Pin it
This peanut butter toffee chocolate chunk bar recipe transforms the beloved Butterfinger candy flavors into an irresistibly chewy dessert bar. With chocolate chunks and toffee bits studded throughout a peanut butter base, these bars deliver the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and rich flavors – all without needing a mixer.
I first made these bars during a weekend baking marathon when craving something with peanut butter. After letting them rest the full three hours (hardest wait ever), my family declared them their new favorite dessert request for gatherings.
Ingredients
- All purpose flour: creates the perfect sturdy but tender base for these rich bars
- Creamy peanut butter: provides the signature flavor use natural peanut butter well stirred for best results
- Dark brown sugar: gives a deep molasses undertone and helps create that chewy texture
- Toffee bits: add the crucial crunch and butterscotch notes throughout
- Semisweet chocolate chunks: create pockets of melty chocolate far superior to chips
- Egg plus extra yolk: delivers richness and chewiness to the final texture
- Fine sea salt: balances the sweetness in the dough
- Flaky sea salt: optional finishing touch that elevates the flavor complexity
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Pan:
- Line an 8x8 metal baking pan with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray. The parchment creates handles for easy removal and the spray ensures nothing sticks.
- Create the Base:
- Melt butter and peanut butter together until completely smooth. This combination creates the rich foundation for our bars. Add brown sugar to the warm mixture which helps dissolve the sugar crystals for a smoother texture.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly to avoid scrambling the eggs. Whisk in the egg, egg yolk, milk, and vanilla until fully incorporated. The extra yolk adds richness while milk provides tenderness.
- Add Dry Ingredients:
- Gently fold in flour, baking powder, and salt with a spatula until just combined. Overmixing will develop gluten and make your bars tough rather than chewy.
- Incorporate Mix-ins:
- Stir in most of the toffee bits and chocolate chunks, reserving some for the top. This ensures good distribution throughout while also creating an attractive topping.
- Press and Top:
- Transfer the thick dough to your prepared pan and press evenly to the edges. Sprinkle remaining toffee and chocolate on top, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Bake at 350°F for about 26 minutes until edges and top are golden brown. The center may seem slightly underdone but will set as it cools.
- Rest and Enjoy:
- Allow bars to cool completely on a wire rack for three hours. This resting period is crucial for developing flavor and achieving the perfect chewy texture.
Pin it
My favorite part of this recipe is the combination of toffee bits with natural peanut butter. I discovered this pairing accidentally when running low on mix-ins one day, and the butterscotch notes from the toffee enhance the peanut butter in a way that reminds me of my grandmother's peanut brittle, but in a wonderfully chewy form.
The Peanut Butter Factor
Using the right peanut butter makes a significant difference in these bars. Natural peanut butter provides the most pronounced flavor, but ensure it's well-stirred before measuring. Some commercial brands like Peter Pan resulted in less peanut butter flavor and a cakier texture during testing. The Kirkland Organic brand from Costco offers excellent results with its robust peanut flavor and perfect consistency.
Make-Ahead Magic
These bars benefit tremendously from resting time. While you can certainly bake them immediately after mixing, chilling the dough for 24-72 hours develops remarkable depth of flavor. The starches in the flour fully hydrate, the brown sugar creates deeper butterscotch notes, and the peanut butter flavor becomes more pronounced. Consider this recipe perfect for planning ahead when expecting guests.
Customization Options
The base recipe creates perfect bars, but you can easily customize to your preferences. Try milk chocolate chunks for a sweeter profile or dark chocolate for more intensity. Add chopped peanuts for extra crunch, or swirl in a tablespoon of strawberry jam before baking for a PB&J twist. Mini peanut butter cups can replace some of the chocolate chunks for even more peanut butter goodness.
Serving Suggestions
While delicious on their own, these bars reach new heights when slightly warmed and topped with vanilla ice cream. For a special dessert, drizzle with warm chocolate sauce or add a dollop of whipped cream. They also pair beautifully with coffee or cold milk for an afternoon treat. Cut into smaller pieces for a dessert platter alongside other cookies for variety.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
Yes, natural peanut butter is recommended for the best flavor. Ensure it's well-stirred to avoid oily or dry pockets.
- → How long should I chill the dough?
Chill the dough for at least 24 hours, up to 72 hours, to enhance the flavor and texture of the bars.
- → Can I store these bars for later?
Yes, the bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- → What can I substitute for toffee bits?
If you don’t have toffee bits, you can use chopped caramel candies or additional chocolate chunks for a similar texture.
- → Do I need to use flaky sea salt on top?
No, it's optional, but flaky sea salt adds a nice flavor balance to the sweetness of the bars.