The Irresistible Charm of Rich Chewy Peanut Butter Bars

There’s something profoundly comforting about a perfectly baked peanut butter bar. For me, it evokes memories of childhood afternoons, the scent of baking filling our cozy kitchen, and the joyous, sticky-fingered delight of sharing these simple, yet utterly satisfying treats. This recipe, unearthed from a cherished Friends of the Library cookbook, has become a cornerstone in my home baking repertoire. Its magic lies in its deceptive simplicity, transforming pantry staples into a symphony of chewy, peanut buttery goodness that’s guaranteed to bring smiles to faces of all ages.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Servings: 12
• Yield: 1 (9×13 inch) pan
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

These humble ingredients come together to create something truly spectacular. You’ll likely find most of them already in your pantry, making this recipe an excellent choice for a spontaneous baking session.

• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup margarine
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Equipment Needed

A few essential tools will make the process smooth and enjoyable:

• A 9×13 inch baking pan
• A medium saucepan for melting
• A mixing bowl
• A whisk or electric mixer
• A spatula
• An oven
• A wire cooling rack

Instructions

The beauty of these peanut butter bars lies in their straightforward assembly. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll be rewarded with a batch of irresistible treats.

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures the oven is at the optimal temperature for even baking from the moment the bars go in.
2. Next, grease and flour your 9×13 inch baking pan. A well-greased and floured pan will prevent the bars from sticking, ensuring clean removal and beautiful presentation. You can use butter or cooking spray for greasing, and then lightly dust with flour, tapping out any excess. Set the prepared pan aside.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine the creamy peanut butter and the margarine. Place the saucepan over low to medium heat.
4. Gently melt the peanut butter and margarine together, stirring occasionally until they form a smooth, homogenous mixture. Be careful not to overheat, as this can affect the texture of the final bars.
5. Once melted, remove the saucepan from the heat.
6. Now, it’s time to incorporate the remaining ingredients into the melted peanut butter mixture. Add the sugar, eggs, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and vanilla extract directly to the saucepan.
7. Using a whisk or an electric mixer, stir until the ingredients are well blended and you have a smooth batter. Ensure there are no pockets of dry flour and that everything is thoroughly incorporated. The batter will be quite thick and rich.
8. Using your spatula, pour the batter into the prepared 9×13 inch baking pan.
9. Spread the batter evenly to fill the pan.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. The baking time will depend on your oven, so it’s important to check for doneness. The bars are ready when they are set in the center and the edges are lightly golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean, with perhaps a few moist crumbs attached.
11. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven.
12. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire cooling rack. This step is crucial for achieving that desirable chewy texture and for making them easy to cut. Trying to cut them while warm can result in them crumbling.
13. Once fully cooled, cut the bars into squares. You can then serve them immediately or store them for later.

Expert Tips & Tricks

As a chef, I always look for ways to elevate even the simplest recipes. While these bars are wonderfully straightforward, a few small adjustments can enhance their appeal.

• Peanut Butter Choice: While creamy peanut butter is specified, feel free to experiment with natural or crunchy varieties. Natural peanut butter, however, might require stirring to reincorporate the oil. Crunchy peanut butter will add an extra textural element.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: While not strictly necessary for this recipe due to the melting step, using room temperature eggs can help them incorporate more smoothly into the batter.
• Even Baking: To ensure your bars bake evenly, rotate the pan halfway through the baking time. Ovens can have hot spots, and this simple step can prevent one side from becoming over-baked while the other is still underdone.
• Checking for Doneness: The “toothpick test” is reliable, but also look for visual cues. The edges should be firm and slightly pulled away from the sides of the pan. The center should appear set, not jiggly.
• Cooling is Key: I cannot stress enough the importance of complete cooling. If you rush this step, the bars will be soft and messy. Patience here yields that perfect chewy texture.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These peanut butter bars are incredibly versatile and a delight on their own.

• Serving: Serve them at room temperature, perhaps with a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. They are also fantastic alongside a tall glass of cold milk, a cup of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Storage: Store cooled, uncut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer them a bit firmer, or if your kitchen is warm, refrigerate them. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to a week. To enjoy refrigerated bars, allow them to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving. These bars also freeze beautifully. Wrap the cooled, cut bars tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil or a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional content per serving. Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients used.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	281.1 kcal
Calories from Fat
Total Fat	13.9 g	21%
Saturated Fat	2.7 g	13%
Cholesterol	35.2 mg	11%
Sodium	292.2 mg	12%
Total Carbohydrate	35.5 g	11%
Dietary Fiber	0.9 g	3%
Sugars	26.2 g	104%
Protein	4.9 g	9%

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is perfect as is, a few creative twists can add new dimensions to these beloved bars.

• Chocolate Drizzle: For a touch of decadence, melt some semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips and drizzle over the cooled bars.
• Add-ins: Consider folding in a handful of chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or even some chopped pretzels into the batter before baking for added texture and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: To make these gluten-free, you can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly.
• Dairy-Free Option: If you need to avoid dairy, ensure your margarine is dairy-free. Most margarines on the market are inherently dairy-free, but it’s always good to check the label.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making these rich chewy peanut butter bars.

Q: My bars seem a little dry. What could I have done wrong?
A: This could be due to overbaking. Next time, try checking for doneness a few minutes earlier. Ensuring all ingredients are accurately measured is also key.

Q: Can I use a different type of peanut butter?
A: Yes, you can use natural or crunchy peanut butter. Natural peanut butter may need to be stirred well before measuring, and crunchy will add textural variation.

Q: Why do I need to let them cool completely before cutting?
A: Cooling allows the bars to set properly. Cutting them while warm will cause them to be crumbly and difficult to handle, compromising the desired chewy texture.

Q: Can I omit the margarine and just use peanut butter?
A: While you can, the margarine contributes to the texture and chewiness of the bars. Omitting it entirely might result in a denser, drier bar.

Q: How long will these bars stay fresh?
A: Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they are best enjoyed within 3 days. They will last longer in the refrigerator, up to a week.

Final Thoughts

These Rich Chewy Peanut Butter Bars are more than just a recipe; they are an experience. They are a testament to how simple ingredients, treated with care, can create moments of pure joy. I encourage you to bake them, share them, and savor every wonderfully chewy bite. They are the perfect accompaniment to a casual gathering, a thoughtful care package, or simply a moment of quiet indulgence. Let me know how they turn out for you – I always love hearing about your baking adventures!