Reeses Pieces Bars
If you’re on the lookout for a sweet treat that combines the delightful flavors of peanut butter and chocolate with a colorful twist, look no further than these scrumptious Reeses Pieces Bars. These bars are a perfect dessert for any occasion, whether you want to impress guests at a party or simply indulge in a sweet snack at home. With their chewy texture and a burst of peanut butter goodness, these bars will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Let’s dive into why this recipe deserves a spot in your kitchen!
Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Rotation
Reeses Pieces Bars are not just a delicious dessert; they’re also incredibly versatile. Here are a few reasons to keep this recipe close at hand:
- Quick to prepare: You can whip these bars up in no time, making them perfect for an impromptu gathering.
- Kid-friendly: With the colorful Reeses Pieces, kids will love their vibrant appearance and sweet taste.
- Customizable: Feel free to play around with mix-ins or toppings based on your preferences.
- Make-ahead friendly: These bars store well, making them great for meal prep or as a treat for later.
The Essentials
To make these Reeses Pieces Bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup butter, softened: This adds richness and moisture to the bars.
- 2 cups brown sugar: Brown sugar gives a deep, caramel-like flavor and helps create a chewy texture.
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient that provides that unmistakable peanut butter flavor.
- 2 large eggs: These act as a binder and contribute to the overall texture.
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract: For added depth of flavor.
- 2 1/8 cups all-purpose flour: The base for these bars, providing structure.
- 1 tsp baking powder: This helps the bars rise slightly and become fluffy.
- 1/2 tsp salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors.
- 3/4 cup Reeses Pieces: For that delightful crunch and sweetness.
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips: Because you can never have too much chocolate!
Prep & Cook Tools
Before you start baking, gather these essential tools:
- Mixing bowls: For combining your ingredients.
- Whisk: To beat the eggs and mix the batter smoothly.
- Spatula: For scraping down the sides of your bowls and spreading the batter.
- 9×13 inch baking pan: The perfect size for these Reeses Pieces Bars.
- Parchment paper: To line your baking pan for easy removal.
- Oven: Preheat to ensure even baking.
Reeses Pieces Bars, Made Easy
Ready to make some Reeses Pieces Bars? Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your bars bake evenly and thoroughly.
Step 2: Prepare Your Pan
Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy lifting later. Lightly grease the parchment paper for added assurance.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and brown sugar. Using a whisk or an electric mixer, beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add Peanut Butter and Eggs
Next, mix in the creamy peanut butter until fully combined. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
Step 6: Fold in the Fun
Gently fold in the Reeses Pieces and chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 7: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into squares.
Variations for Dietary Needs
Everyone deserves a sweet treat! Here are some variations to accommodate different dietary preferences:
- Gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-free: Use coconut oil or dairy-free butter and substitute with a plant-based chocolate chip.
- Nut-free: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for those with nut allergies.
- Low-sugar: Use a sugar substitute or reduce the amount of brown sugar for a lighter option.
What I Learned Testing
Through the testing process, I discovered a few important tips to ensure your Reeses Pieces Bars turn out perfectly every time:
- Let the butter soften at room temperature for the best creaming results.
- Don’t overmix the batter once you add the flour; this helps maintain a tender texture.
- For extra gooey bars, slightly underbake them, as they will continue to set while cooling.
- Feel free to adjust the ratio of Reeses Pieces and chocolate chips to your liking; more chocolate never hurts!
Meal Prep & Storage Notes
These Reeses Pieces Bars are perfect for meal prep, and they store beautifully! Here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks.
- For extended storage, freeze the bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds.
Top Questions & Answers
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful texture to the bars, making them even more interesting.
What can I use instead of Reeses Pieces?
If you don’t have Reeses Pieces, feel free to substitute with M&M’s, chocolate-covered peanuts, or any other candy you enjoy.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! These bars can be made up to a week in advance and stored in an airtight container. They actually taste even better after a day or two as the flavors meld.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking!
Try These Next
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Time to Try It
Now that you have all the details to make delicious Reeses Pieces Bars, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start baking! These bars are sure to bring joy and sweetness to your day, whether you’re sharing them with friends or savoring them on your own. Enjoy every gooey, chocolatey bite, and don’t forget to share your creations with family and friends. Happy baking!
Reeses Pieces Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Step 4: Mix in the peanut butter, then add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Step 5: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Step 6: Fold in Reeses Pieces and chocolate chips.
- Step 7: Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Step 8: Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift out using parchment paper to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Let butter soften at room temperature for best results.
- Don’t overmix after adding flour to maintain texture.
- For gooey bars, slightly underbake them.
