Preparing the Crust
Preheat the oven: to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix the crust ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Mix until well blended.
Form the crust: Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Making the Filling
Beat the cream cheese and peanut butter: In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and peanut butter until smooth.
Add the eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
Incorporate the powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth and creamy.
Add chocolate chips and Reese’s: Stir in the chocolate chips and chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
Spread the filling: Pour the filling over the crust, spreading it evenly.
Baking
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are set, and the center is slightly gooey.
Cool: Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish before cutting into squares.
Tips and Tricks
Softening Cream Cheese: To quickly soften cream cheese, leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes or microwave it for 15-20 seconds.
Mixing Technique: For a smoother filling, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
Cutting Bars: Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat, clean squares.
Equipment Needed
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or hand mixer
9×13-inch baking dish
Spatula
Sharp knife
Storage and Leftovers
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. These bars also freeze well. To freeze, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Pairings
These Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Ooey Gooey Bars pair wonderfully with:
Milk: A cold glass of milk complements the rich flavors.
Coffee: A hot cup of coffee cuts through the sweetness.
Ice Cream: Serve warm bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, if you prefer a bit of texture, you can substitute crunchy peanut butter for creamy peanut butter.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, simply use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix to make these bars gluten-free.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The edges should be set, and the center should be slightly gooey but not raw. The bars will continue to set as they cool.
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips.
Conclusion
Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Ooey Gooey Bars are the perfect indulgent treat for any occasion. Easy to make and utterly delicious, they’re sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire. If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it with your friends and family, and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more mouthwatering recipes and baking tips!
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