Peanut Butter Caramel Bars
When my husband and our three sons sit down to dinner, they ask, What's for dessert? I have a happy group of guys when I report that these rich bars are on the menu. Theyre chockfull of yummy ingredients.
When my husband and our three sons sit down to dinner, they ask, What's for dessert? I have a happy group of guys when I report that these rich bars are on the menu. Theyre chockfull of yummy ingredients.
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- topping:
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup salted peanuts
- 1 package yellow cake mix (regular size)
- 1 jar (12-1/4 ounces) caramel ice cream topping
- 20 miniature peanut butter cups chopped
- 1 can (16 ounces) milk chocolate frosting
- 1/2 cup chopped salted peanuts
- Carbohydrate 9.65811666907896 g
- Cholesterol 151.841666770312 mg
- Fat 53.4360125425523 g
- Fiber 3.51983333311877 g
- Protein 13.4057708354644 g
- Saturated Fat 23.0672391921495 g
- Serving Size 1 1 dozen. (100g)
- Sodium 272.884583642544 mg
- Sugar 6.13828333596019 g
- Trans Fat 3.40951625284012 g
- Calories 549 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, butter and egg; beat on low speed for 30 seconds.
- Beat on medium for 2 minutes or until no longer crumbly.
- Stir in peanut butter cups.
- Press into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 18-22 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, combine the cornstarch, caramel topping and peanut butter; stir until smooth.
- Cook over low heat for 25-27 minutes or until mixture comes to a boil; stirring occasionally.
- Remove from the heat; stir in peanuts.
- Spread evenly over warm crust.
- Bake 6-7 minutes longer or until almost set.
- Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Spread with frosting; sprinkle with peanuts.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before cutting.
- Store in the refrigerator.
My Family's Favorite Peanut Butter Caramel Bars
As a busy mom of three rambunctious boys, finding time to bake is a luxury, not a given. But when I do find a moment in my hectic schedule, I always aim for recipes that are both delicious and easy. These peanut butter caramel bars are a perfect example. They’re incredibly rich and satisfying, hitting all the right notes for my sweet-toothed family. They disappear faster than I can say "dessert," which is always a good sign!
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. It leverages store-bought ingredients – like yellow cake mix and caramel topping – to minimize prep time. Honestly, the most challenging part is waiting for the bars to cool completely before cutting into them. That's a testament to their addictive qualities! The combination of the buttery, crumbly crust, the gooey caramel filling, and the crunchy peanut topping creates a symphony of textures and flavors. It's the kind of dessert that sparks happy conversations around the dinner table – or wherever my family happens to be enjoying a sweet treat.
I've perfected this recipe over time, tweaking it to suit our family's preferences. Originally, I used a different type of peanut butter, but after some experimentation, I settled on the classic creamy variety. The result? Perfection. The caramel topping provides just the right amount of sweetness, and the miniature peanut butter cups scattered throughout the crust add a delightful surprise. My boys especially love hunting for them! And let's not forget the chocolate frosting finish – a touch of decadence that elevates this already amazing dessert.
These bars aren’t just a dessert; they’re a symbol of togetherness. They're a way to show my family that I love them, even if it's through a relatively simple, but undeniably delicious, treat. The smiles on their faces as they devour these bars make all the effort – the minimal effort, I might add – entirely worthwhile. It's a small gesture with a big impact, proving that sometimes the simplest pleasures are the sweetest. It's a reminder that in the midst of chaotic family life, there's always room for a little something sweet and a whole lot of love.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use homemade caramel sauce instead of the store-bought variety.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the frosting for an extra touch of sophistication.
- Experiment with different types of nuts – pecans or walnuts would also be delicious.
- If you’re short on time, use pre-chopped peanuts and peanut butter cups to save time.
- These bars can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Believe me, they’ll still be just as delicious!
These peanut butter caramel bars are more than just a recipe; they're a treasured family tradition, a quick sweet escape, and a simple way to bring joy to my loved ones. They represent the sweet side of life, the little moments that make life worth living. Give them a try and experience the magic for yourself!
