Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Bars

There’s something truly special about the combination of peanut butter and chocolate, and that’s exactly what makes Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Bars a delightful treat! I remember the first time I tasted a homemade peanut butter bar; it was like a slice of heaven! The creamy texture of the peanut butter mixed with the sweetness of Reese’s Pieces candies creates an irresistible snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy evening at home, a family gathering, or just a moment to indulge yourself, these bars never disappoint.

As I began experimenting in the kitchen, I realized how simple it is to whip up these bars. The beauty of Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Bars lies in their straightforward method, allowing you to create a delicious dessert without spending hours slaving away. Plus, kids absolutely love them! The vibrant colors of the Reese’s Pieces make them visually appealing, and they add a fun crunch to the soft, chewy texture of the bars.

I often make these bars for parties or potlucks, and they always become a hit. It’s wonderful to see everyone’s faces light up when they take their first bite. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s make some Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Bars that will leave your taste buds dancing!

Ingredients to Make Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Bars

When it comes to baking, the quality and combination of ingredients can make or break a recipe. For these Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Bars, we’re using a delightful mix of staples that complement each other beautifully, creating a rich, flavorful dessert. The key players include creamy peanut butter, sweet brown sugar, and vibrant Reese’s Pieces that bring both flavor and texture to the bars.

• 3/4 cup butter: This is essential for richness and moisture, giving the bars a soft texture.
• 3 cups packed light brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a subtle caramel flavor that complements the peanut butter.
• 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter: This is the star of the show, providing that iconic flavor we love.
• 3 large eggs: Acts as a binder, helping the bars hold together nicely.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavors, making the dessert taste more complex.
• 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure needed for the bars.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: This helps give the bars a slight lift, ensuring they’re not too dense.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside the baking powder for leavening.
• 3/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness, enhancing the flavors.
• 1 cup Reese’s Pieces candies: Adds that signature crunch and bursts of flavor.
• 6 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces: Used in the frosting for added richness.
• 6 tablespoons milk: Gives the frosting a creamy consistency.
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the frosting, making it irresistibly tasty.
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Adds a decadent chocolate layer to the bars.
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract: For flavoring the frosting.
• 1/4 cup Reese’s Pieces: For garnishing, adding a fun touch to the finished bars.

The Method for Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Bars

Let’s dive into the delightful process of making Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Bars. This recipe is as fun to make as it is to eat! Follow along as we blend our ingredients and create something truly delicious.

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. This step is crucial as it prevents the bars from sticking. You want to ensure they come out easily after baking.
2. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and brown sugar. Stir them together until the mixture is smooth. Being patient during this step is key, as you want the brown sugar to dissolve completely.
3. Once it’s smooth, take the saucepan off the heat and stir in the peanut butter. Make sure to mix until it’s completely smooth again. This will create a luscious base for your bars.
4. Let the mixture cool for a few minutes. While it’s cooling, move to a large bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This will ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Once cooled, whisk in the eggs, one at a time, into the peanut butter mixture. After this, stir in the vanilla extract. This mixture will be very creamy.
6. Next, carefully add the peanut butter mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir until just blended; you don’t want to overmix. The batter will be thick but should come together beautifully.
7. Now, fold in the Reese’s Pieces candies. This adds a great texture and a pop of color to your batter.
8. Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, smoothing it out evenly. This ensures every piece bakes uniformly.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the middle is set, and the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on it; you want a slight jiggle in the center.
10. While the bars are baking, create the frosting. In a saucepan, combine butter, milk, and granulated sugar. Bring this mixture to a boil, stirring continuously. It’s important to keep it moving to avoid burning.
11. Let it boil for 30 seconds. This is crucial for achieving the right consistency, so don’t skip this step! Remove from heat, then stir in the chocolate chips and vanilla extract until smooth. You’ll have a rich, glossy frosting!
12. Once the bars are done baking, pour the warm frosting over them while they’re still in the pan. This allows the frosting to seep into the bars a bit, enhancing the flavor.
13. Finally, sprinkle some extra Reese’s Pieces on top for garnish. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.

