These indulgent bars feature a soft, peanut buttery cake layer with a rich, gooey fudge center — the perfect marriage of sweet and salty in every bite. Great for potlucks, dessert tables, or whenever you’re craving something extra special!
Ingredients:
For the peanut butter cake layer:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
For the fudge filling:
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp butter
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Directions:
- Preheat oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. - Make the peanut butter cake batter:
In a large bowl, cream together butter, peanut butter, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Add flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing until just combined. - Prepare the fudge filling:
In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, butter, and salt. Stir constantly until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. - Assemble the bars:
Spread about ⅔ of the peanut butter batter evenly into the bottom of your pan. Pour the warm fudge filling on top and spread evenly. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining peanut butter batter over the fudge and gently swirl or spread (it’s okay if some fudge peeks through). - Bake:
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the peanut butter portion comes out clean. - Cool & slice:
Allow to cool completely before slicing into bars. For clean cuts, chill briefly in the fridge before cutting.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Calories: ~320 per bar
Thick, fudgy, and rich — these bars are a peanut butter lover’s dream! Don’t be surprised if they disappear fast.