Fudge-Filled Peanut Butter Cake Bars – The Ultimate Dessert Recipe

If you love the combination of peanut butter and chocolate, get ready for a dessert that will completely satisfy your cravings! These Fudge-Filled Peanut Butter Cake Bars are soft, chewy, and packed with layers of creamy peanut butter and rich, velvety fudge. Whether you need a sweet treat for a party, a snack for your kids, or simply a dessert to indulge in, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love These Fudge-Filled Peanut Butter Cake Bars

• Perfect balance of peanut butter and chocolate – A classic duo that never disappoints.
• Rich, fudgy center – The chocolate filling adds a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Easy to make – No complicated steps, just simple baking fun.
• Perfect for any occasion – Great for potlucks, holidays, or just a cozy night in.
• Make-ahead friendly – Store them in an airtight container and enjoy throughout the week.

Now, let’s dive into the ultimate peanut butter and chocolate dessert recipe!

Ingredients

For the Peanut Butter Cake Base:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Fudge Filling:

• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Peanut Butter Cake Batter

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, beating until fully incorporated.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.

2. Make the Fudge Filling

5. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and melted.
6. Stir in vanilla extract for added flavor.

3. Assemble the Bars

7. Press two-thirds of the peanut butter dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
8. Pour and spread the fudge filling evenly over the peanut butter layer.
9. Crumble the remaining peanut butter dough over the top of the fudge layer.

4. Bake and Cool

10. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
11. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.

Tips for the Best Fudge-Filled Peanut Butter Cake Bars

• Use creamy peanut butter – For a smooth, luscious texture.
• Do not overbake – The bars should be soft and chewy, not dry.
• Let them cool completely – This helps set the fudge filling for easy slicing.
• Store in an airtight container – Keeps them fresh for up to 5 days.
• Chill for firmer bars – Refrigerate if you prefer a denser, more structured texture.

Serving Suggestions

These bars are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:

• Warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream – A heavenly dessert experience.
• Drizzle with extra melted chocolate – Because there’s no such thing as too much chocolate.
• With a glass of cold milk – A classic and comforting combo.
• Pack them for school lunches – A perfect sweet treat for kids (and adults!).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes! If you love an extra crunch, swap in crunchy peanut butter for a little added texture.

2. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars stay fresh for up to 5 days in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

3. Can I use dark chocolate instead of semisweet?

Yes! Dark chocolate works great for a deeper, more intense chocolate flavor.

4. How do I store these bars?

Store them at room temperature for 3-4 days, or refrigerate for a firmer texture. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.

5. Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Definitely! Chopped peanuts, walnuts, or even mini chocolate chips would be a fantastic addition.

Conclusion

These Fudge-Filled Peanut Butter Cake Bars are the ultimate dessert for peanut butter and chocolate lovers. With a soft, chewy peanut butter base, rich chocolate fudge center, and a crumbly peanut butter topping, they’re guaranteed to be a hit! Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, this recipe is easy, delicious, and completely satisfying. Try them today and indulge in the perfect balance of peanut butter and chocolate!

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