Peanut Butter Cake Bars

Indulge in the rich, nutty goodness of these Peanut Butter Cake Bars that offer a perfect balance between soft cake texture and the satisfying creaminess of peanut butter. These bars are an excellent choice for any peanut butter lover, combining a moist, tender cake base with a luscious layer of peanut butter frosting. Ideal for a midday snack, dessert, or even a sweet breakfast treat, these bars are simple to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends. The combination of flavors and textures makes them an irresistible option for any occasion.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (or milk)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and peanut butter until smooth. Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar, mixing well until combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
5. Prepare the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter and peanut butter together until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, followed by the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
6. Frost the Cake Bars: Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the peanut butter frosting evenly over the top. For an added touch, sprinkle chopped peanuts or mini chocolate chips on top.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cake into bars and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Enjoy these delicious, peanut buttery delights!