Peanut Butter Easter Egg Bars (Printable version)

Soft, chewy bars loaded with peanut butter and Easter egg candies for festive springtime celebrations.

# What You'll Need:

→ Wet Ingredients

01 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
02 - 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
03 - 1 cup packed light brown sugar
04 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
05 - 2 large eggs
06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Dry Ingredients

07 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
08 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
09 - 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
10 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Mix-Ins & Topping

11 - 1 cup Easter egg chocolate candies, plus extra for topping
12 - 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, optional

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over the sides for easy removal.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, peanut butter, packed light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
03 - Add eggs and vanilla extract to the wet mixture. Whisk until fully combined and the texture is homogeneous.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed.
05 - Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula, mixing until no streaks of flour remain. Do not overmix.
06 - Gently add Easter egg chocolate candies and chocolate chips, folding them into the dough until evenly incorporated.
07 - Transfer the dough into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Press additional Easter egg candies on top for decorative effect.
08 - Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center is set but remains soft.
09 - Allow bars to cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment paper to lift out, then slice into portions and serve.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The bars stay perfectly soft, making it nearly impossible to eat just one.
  • The Easter egg chocolates give a festive look and a pop of color that always makes guests smile.
02 -
  • Don't rush cooling; slicing while warm turns bars into a gooey mess.
  • Melted butter that's too hot will cook the eggs and ruin the smooth batter.
03 -
  • Parchment paper with overhang is a lifesaver for neat lifting and zero sticking.
  • Let the bars rest overnight for an even richer peanut butter flavor.
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