Description

Craving something sweet, nutty, and impossible to resist? These Peanut Butter Passion Bars are soft, chewy, and layered with rich peanut butter flavor, gooey chocolate chips, and a buttery cookie base that will make you fall in love with dessert all over again. Whether you’re baking for a party, an after-school treat, or just because—you’ll be reaching for seconds before they’ve cooled.

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Ingredients

Scale

For the Bar Base:

½ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ cup creamy peanut butter
¾ cup brown sugar, packed
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt

For the Mix-Ins & Topping:

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate, if preferred)
½ cup peanut butter chips or chopped roasted peanuts
Flaky sea salt (optional, for finishing)

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper or grease well with nonstick spray.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and peanut butter until smooth.
Add brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla. Mix until creamy and combined.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined.
Do not overmix—stop when no streaks of flour remain.

Step 4: Fold in the Good Stuff
Gently fold in chocolate chips and peanut butter chips (or chopped nuts).
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 22–26 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are okay).
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with flaky sea salt if using.

Step 6: Cool & Slice
Let bars cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes.
Lift out using parchment paper and slice into squares or rectangles.

Notes

Use Creamy Peanut Butter – For the smoothest, richest texture.
Don’t Overbake – They’ll continue to set as they cool.
Mix It Up – Add mini marshmallows, crushed pretzels, or toffee bits.
Make It Gluten-Free – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Freeze for Later – Slice, then wrap and freeze for quick treats anytime.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: American