Fudge Filled Peanut Butter Cake Bars

Introduction:

Craving something sweet and indulgent? Look no further than our irresistible Fudge Filled Peanut Butter Cake Bars! This heavenly treat combines the decadence of rich chocolate with the creamy goodness of peanut butter, all wrapped up in a moist and fluffy cake. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, these cake bars are guaranteed to be a hit. Let’s dive into the recipe and indulge in pure dessert bliss!

Ingredients:

• 1 box mix for yellow cake
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup melted butter
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• ½ cup peanut butter

Fudge Filling:

• 2 cups chocolate chips
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 Tbsp. butter

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with nonstick foil.
2. Cake Layer: In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and peanut butter. Mix well until smooth. Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly.
3. Fudge Layer: In a microwave-safe bowl, add chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Microwave until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth, stirring occasionally. Carefully pour the fudge layer over the cake layer in the pan.
4. Top Layer: Dollop the remaining cake batter over the fudge layer, spreading as best you can.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges start to pull away from the pan. Remove from oven and let cool.
6. Serve as is or with additional melted peanut butter drizzled on top.
7. Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Kcal: 389 | Servings: 12

Serving:

1. For an extra indulgent treat, serve the Fudge Filled Peanut Butter Cake Bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
2. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts or chocolate shavings for added texture and visual appeal.
3. Consider serving the cake bars alongside a tall glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee for a delightful dessert experience.
4. Cut the cake bars into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife for neat and uniform servings.
5. Arrange the cake bars on a decorative platter or dessert plate for an elegant presentation that will impress your guests.

Storage:

1. Store any leftover Fudge Filled Peanut Butter Cake Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
2. For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cake bars in the same airtight container for up to 1 week.
3. If storing in the refrigerator, allow the cake bars to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
4. To freeze the cake bars, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
5. When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen cake bars in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Reheat briefly in the microwave or oven to restore their soft and moist texture before serving.

FAQs:

1. Can I use a different cake mix flavor instead of yellow cake mix? Absolutely! You can experiment with different cake mix flavors such as chocolate, devil’s food, or even spice cake mix to customize the flavor of your cake bars.
2. Can I use natural peanut butter instead of regular peanut butter? While natural peanut butter may alter the texture slightly, you can certainly use it in this recipe. Just be aware that natural peanut butter tends to be less sweet and may result in a slightly different flavor.
3. Can I make these cake bars without the fudge filling? Yes, you can omit the fudge filling if you prefer a simpler peanut butter cake. The cake bars will still be delicious and moist without it, though they won’t have the same chocolatey richness.
4. Can I use homemade fudge sauce instead of melting chocolate chips for the filling? Absolutely! You can use your favorite homemade fudge sauce recipe instead of melting chocolate chips to make the fudge filling. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold its shape between the cake layers.
5. Can I freeze the cake bars after baking? Yes, you can freeze the cake bars once they are completely cooled. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving or reheat briefly in the microwave or oven.