Chocolate-Filled Peanut Butter Squares
Indulge in the delightful combination of chocolate and peanut butter with these irresistibly rich Chocolate-Filled Peanut Butter Squares, which perfectly blend a moist, light cake with a luscious chocolate filling. This dessert is ideal for satisfying sweet cravings and is sure to impress family and friends alike. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these squares are a guaranteed hit.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: Approximately 16 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Keywords: < 60 mins, chocolate dessert, peanut butter squares, quick dessert
Description
These delectable squares feature a smooth, rich chocolate filling sandwiched between a soft cake with just the right hint of peanut butter. For those who like versatility, the recipe can be doubled and baked in a larger 13×9-inch baking pan. While you can substitute yellow cake mix for white cake mix, the yellow variety adds an exceptional flavor that elevates this dessert. Perfectly moist and packed with flavor, these Chocolate-Filled Peanut Butter Squares will be your new go-to treat!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional values per serving:
| Nutritional Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 887.6 kcal |
| Total Fat | 53.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 23 g |
| Cholesterol | 87.3 mg |
| Sodium | 696.5 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 95.1 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.5 g |
| Total Sugars | 69.2 g |
| Protein | 16.7 g |
Ingredients
For the best results, use high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | cup butter |
| 1/2 | cup peanut butter |
| 2 | eggs |
| 1 | package yellow cake mix |
| 2 | tablespoons butter (for melting) |
| 1 | cup chocolate chips |
| 1 | can sweetened condensed milk |
| 1 | teaspoon vanilla extract |
| 3/4 | cup shredded coconut (optional) |
| 1 | cup chopped nuts (optional) |
Instructions
Creating these delightful squares is straightforward. Follow these steps for perfect results:
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your squares bake evenly.
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Prepare the Baking Pan: Grease and flour an 8×8-inch square glass baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and facilitate easy removal of the squares after baking.
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Mix the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 1/2 cup of butter, eggs, and peanut butter. Stir until the mixture is well combined and smooth. Reserve half of this mixture for later use.
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Create the Bottom Layer: Transfer the remaining cake mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, pressing it down evenly to form a solid base layer.
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Prepare the Chocolate Filling: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 2 tablespoons of butter along with the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk on HIGH power. Stir every 30 seconds until all the chocolate chips are melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
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Add Flavorings: Once the chocolate mixture is melted, fold in the shredded coconut, chopped nuts, and vanilla extract. This step adds a delightful texture and enhances the chocolate flavor.
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Assemble the Squares: Carefully pour the chocolate mixture over the crust in the baking pan, ensuring it is evenly spread. Crumble or drop the reserved dough mixture over the top, creating a lovely texture.
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Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. These squares tend to bake quickly, so keep an eye on them as they near the end of the cooking time to avoid overbaking.
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Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely before cutting into squares. This will help the squares set properly and make them easier to cut.
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Enjoy: Serve your Chocolate-Filled Peanut Butter Squares at room temperature or chilled. They are perfect as a standalone dessert or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Tips for Success
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment by adding different mix-ins such as mini marshmallows, caramel drizzle, or other types of nuts to customize your squares further.
- Freezing: These squares freeze beautifully! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months.
Conclusion
In just under an hour, you can whip up these rich, chocolatey treats that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a potluck, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these Chocolate-Filled Peanut Butter Squares are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With their delightful layers and incredible flavor, they will quickly become a cherished favorite in your recipe repertoire. Happy baking!
