Fudge Filled Peanut Butter Bar Cookies
Decadent peanut butter and chocolate-filled bars with a coconut topping, combining rich flavors and chewy textures, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and sharing with friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the cake mix, peanut butter, 1/2 cup butter, and eggs. Mix until the dough holds together.
- Press 2/3 of the dough into the bottom of an ungreased 9 x 13-inch cake pan.
- Reserve the remaining dough for topping.
- In a saucepan, melt the semi-sweet chocolate pieces with the sweetened condensed milk and 2 tablespoons of butter, stirring until smooth.
- Spread the chocolate mixture over the pressed dough in the pan.
- Sprinkle the coconut evenly over the chocolate layer.
- Crumble the remaining dough over the coconut as a topping.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, try using creamy peanut butter instead of crunchy. If you don’t have yellow cake mix, a vanilla cake mix works well as a substitute. To make it even richer, consider adding a pinch of sea salt to the chocolate mixture. Ensure the butter is softened adequately for easier mixing.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are delicious on their own but also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Consider serving alongside a cup of coffee or hot cocoa for a comforting treat. For a festive touch, they can be served at holiday gatherings alongside Christmas Strawberry Cookies.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover fudge filled peanut butter bar cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. If you prefer to enjoy them warm, reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fudge Filled Peanut Butter Bar Cookies contains roughly 1125 calories, with 19g protein, 160g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (39% of the Daily Value), calcium (29% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 959mg per serving (42% 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 type of chocolate?
Yes, you can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate, depending on your preference. Just keep in mind that the sweetness level may vary, so adjust the amount of sweetened condensed milk accordingly.
What can I substitute for sweetened condensed milk?
You can make a homemade version by simmering regular milk and sugar together until it thickens. Alternatively, use evaporated milk with added sugar to achieve a similar consistency, but it will be less sweet.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
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).