Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars: The Ultimate Recipe

Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars: Prepare to meet your new favorite dessert! Imagine sinking your teeth into a rich, decadent treat that perfectly balances the bitterness of dark chocolate with the creamy, salty sweetness of peanut butter. These bars aren’t just delicious; they’re an experience.

While the exact origins of combining chocolate and peanut butter are debated, it’s safe to say that this iconic pairing has captured hearts (and taste buds) for generations. Some credit the accidental invention to a traveling salesman who inadvertently mixed his peanut butter and chocolate samples. Regardless of the true story, the combination quickly became a beloved classic, evolving into countless variations like these irresistible Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars.

What makes these bars so universally appealing? It’s the symphony of flavors and textures! The smooth, melt-in-your-mouth dark chocolate complements the dense, chewy peanut butter filling. They’re also incredibly convenient to make, requiring minimal baking time and simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Whether you’re craving a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, need a crowd-pleasing dessert for a party, or simply want to indulge in a little self-care, these bars are the perfect solution. Get ready to experience pure bliss with every bite!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Crust:
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2-3 tablespoons ice water
• For the Peanut Butter Filling:
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• For the Dark Chocolate Ganache:
• 12 ounces dark chocolate, finely chopped (at least 70% cacao)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon light corn syrup (optional, for shine)
• Pinch of salt
• Optional Toppings:
• Coarsely chopped peanuts
• Sea salt flakes

Preparing the Crust

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. This ensures the salt is evenly distributed, which is crucial for flavor.
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips (work quickly to prevent the butter from melting), cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You should still see small pieces of butter, about the size of peas. These little pockets of butter will create a flaky crust.
3. Add the Egg Yolk: In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolk with 2 tablespoons of ice water. Pour this mixture over the flour and butter mixture.
4. Combine the Dough: Use a fork to gently combine the wet and dry ingredients. Add the remaining tablespoon of ice water, if needed, to bring the dough together. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough to just come together. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough crust.
5. Form the Dough into a Disc: Gently press the dough into a disc shape. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up, which will prevent the crust from shrinking during baking.
6. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Prepare the Baking Pan: Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. Alternatively, you can line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal of the bars later.
8. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit the bottom of the prepared baking pan. If the dough is sticking, add a little more flour to your rolling surface.
9. Transfer to the Pan: Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to the baking pan. Gently press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the pan.
10. Dock the Crust: Use a fork to prick the bottom of the crust all over. This prevents the crust from puffing up during baking.
11. Bake the Crust: Bake the crust for 18-20 minutes, or until it is lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on it, as oven temperatures can vary.
12. Cool the Crust: Remove the crust from the oven and let it cool completely before adding the peanut butter filling.

Making the Peanut Butter Filling

1. Cream the Butter and Peanut Butter: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and peanut butter until smooth and creamy. Make sure your butter is truly softened, but not melted, for the best texture.
2. Add the Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the butter and peanut butter mixture, beating on low speed until combined. Be careful not to add the powdered sugar all at once, as it can create a cloud of dust.
3. Add the Milk, Vanilla, and Salt: Add the milk, vanilla extract, and salt to the mixture. Beat until smooth and creamy. If the filling seems too thick, add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
4. Spread the Filling: Spread the peanut butter filling evenly over the cooled crust. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to create a smooth, even layer.
5. Chill the Filling: Place the pan in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes. This will help the filling firm up before you add the chocolate ganache.

Preparing the Dark Chocolate Ganache

1. Chop the Chocolate: Finely chop the dark chocolate and place it in a heatproof bowl. The finer the chocolate is chopped, the more easily it will melt.
2. Heat the Heavy Cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not boil the cream.
3. Pour the Cream over the Chocolate: Pour the hot heavy cream over the chopped chocolate. Let it sit for 1 minute to allow the heat to melt the chocolate.
4. Whisk the Ganache: Gently whisk the chocolate and cream together until smooth and glossy. Start in the center of the bowl and gradually work your way outwards.
5. Add the Butter and Corn Syrup (Optional): Add the butter and corn syrup (if using) to the ganache. Whisk until the butter is melted and the ganache is smooth and shiny. The corn syrup adds a beautiful sheen to the ganache.
6. Pour over Peanut Butter Layer: Pour the dark chocolate ganache over the chilled peanut butter filling. Spread it evenly with an offset spatula.
7. Add Toppings (Optional): If desired, sprinkle the top of the ganache with coarsely chopped peanuts and sea salt flakes. The sea salt enhances the sweetness of the chocolate and peanut butter.
8. Chill the Bars: Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the ganache to set completely. This will make them easier to cut.

Cutting and Serving

1. Warm the Knife: Before cutting the bars, warm a large, sharp knife under hot water. Dry the knife thoroughly with a clean towel. This will help you cut clean slices without the ganache cracking.
2. Cut the Bars: Cut the chilled bars into squares or rectangles. The size is up to you!
3. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the dark chocolate peanut butter bars chilled or at room temperature. Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars are truly a must-try for anyone who loves a decadent, yet surprisingly easy-to-make treat. From the rich, intense dark chocolate ganache to the creamy, salty-sweet peanut butter filling, every bite is an explosion of flavor and texture that will leave you wanting more. I know I always do!

But what makes these bars so special, beyond the incredible taste? It’s the simplicity. You don’t need to be a master baker to whip these up. The recipe is straightforward, uses readily available ingredients, and requires minimal baking time. This means you can satisfy your chocolate and peanut butter cravings any time, without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, they are perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dessert to a potluck gathering or even a special celebration.

Think of these bars as a blank canvas for your culinary creativity! Feel free to experiment with different variations to suit your taste. For a richer, more intense chocolate experience, use a dark chocolate with a higher cocoa percentage in the ganache. If you prefer a sweeter treat, you can add a touch of honey or maple syrup to the peanut butter filling.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Classic: Serve the bars chilled, cut into squares or rectangles. A sprinkle of sea salt on top adds a delightful contrast to the sweetness.
* Elevated: Drizzle the bars with melted white chocolate or peanut butter for an extra touch of elegance.
* Festive: Decorate the bars with chopped nuts, sprinkles, or even edible glitter for a special occasion.
* Ice Cream Companion: Crumble the bars over your favorite ice cream for a decadent sundae.
* Peanut Butter Swirl: Swirl some extra peanut butter into the dark chocolate ganache before it sets for a marbled effect.
* Nutty Delight: Add chopped peanuts, walnuts, or pecans to the peanut butter filling for added crunch and flavor.
* Vegan Option: Use vegan dark chocolate and a plant-based butter alternative to make these bars vegan-friendly.
* Gluten-Free: Ensure all ingredients are gluten-free, especially the graham crackers (if using a crust).

I truly believe that these Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars will become a staple in your dessert repertoire. They are the perfect combination of indulgence and convenience, and they are guaranteed to impress your friends and family.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of these incredible bars. I am confident that you will love them as much as I do.

And most importantly, I would love to hear about your experience! Did you try any variations? Did you make them for a special occasion? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. Let me know what you think of this Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars recipe and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Happy baking! I can’t wait to see what you create!