Name: Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box chocolate cake mix; 1/2 cup butter, melted; 1 egg; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup peanut butter; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup chocolate chips

A rich and indulgent dessert, Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Bars are a decadent treat that brings together the perfect harmony of chocolate, peanut butter, and a luscious buttery filling. These bars are delightfully soft in the center with a slightly crisp crust, making every bite an irresistible experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe transforms basic ingredients into something truly show-stopping. The combination of a chocolate cake crust with a creamy peanut butter filling and melty chocolate chips on top hits every sweet craving I have. It’s simple to prepare, ideal for gatherings, and always gets rave reviews. Whether I’m baking for a party or just to treat myself, these bars never disappoint.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 box chocolate cake mix

1/2 cup butter, melted

1 egg

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup peanut butter

2 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup chocolate chips

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

In a large bowl, I mix the chocolate cake mix, melted butter, and egg until fully combined, then press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the baking dish to form the crust.

In another bowl, I beat together the cream cheese, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

I pour the peanut butter mixture over the chocolate crust and spread it evenly with a spatula.

Then I sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the top.

I bake the bars for 30-35 minutes, until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.

Once done, I let the bars cool completely before cutting them into squares for serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 280 kcal per serving

Variations

Sometimes I like to switch things up:

I use a fudge or devil’s food cake mix for an even richer chocolate base.

Second I mix peanut butter chips with the chocolate chips for a double punch.

I swirl a bit of extra peanut butter into the filling for a marbled look and deeper flavor.

For a crunchy twist, I toss in chopped roasted peanuts on top before baking.

Storage/Reheating

I store the cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If I want them to last longer, I refrigerate them for up to a week. They also freeze well—just wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. To enjoy again, I let them thaw at room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave for that gooey texture.

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FAQs

What type of chocolate cake mix works best for this recipe?

I usually go with a classic chocolate or devil’s food cake mix for the deepest chocolate flavor, but any standard 15.25 oz box works well.

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of regular?

Natural peanut butter tends to be oilier and less sweet. I prefer using a creamy, shelf-stable kind for the best consistency and flavor.

Do I have to use cream cheese?

Yes, the cream cheese gives the bars their signature gooey texture. There’s not a great substitute for it in this particular recipe.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

I haven’t tried it myself, but using a gluten-free chocolate cake mix should work. Just make sure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Why do the bars need to cool before cutting?

Letting them cool helps the filling set. If I cut them too early, they can fall apart or be too gooey to handle.

Conclusion

Chocolate Peanut Butter Ooey Gooey Butter Bars are the kind of dessert I turn to when I want something comforting, decadent, and incredibly easy to make. The combination of rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and a soft, gooey center makes these bars a standout hit every time. Whether I’m baking for a crowd or just for myself, this recipe never lets me down.

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