Collin And Gregory'S Chocolate-Peanut Butter Bars
Rich, chocolate-peanut butter bars combine creamy peanut butter with semi-sweet chocolate chips, offering a perfect sweet treat for peanut butter lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chunky style peanut butter ⓘ
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed ⓘ
- 1 large egg, room temperature ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon water ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped salted peanuts ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat together butter, peanut butter, and brown sugar until well combined.
- Beat in egg, water, and vanilla until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Press the dough evenly into a greased or parchment-lined baking pan.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden around the edges.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the hot bars.
- Let sit for a few minutes until the chips melt, then spread with a spatula.
- Sprinkle chopped salted peanuts on top while the chocolate is still warm.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure the butter and peanut butter are well softened before mixing. If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the brown sugar by 1/4 cup. You can substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate or even white chocolate for a different flavor. Additionally, consider using smooth peanut butter for a creamier consistency. This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
These chocolate-peanut butter bars make a fantastic dessert on their own or can be paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. They also go well with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee. For a special occasion, consider serving them alongside Carl Reiner'S Cookies for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chocolate-peanut butter bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. If you want to enjoy them warm, simply reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving to bring back their delightful softness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Collin And Gregory'S Chocolate-Peanut Butter Bars contains roughly 1325 calories, with 13g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 106g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (35% of the Daily Value), iron (33% of the Daily Value), and calcium (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1228mg per serving (53% 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 chunky style?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter; however, keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly. Natural peanut butter can be thinner and less sweet, so you might want to add a bit more sugar or adjust the flour to maintain consistency.
What can I use instead of chocolate chips?
You can substitute chocolate chips with chopped chocolate bars, carob chips, or even a mix of dried fruit and nuts for a healthier twist. For a unique flavor, try adding some toffee bits or butterscotch chips to complement the peanut butter.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done baking when they turn golden brown around the edges. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. Be careful not to overbake, as they will continue to set as they cool.
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).