Peanutty Chewy Bars
Peanutty Chewy Bars are rich, chocolatey treats packed with peanut butter chips, coconut, and a chewy texture. Perfect for snacking or dessert, these bars combine sweet, nutty flavors with a satisfying crunch. Ideal for parties, lunchboxes, or a quick homemade indulgence for peanut and chocolate lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a bowl, stir together flour, sugar, cocoa, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in margarine until crumbly; add beaten eggs and mix well.
- Spread the mixture in a greased 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
- Bake for 8 minutes.
- Remove from oven and evenly top with peanut butter chips, sweetened condensed milk, and coconut.
- Return to oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until lightly brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool.
- Cut into bars and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, you can substitute half of the margarine with unsweetened applesauce, which will also add moisture. If you prefer a nutty twist, consider adding chopped peanuts along with the peanut butter chips. Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the bars chewy. For a chocolatey variation, replace some cocoa with melted dark chocolate.
Serving Suggestions
These Peanutty Chewy Bars make a delightful snack on their own but are also delicious served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a fun twist, drizzle with Hot Fudge For Cake before serving. Pair with a glass of cold milk or coffee for an afternoon treat. They also make a great addition to lunchboxes or picnics.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds until warm, or enjoy them cold for a chewy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peanutty Chewy Bars contains roughly 447 calories, with 10g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value), iron (29% of the Daily Value), and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 858mg per serving (37% 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 different types of chips in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute peanut butter chips with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even butterscotch chips for a different flavor profile. Mixing in a variety of chips can create a fun and unique taste experience.
What can I do if I don't have sweetened condensed milk?
If you don't have sweetened condensed milk, you can create a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1/3 cup of sugar and simmering until it thickens. Alternatively, you can use evaporated milk mixed with sugar as a substitute, though the texture may differ slightly.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when they are lightly browned on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean, with 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).