Peanut Butter Bliss Bars with Dark Chocolate Drizzle

Q: Can I use natural peanut butter for these peanut butter bars with chocolate?

While you can use natural peanut butter, we generally don't recommend it for this recipe. Natural peanut butter tends to separate, which can result in a greasy or oily base. For the best texture and results, stick with the processed, no-stir variety of peanut butter – it'll give you that classic, comforting peanut butter bar experience.

Peanut Butter Bars with Chocolate My Bliss Bar Recipe

By Sally ThompsonAugust 19, 2025

4.00 (2 Ratings)

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: Craving a Bit of Bliss?

Ever get that hankering for something ridiculously comforting? Like, now ? Then you need Peanut Butter Bars with Chocolate . Honestly, these bars are a game changer.

The flavor profile is like a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup had a baby with a buttery shortbread. Oh my gosh!

What's the Deal with These Bars?

This peanut butter chocolate dessert comes from a long line of American baked goodness. It is inspired in peanut butter candies.

Think bake sales, afternoon tea, or just a "need chocolate" moment. It is super easy to make. It takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, including chilling.

This recipe yields 16 perfect squares.

Why You'll Love 'Em

The top benefit is pure happiness! This is a dessert bar recipe . It’s perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or just a little treat on a rainy day.

These bars are special because they strike that perfect balance. They aren’t overly sweet, thanks to the dark chocolate. They are also super satisfying.

Let's Talk Ingredients

Alright, here's what you'll need for these utterly divine Peanut Butter Bars With Chocolate On Top . Trust me; it's a walk in the park.

You will need butter, sugar and peanut butter of course!

Ingredients & Equipment for the BEST Peanut Butter Bars with Chocolate

Right then, let's talk about what you need to make these amazing Peanut Butter Bars With Chocolate On Top . Honestly, the ingredients are pretty straightforward.

You probably have most of them already. I have to say that, these bars are perfect for the whole family, even the ones that are not that much in to sweets will enjoy these.

Main Players

Okay, for the Peanut Butter Bars base, you're gonna need:

1 cup (227g) of unsalted butter, softened. Seriously, softened is key!
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar.
1/2 cup (110g) packed light brown sugar. Pack it in there!
1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract. The good stuff, if you can get it.
1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour.
1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) baking soda.
1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) salt.
1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter. Crucially, not the natural kind for this recipe!

For the chocolate drizzle of this awesome chocolate peanut butter dessert :

4 ounces (113g) of semi sweet or dark chocolate, chopped. Get decent quality chocolate, it makes a difference.
1 tablespoon (15ml) vegetable or coconut oil.

Seasoning Secrets

Let's talk spice, eh? The vanilla extract is pretty essential. And don't skip the salt! It really balances the sweetness.

You know, you can always add a pinch of sea salt flakes on top of the chocolate drizzle. It's a real treat.

If you want to give a try, and you ran out of extract, you can use 1 Teaspoon of almond extract.

Kit You'll Need

Right, so you'll need:

An 8x8 inch square baking pan.
Parchment paper or aluminum foil. Makes life so much easier.
Mixing bowls. Obvs.
Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer). Save your arm muscles, yeah?
Rubber spatula.
Small saucepan or microwave safe bowl.
Measuring cups and spoons. Pretty obvious, innit?

If you don't have a baking pan, you can use a similar size casserole dish. It might take a bit longer to bake, though.

The easy peanut butter bars recipe is quite flexible, so don't worry too much if you don't have exactly everything.

Unleash Your Inner Baker: Peanut Butter Bliss Bars with Dark Chocolate Drizzle

Honestly, who doesn't love Peanut Butter Bars With Chocolate On Top ? These bars are like a warm hug and will have you begging for more.

This dessert bar recipe is super easy. Let's get baking.

Prep Like a Pro

Before you start, get your stuff together. It's called mise en place. It's just a fancy way of saying get organized.

Make sure that butter is soft. I hate using hard butter. Grab your 8x8 pan. Line it with parchment paper. This makes life so much easier later. And the most important; Preheat the oven to 350° F ( 175° C) .

Let's Bake Some Peanut Butter Bars With Chocolate

Ready? Follow these steps and thank me later!

Cream the 1 cup (227g) softened butter, 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup (110g) brown sugar until fluffy.
Mix in 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla and 1 cup (250g) peanut butter until smooth. But remember, not natural peanut butter.
Whisk 1 cup (120g) flour, 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) salt.
Slowly add the dry stuff to the wet stuff, mixing just until combined. Don't overmix.
Press the mixture into your prepared pan.
Chill it for 30 minutes . This stops them from spreading too much.
Bake for 25- 30 minutes . Edges should be golden.

