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Peanut Butter Caramel Bars Recipe

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4.3 from 85 reviews

  • Author: Amina
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 3 dozen bars

Description

These Peanut Butter Caramel Bars combine a moist yellow cake base studded with chopped peanut butter cups, topped with a luscious homemade caramel-peanut butter sauce and finished with creamy milk chocolate frosting and crunchy salted peanuts. Baked to perfection, then chilled for the ultimate peanut butter and caramel delight—perfect for gatherings or satisfying your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

Batter:

  • 1 package yellow cake mix (regular size)
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 20 miniature peanut butter cups, chopped

Caramel Peanut Butter Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 jar (12-1/4 ounces) caramel ice cream topping
  • 1/4 cup peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup salted peanuts

Topping:

  • 1 can (16 ounces) milk chocolate frosting
  • 1/2 cup chopped salted peanuts

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, softened butter, and one large egg. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds, then increase to medium speed and continue beating for 2 minutes or until the mixture is no longer crumbly. Gently fold in the chopped miniature peanut butter cups to evenly distribute.
  2. Bake the Crust: Press the batter evenly into a greased 13-inch by 9-inch baking pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the crust is lightly browned and set.
  3. Make the Caramel-Peanut Butter Sauce: While the crust is baking, combine cornstarch, caramel ice cream topping, and peanut butter in a large saucepan. Stir the mixture until smooth, then cook over low heat for 25 to 27 minutes, stirring occasionally until it comes to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in the salted peanuts.
  4. Apply the Sauce and Finish Baking: Spread the warm caramel-peanut butter sauce evenly over the baked crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 6 to 7 minutes, or until the sauce is almost set. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
  5. Add the Frosting and Peanuts: Once cooled, spread the milk chocolate frosting evenly over the bars. Sprinkle the top with the chopped salted peanuts for added texture and flavor.
  6. Chill and Serve: Cover the pan and refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour to set fully. Cut into squares and store leftover bars in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

Notes

  • For easier cutting, chill the bars well before slicing.
  • You can substitute creamy peanut butter for the peanut butter cups if preferred.
  • Ensure to stir the caramel sauce often while cooking to prevent burning.
  • Use salted peanuts to enhance the sweet and salty flavor balance.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://aminabakes.com/peanut-butter-caramel-bars-recipe/