Peanut Butter Passion Bars

Rich, chewy, and totally irresistible, these Peanut Butter Passion Bars are a peanut butter lover’s dream! With a soft cookie-like base, layers of chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, and a sweet, gooey topping, they strike the perfect balance between salty and sweet. Whether you’re baking for a party, potluck, or just to satisfy a serious craving, these dessert bars are guaranteed to be a hit.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ultimate Peanut Butter Treat – Packed with nutty flavor in every layer.
One Bowl Base – Quick to make with pantry staples.
Chocolate + Peanut Butter Combo – A classic for a reason!
Perfect for Sharing – Great for bake sales, holidays, and gatherings.
Freezer-Friendly – Make ahead and enjoy anytime.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Base:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt

For the Topping:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup chopped peanuts (optional for crunch)
• ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
• ¼ cup peanut butter (melted, for drizzling)

Optional Add-ins:

• Peanut butter chips or white chocolate chips
• Crushed pretzels for extra salty crunch
• Flaky sea salt for garnish

Tools You’ll Need

• 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk and spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Parchment paper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare Pan

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy lifting.
3. Lightly grease or spray the parchment.

Step 2: Make the Base

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
2. Beat in the egg, vanilla, and peanut butter until well combined.
3. Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix.
4. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan.

Step 3: Add the Toppings

1. Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the base.
2. Add chopped peanuts if using.
3. Drizzle sweetened condensed milk over the entire surface.
4. Finish with a warm drizzle of melted peanut butter for extra richness.

Step 4: Bake & Cool

1. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
2. Cool completely in the pan before slicing to allow the bars to firm up.

Step 5: Slice & Serve

1. Once cool, lift out the bars using the parchment overhang.
2. Slice into squares or rectangles and serve at room temperature.
3. Store in an airtight container or wrap individually for grab-and-go treats.

Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Passion Bars
Use Creamy Peanut Butter – For the smoothest texture and richest flavor.
Cool Completely – Let the bars cool to get clean, gooey-but-firm slices.
Don’t Overbake – They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
Layer Evenly – Spread each ingredient across the whole pan to ensure every bite has flavor and texture.
Double the Recipe – Make a 9×13-inch pan for parties or freezing extras.

Serving Suggestions
A la Mode – Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Coffee Companion – Pair with your morning or afternoon brew.
Gift-Worthy – Wrap them up for edible gifts or holiday treat boxes.
Bake Sale Winner – These bars are guaranteed to sell fast.

How to Store & Freeze

Storing:
Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Refrigerate: Keeps for up to a week (especially in warm weather).

Freezing:
Freeze: Wrap bars individually or layer between parchment in a container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw: Let sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use natural peanut butter?
   It’s best to use no-stir peanut butter for consistency and texture.
2. Can I use different chocolate?
   Absolutely! Milk, dark, or white chocolate all work well.
3. Are these gluten-free?
   Use a gluten-free flour blend if needed—just ensure your other ingredients are GF-certified.
4. Can I skip the sweetened condensed milk?
   It’s key to the gooey texture, but you can try using caramel sauce or a thick drizzle of maple syrup as a substitute.
5. Do they need to be refrigerated?
   No, but chilling can make them easier to slice and store longer.

Final Thoughts
These Peanut Butter Passion Bars are gooey, chewy, and packed with sweet peanut butter-chocolate love in every bite. Perfect for satisfying dessert cravings, sharing with friends, or tucking into a lunchbox, these bars are as easy to make as they are to devour. Bake a batch and watch them disappear!

Try them out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see your delicious bars.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Bar):
Calories: 290 | Protein: 6g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 160mg

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