Bun Bars
Creamy, chocolaty, and peanutty bun bars combine smooth layers of chocolate, butterscotch, and peanut butter with crunchy peanuts for an indulgent treat suitable for sharing at gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt together chocolate chips and butterscotch chips.
- Add peanut butter and stir until smooth.
- Pour half of the mixture into a lightly greased 11 x 15-inch jelly roll pan.
- Cool in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Add salted peanuts to the remaining half of the mixture and set aside.
- Melt margarine and add evaporated milk.
- Stir in vanilla pudding and powdered sugar.
- Mix with a mixer until smooth.
- Add maple flavoring.
- Spread this over the first layer in the pan.
- Cool in the fridge for 1 hour.
- Cover with the remaining chocolate and peanut butter mixture and chill.
- Cut into squares and refrigerate.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure a smooth texture, melt the chocolate and butterscotch chips slowly over low heat or in a double boiler. You can substitute almond butter for peanut butter if you prefer a different nut flavor. For added texture, consider using chopped pretzels or crushed graham crackers alongside the peanuts. If you want a richer flavor, try adding a splash of vanilla extract to the chocolate mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Bun Bars make a delightful dessert for gatherings or as a sweet treat to enjoy with coffee or tea. They pair beautifully with Old Fashioned Chocolate Pudding. You can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. Consider cutting them into smaller squares for bite-sized treats that are perfect for parties or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Bun Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. To serve after freezing, let them thaw in the fridge overnight, and for an extra treat, warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bun Bars contains roughly 1212 calories, with 18g protein, 157g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (36% of the Daily Value), iron (30% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of chips?
Absolutely! You can use white chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Mixing flavors can create a unique taste and presentation. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness if using sweeter chips.
How do I know when the layers are set properly?
The first layer should feel firm to the touch after chilling for 30 minutes. The filling layer should be spreadable but not runny. After adding the final layer, chill until it's firm enough to cut into squares, usually about an hour.
Can I make these bars healthier?
You can make a healthier version by using natural nut butters and reducing the amount of powdered sugar. Additionally, consider incorporating some oats or flaxseed meal into the mixture for added fiber and nutrients.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).