Dessert bars are perfect party food, and gooey bars are no exception! These peanut butter chocolate chip gooey bars are oozing with sweetened condensed milk for a decadent dessert that will satisfy any sweet tooth! They come together in no time.
Things You’ll Need
-
7 1/2 ounces (1 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour
-
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
-
1 teaspoon baking powder
-
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter, divided
-
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk, divided
-
4 ounces (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, room temperature
-
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
-
1/3 cup granulated sugar
-
1 large egg
-
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
-
2 cups bittersweet chocolate chips, divided
-
9×13 inch baking pan
-
Baking spray
-
Parchment paper
-
Plastic wrap
-
Stand mixer
-
Bowls, whisks, spatulas
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9×13 baking pan with baking spray or butter, making sure to grease the sides of the pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt and baking powder. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare Peanut Butter Drizzle
In a small bowl, stir together 2 tablespoons peanut butter, 1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk, and 2 tablespoons warm water until smooth. It should have a sauce-like consistency. Stir in an additional 1 to 2 tablespoons of water if needed to bring the drizzle together.
Step 3: Combine Peanut Butter, Butter, and Sugars
In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix the remaining peanut butter, unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for several minutes until fluffy. Scrape down the sides several time during this process.
Step 4: Add Egg, Flour and Dry Ingredients
With the mixer on medium-low speed, add the egg and vanilla extract, allowing to mix until fully combined. Scrape down the sides. Add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
Step 5: Create Bottom Layer
Add half of the batter to the pan. Using a piece of plastic wrap, flatten the batter so that it fills the bottom of the pan into the corners. If necessary, add additional batter, but keep in mind that the layer can be thin.
Step 6: Top with Chocolate Chips and Sweetened Condensed Milk
Top evenly with 1 ½ cups chocolate chips and the remaining sweetened condensed milk.
Step 7: Add Remaining Batter
Add the remaining batter evenly over the top, and then use plastic wrap to gently even out and flatten. Note: there will still be visible chips and sweetened condensed milk. It will be gooey)
Step 8: Add Peanut Butter Drizzle
Add the remaining chocolate chips followed by the peanut butter drizzle. (Use a spoon or spatula to drizzle it).
Step 9: Bake
Bake for 30 to 33 minutes, until slightly golden on top and just bubbling on the sides.
Step 10: Cool and Slice
Allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. It can be warm, but not straight out of the oven. Run a knife around the edge of the pan to dislodge any sweetened condensed milk that might have cooked onto the sides. Enjoy.