with cold butter or eggs may prevent proper mixing. Always use softened butter and room temperature eggs.
• Not Greasing the Pan: Failing to grease your baking sheet can cause the bars to stick. Use nonstick spray or parchment paper for easy removal.
• Overbaking: Baking for too long can dry out the bars. Keep an eye on them and remove when they’re just set.

Refrigerator Storage

• Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Containers: Place in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Freezing Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Bars

• Duration: Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Containers: Wrap bars individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm bars for about 5-10 minutes for a freshly-baked taste.
• Microwave: Heat individual squares for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place bars in a covered pan over low heat for a few minutes, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

You can definitely use crunchy peanut butter! It will add texture but may slightly change the consistency of the fudge.

How can I customize my Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Bars?

Consider adding nuts, sprinkles, or other chocolate varieties like white or dark chocolate chips for added flavor and fun!

What should I do if my fudge filling is too thick?

If your fudge filling is too thick, add a splash of milk while heating it until you achieve your desired consistency.

Are these bars suitable for freezing?

Yes! Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Bars freeze well, making them perfect for meal prep or future treats.

Final Thoughts

Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Bars are not only delicious but also versatile. Their simple ingredients allow you to customize them easily with your favorite mix-ins or toppings. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as an everyday treat, these fudge bars are sure to please any crowd. Try making them today!

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Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Bars

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 48 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the sweet and creamy goodness of Easy Peanut Butter Fudge Bars, a delicious treat that combines rich chocolate with smooth peanut butter for a delightful dessert experience. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are quick to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making them ideal for parties, bake sales, or simply satisfying your sweet cravings at home. With their large batch size of 48 servings, sharing with friends and family is effortless. Enjoy a taste of nostalgia as you bite into these fudgy delights that will surely become a favorite in your household.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/2 cups salted butter (softened)
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups light or dark brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Pinch of salt
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease an 11X17 inch rimmed baking sheet.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs and vanilla extract; mix well.
4. Incorporate creamy peanut butter until fully combined.
5. Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt until just mixed.
6. Press most of the dough into the prepared pan, reserving about 2 1/2 cups for topping.
7. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, butter, salt, chocolate chips, and vanilla; heat until melted and smooth.
8. Pour fudge filling over the cookie layer and crumble reserved dough on top.
9. Bake for around 15 minutes until set but soft; cool completely before slicing.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar (45g)
• Calories: 205
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 100mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg