These Chocolate Swirl Peanut Butter Bars are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves the classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter. With a rich peanut butter base and a decadent chocolate swirl, they're perfect for any occasion.
The magic starts with peanut butter, which gives these bars their irresistible flavor and chewy texture. We use granulated sugar for sweetness and brown sugar for a hint of molasses that pairs beautifully with the peanut butter. Melted unsalted butter adds richness and moisture, while a dash of vanilla extract rounds out the flavors. Eggs provide structure and help bind everything together. Our dry mix of all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt ensures the bars rise perfectly. Finally, the semi-sweet chocolate chips create that dreamy swirl, adding a touch of indulgence.
These bars are delightful as they are, but for an extra-special treat, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of tea in the afternoon.
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9x13-inch baking pan. This ensures a non-stick surface, so your bars lift right out. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth.
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time. This helps create a smooth batter without lumps. Once that's done, stir in the peanut butter until it's fully incorporated, allowing for a uniform consistency.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars tough.
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. This ensures even baking. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the batter. Use a knife to swirl the chocolate into the peanut butter mixture, creating a beautiful marbled effect.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares. This helps them set properly.
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