Peanut butter desserts have a magical allure that captivates both young and old alike. The heavenly combination of smooth, nutty richness and sweet decadence creates a flavor profile that is simply irresistible. Whether you’re savoring the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of a peanut butter cookie or diving into the luscious layers of a peanut butter chocolate cake, each bite is a symphony of tantalizing flavors that will transport you to a state of pure bliss. This collection of my favorite peanut butter desserts is a culmination of years of experimentation and refinement, ensuring that each dessert meets the highest standards of flavor, texture, and overall satisfaction. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, these recipes are accessible, enjoyable, and guaranteed to produce outstanding results.
Ingredients:
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For the Peanut Butter Bars:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts
- 1/4 cup flaky sea salt
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For the Peanut Butter Icing:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 scant cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup roasted salted peanuts, chopped
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides for easy removal. Grease the foil or parchment paper and set it aside.
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Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, microwave the butter and peanut butter until melted and smooth. Add the brown sugar and whisk until combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until combined, stopping to scrape the sides of the bowl as needed.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and stir with a rubber spatula until combined. Stir just until no streaks of flour remain, and be careful not to overmix. The batter will be thick.
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Bake the Bars: Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and press it into an even layer. Bake for 17-20 minutes, until light golden brown.
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Prepare the Icing: Once the bars are baked, remove them from the oven and place the pan on a wire rack. Immediately proceed with the frosting.
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Make the Frosting: Place the butter, peanut butter, and milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a simmer, whisking frequently, then remove from the heat. Immediately whisk in the vanilla extract and powdered sugar, whisking until smooth and combined. Pour the frosting over the warm bars and spread it into an even layer. Work quickly; this frosting will firm up fast. Sprinkle with peanuts and flaky sea salt, lightly pressing the peanuts into the frosting.
- Cool and Set: Allow the bars to cool and the frosting to set before cutting and serving.
Top Tips:
- Use High-Quality Peanut Butter: Ensure you use a traditional, no-stir, emulsified peanut butter for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in tough bars.
- Work Quickly with Frosting: The frosting will firm up quickly, so it’s essential to spread it evenly over the warm bars.
- Chill Before Serving: If you want a firmer frosting, you can chill the bars in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving.
- Customize with Toppings: Feel free to customize your bars with additional toppings like chocolate chips or chopped nuts.
- Make Ahead: These bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations:
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolate-peanut butter combination.
- Nutty Twist: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for added texture.
- Sea Salt Caramel: Drizzle caramel sauce over the frosting and sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a salty-sweet combination.
- Mini Bars: Halve the recipe and bake in an 8×8-inch pan for mini peanut butter bars.
- No-Bake Version: Use a no-bake peanut butter mixture and press it into a pan, then top with the frosting for a no-bake version.
- Peanut Butter Cup Variation: Press peanut butter cups into the batter before baking for an added peanut butter cup surprise.
Nutritional Guide:
| Servings | Calories | Fat | Carbohydrates | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | 354 | 23g | 33g | 8g |
Additional Nutritional Notes: These peanut butter bars are rich in protein and healthy fats, making them a satisfying dessert option. The combination of peanut butter and powdered sugar provides a sweet and indulgent treat. However, they are also relatively high in calories and fat, so moderation is key. If you’re looking to reduce the calorie count, consider using less sugar or adding in some healthier fats like coconut oil.