Pro Tips and Tweaks

Here are some great tips to enhance your baking experience with Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Bars. Whether it’s about storage or experimenting with flavors, these suggestions will help you make the most of your baking!

• Storage: Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 4 days, keeping their soft texture.
• Freezing: You can freeze these bars for longer storage. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag.
• Variations: Try adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch. You could also use a mix of different chocolate chips!
• Serving suggestion: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Cutting bars: Use a sharp knife to cut the bars for clean edges. Wiping the knife between cuts can help.

Great Combinations for Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Bars

When it comes to enjoying Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Bars, there are countless ways to serve and savor them. Here are some delicious pairing ideas:

• With Ice Cream: These bars are heavenly when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy ice cream complements the rich bars perfectly.
• Coffee Pairing: Enjoy these bars with a cup of coffee or caramel latte for a delightful afternoon treat.
• Kid-Friendly Snack: Pack them in lunchboxes as a sweet surprise for kids; they’ll love the colorful chunks of Reese’s Pieces.
• Picnic Treat: These bars are perfect for picnics; they travel well and are easy to share.
• After School Snack: They make a great after-school snack, providing a sweet boost of energy.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Bars are truly a standout dessert that combines the rich flavor of peanut butter with the fun crunch of Reese’s Pieces. They’re perfect for sharing with friends and family, making them the ideal treat for any occasion. I encourage you to bake a batch and enjoy the smiles they bring!

Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Bars

The ultimate comfort food, Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Bars are rich, creamy, and packed with sweet surprises. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate creates an irresistible treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Make them tonight and experience the joy!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 16 servings

Calories 240 kcal

Equipment

• 9x13-inch Baking Dish

Ingredients

  

• 3/4 cup Butter
• 3 cups Packed light brown sugar
• 3/4 cup Creamy peanut butter
• 3 large Eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
• 3 3/4 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon Salt
• 1 cup Reese’s Pieces candies
• 6 tablespoons Butter, cut into pieces
• 6 tablespoons Milk
• 1 1/2 cups Granulated sugar
• 1 cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup Reese’s Pieces

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. This step is crucial as it prevents the bars from sticking. You want to ensure they come out easily after baking.
• In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and brown sugar. Stir them together until the mixture is smooth. Being patient during this step is key, as you want the brown sugar to dissolve completely.
• Once it’s smooth, take the saucepan off the heat and stir in the peanut butter. Make sure to mix until it’s completely smooth again. This will create a luscious base for your bars.
• Let the mixture cool for a few minutes. While it’s cooling, move to a large bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This will ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
• Once cooled, whisk in the eggs, one at a time, into the peanut butter mixture. After this, stir in the vanilla extract. This mixture will be very creamy.
• Next, carefully add the peanut butter mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir until just blended; you don’t want to overmix. The batter will be thick but should come together beautifully.
• Now, fold in the Reese’s Pieces candies. This adds a great texture and a pop of color to your batter.
• Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, smoothing it out evenly. This ensures every piece bakes uniformly.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the middle is set, and the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on it; you want a slight jiggle in the center.
• While the bars are baking, create the frosting. In a saucepan, combine butter, milk, and granulated sugar. Bring this mixture to a boil, stirring continuously. It’s important to keep it moving to avoid burning.
• Let it boil for 30 seconds. This is crucial for achieving the right consistency, so don’t skip this step! Remove from heat, then stir in the chocolate chips and vanilla extract until smooth. You’ll have a rich, glossy frosting!
• Once the bars are done baking, pour the warm frosting over them while they’re still in the pan. This allows the frosting to seep into the bars a bit, enhancing the flavor.
• Finally, sprinkle some extra Reese’s Pieces on top for garnish. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.

Notes

• Storage: Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 4 days, keeping their soft texture.

Keyword chocolate dessert, Easy Baking Recipe, Peanut Butter Bars, Reese’s Pieces Treats