Peanut Butter Bars with Chocolate Drizzle

Chewy peanut butter bars topped with a thin vanilla glaze and finished with a chocolate drizzle. Neat, festive squares for holiday trays or everyday treats.

32 bars

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 40

Cooling Time 15

Total Time 1 10

Ingredients

1 cup (258 g) peanut butter - crunchy or smooth
⅔ cup (151 g) butter, softened
2 cups (440 g) light brown sugar, firmly packed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large (3 large) eggs
1 cup (120 g) unbleached all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon (3 g) table salt

Frosting

1 cup (120 g) confectioners' sugar
1-2 tablespoons (1-2 tablespoons) water

Drizzle

2 squares (56 g) semi-sweet chocolate OR 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate pieces
1 teaspoon shortening - (see discussion in the post)

Instructions

Make the Batter: Combine 1 cup peanut butter and 2/3 cup butter, softened, in a large bowl and beat until light and fluffy. Add 2 cups light brown sugar, firmly packed and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and continue to beat for 1-2 minutes. Beat in 3 large eggs, one at a time.
Stir in 1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon table salt just until combined—don’t overmix.
Bake the Bars: Spread batter evenly into a foil- or parchment-lined 9x13 pan. Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 35–40 minutes, or until the center springs back lightly when touched. Let bars cool for about 15 minutes.
Glaze the Bars: Stir 1 cup confectioners' sugar with enough water to form a thin, spreadable glaze. Spread lightly over the warm bars with a spatula or spoon.
Drizzle the Chocolate: Place 2 squares semi-sweet chocolate OR 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate pieces and 1 teaspoon shortening into a small plastic zippered bag. Melt in the microwave just until melted. Snip a small tip from one corner and drizzle over the white glaze in a random back-and-forth pattern. When cool, cut into 36 rectangles. (I like them best cold out of the fridge.)

Notes

Storage Tips:

Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temp for 1–2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze unfrosted bars for up to 3 months. Add glaze and drizzle after thawing for the best look.
Serving: Cut into small squares—these bars are rich.
Warm Weather Tip: Keep bars chilled so the chocolate drizzle doesn’t soften.

Nutritional Information