Craving something sweet and a little nostalgic? These Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Bars are a delightful treat that combines the rich, creamy flavor of peanut butter with the indulgence of chocolate. They're perfect for a cozy afternoon at home or to impress at your next potluck.
The star of our show is peanut butter, which gives these bars their signature flavor and creamy texture. The unsalted butter adds richness and helps to bind everything together. Using both granulated sugar and brown sugar provides the perfect balance of sweetness and moisture. Eggs are key for structure and keep the bars soft. A hint of vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors beautifully. All-purpose flour is our base, while baking powder gives the bars a bit of lift. Finally, a pinch of salt rounds out the flavors, and semi-sweet chocolate chips add that irresistible chocolatey goodness.
These bars are delightful served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a more decadent treat, drizzle with a bit of melted chocolate or caramel sauce just before serving. They're also perfect for packing in lunchboxes or as a sweet addition to a picnic spread.
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan — this will help the bars release easily later on. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes of mixing.
Next, add in the eggs one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until everything is well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your creamed mixture. Mix until everything is just combined — don't overmix, as this can make the bars tough.
Spread the dough evenly into your prepared baking pan. Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the top; they'll melt and create a delicious layer of chocolate as the bars bake. Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You'll know they're done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This cooling time allows the bars to set properly, making them easier to cut into neat pieces.
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