Choco-Peanut Butter Bars
Chewy, chocolate-peanut butter bars with crunchy peanuts and smooth chocolate topping, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and sharing at parties or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend shortening, egg, peanut butter, and water until smooth.
- Sift together dry ingredients: sugar, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and soda, then add to the mixture.
- Stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips and chopped salted peanuts.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9 x 13-inch pan and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
- Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle remaining chocolate chips evenly over the top.
- Place a baking sheet over the pan to hold in heat and soften the chips.
- Spread the melted chocolate evenly with a spatula and sprinkle with additional chopped salted peanuts.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using creamy or crunchy peanut butter based on your preference. If you need a substitute for shortening, coconut oil works well, though it may slightly alter the taste. To enhance the chocolate flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter. For a fun twist, try incorporating chopped pretzels for a sweet and salty combination. This recipe is inspired by American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are perfect for dessert or an afternoon snack and pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a delightful twist, serve them alongside Peanut Butter And Jelly Bars for a nostalgic treat. You can also top them with whipped cream for an indulgent experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Choco-Peanut Butter Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply place a bar in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, ensuring the chocolate remains melty and delicious.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Choco-Peanut Butter Bars contains roughly 517 calories, with 12g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (30% of the Daily Value), protein (24% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2657mg per serving (116% of the Daily Value).
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 natural peanut butter instead of regular peanut butter?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but be aware that it may lead to a slightly different texture. Natural peanut butter is often less sweet and more oily, which might require some adjustment in the amount of sugar or flour used in the recipe.
What can I substitute for chocolate chips?
If you don't have chocolate chips on hand, you can chop up a chocolate bar as a substitute. Alternatively, white chocolate chips or peanut butter chips can be used for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness accordingly.
Can I freeze these bars?
Absolutely! Choco-Peanut Butter Bars freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container or a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature or microwave for a quick treat.
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).