Cream Cheese Peanut Bars(1993 National Peanut Festival Grand Prize Winning Recipe)
Cream Cheese Peanut Bars are rich, creamy, and packed with the nutty flavor of peanuts. The moist cake base is topped with a sweet cream cheese layer and crunchy chopped peanuts, making it a perfect treat for peanut lovers and a delightful dessert for gatherings or casual snacking.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the yellow cake mix, melted margarine, and beaten egg in a bowl.
- Mix well until the mixture is smooth.
- Press the mixture into a buttered 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine confectioners sugar, cream cheese, eggs, peanut butter, and vanilla extract.
- Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cake layer.
- Sprinkle the finely chopped peanuts evenly over the top.
- Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 45 to 50 minutes or until the layer is set.
- Cool for approximately 1 hour before cutting into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. If you're out of peanut butter, almond or cashew butter can serve as a delicious substitute. To add a touch of sweetness, you might fold in some chocolate chips to the cream cheese mixture. Ensure your cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth consistency.
Serving Suggestions
These Cream Cheese Peanut Bars are perfect for picnics or potlucks. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an indulgent treat. They also pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a refreshing side, consider a light fruit salad to balance the richness of the bars.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, place a bar in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will restore its creamy texture and enhance the flavors. If you prefer, they can also be enjoyed cold straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cream Cheese Peanut Bars(1993 National Peanut Festival Grand Prize Winning Recipe) contains roughly 321 calories, with 8g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is a good source of protein (16% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 462mg per serving (20% 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 a different cake mix for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any flavor of cake mix that you prefer, such as chocolate or vanilla. Just keep in mind that flavors like lemon or red velvet will change the overall taste profile of the bars.
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make these bars gluten-free, substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix. Check that all other ingredients, such as confectioners sugar and peanut butter, are certified gluten-free to ensure the entire recipe is safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I freeze these bars for later?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
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).