Top It Off: Peanut Butter Bars With Chocolate On Top

While the bars cool, melt 4 ounces (113g) of good quality semi sweet chocolate with 1 tablespoon (15ml) of oil. Drizzle that chocolate goodness over the bars.

Pro Tips: The Secret to Perfect Bars

Here are my little secrets for making these Homemade peanut butter bars taste amazing.

Don't overmix the dough. Seriously, it makes a difference.
Chilling is key. It prevents spreading.
Want that perfect slice? Let the chocolate set completely, or even speed it up in the fridge.

These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars 9x13 are great. They're also awesome with a scoop of vanilla ice cream! Enjoy these Easy peanut butter bars recipe !

Recipe Notes: Making these Peanut Butter Bars with Chocolate Your Own!

Listen, I've baked these Peanut Butter Bars With Chocolate On Top so many times. I've learned a few things along the way. These tips and tricks are here to help you!

Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars 9x13 Experience

Honestly, the plating can be simple! Dust with a little cocoa powder. A few chopped peanuts look nice too. For extra flair, try a drizzle of caramel.

A scoop of vanilla ice cream? Oh my gosh, heaven. These Chocolate Chip Bars are also great with a cold glass of milk.

They are perfect for sharing at a potluck or keeping all to yourself for a late night snack. I won't judge!

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh!

These Homemade peanut butter bars are best stored in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to five days.

Freezing? Absolutely! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap. Then put them in a freezer bag. They'll last for up to two months.

Reheating? Just let them thaw at room temperature. Or warm them slightly in the microwave for that gooey deliciousness.

Variations: Dessert Bar Recipe Remix!

Want a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Bars vibe? Add mini Reese's Pieces to the dough. For a lighter option, try using Peanut butter blondies , and a no-sugar chocolate.

If you’re gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour. Use a gluten-free blend. Feeling festive? Use holiday themed sprinkles. Get creative!

Nutrition Basics: A Little Sweet Treat Wisdom

Okay, these Chocolate peanut butter squares are a treat, alright? One bar is roughly 250-300 calories. There are around 5-7 grams of protein and 15-20 grams of fat.

You'll also find about 20-25 grams of carbohydrates. The good news? They do have a little fiber! Plus, the dark chocolate offers antioxidants.

So, there you have it! My tried and-true notes for the Easy peanut butter bars recipe . Don’t be afraid to experiment.

Most importantly, have fun! These bars are simple, but the flavors are complex and so satisfying. You'll be making these all the time!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my peanut butter bars with chocolate crumbly?

A crumbly peanut butter base is usually caused by either too much flour or not enough moisture. Make sure you measure your flour accurately spooning it into the measuring cup rather than scooping directly from the bag can help.

Also, ensuring your butter is properly softened but not melted is key for a good texture, like Goldilocks would say, it has to be just right!

Can I use natural peanut butter for these peanut butter bars with chocolate?

While you can use natural peanut butter, we generally don't recommend it for this recipe. Natural peanut butter tends to separate, which can result in a greasy or oily base.

For the best texture and results, stick with the processed, no-stir variety of peanut butter it'll give you that classic, comforting peanut butter bar experience.

How do I store these peanut butter bliss bars with dark chocolate drizzle to keep them fresh?

To keep your peanut butter bars tasting their best, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They'll stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. If you live in a warmer climate or want to extend their shelf life, you can store them in the refrigerator, just be aware that they may become a bit firmer.

You can also freeze them for up to 2 months; just thaw them in the fridge before serving.

My chocolate drizzle is streaky and doesn't look smooth. What am I doing wrong?

A streaky chocolate drizzle is usually down to one of two things: either the chocolate wasn't melted smoothly enough (low and slow is key, like making a proper cuppa!), or it's seized because a drop of water got into it. Make sure your bowl and utensils are completely dry.

Adding a tablespoon of vegetable or coconut oil helps create a smoother, more pourable consistency for the drizzle.

Can I make these peanut butter bars with chocolate gluten-free?

Absolutely! To make these bars gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum or add a teaspoon of xanthan gum to the flour mixture.

This will help bind the ingredients together and prevent the bars from becoming too crumbly. Always check the labels of your ingredients to make sure they are certified gluten-free.