Ultimate Peanut Butter Milk Chocolate Fudge Bars

Irresistible Fudgy Peanut Butter Milk Chocolate Bars with Reese’s Ganache

Prepare for a dessert experience that will redefine your love for the classic peanut butter and chocolate pairing! These **Peanut Butter Milk Chocolate Bars** are an absolute dream – incredibly chewy, moist, and bursting with rich peanut butter flavor. Imagine sinking your teeth into a generous square, discovering generous milk chocolate chips and delightful mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups baked right into the fudgy base. But the indulgence doesn’t stop there. A smooth, creamy, and decadent milk chocolate ganache is lovingly smoothed over the top, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you utterly spellbound. This isn’t just a bar; it’s a celebration of all things delicious.

Fudgy Peanut Butter Reeses Chocolate Bars sliced stacked, showcasing their rich texture and ganache topping

When the Baking Frenzy Hits: A Sweet Escape

I hear you, I hear you. Three decadent dessert recipes shared in one week? What on earth could be happening in my kitchen?! Well, let me tell you, this is the magical chaos that ensues when my husband ventures out of town. It’s as if the baking muses descend upon me, and before I know it, I’m caught in a delightful whirlwind of sugar, butter, and chocolate, all flying around in a delicious frenzy. One minute I’m contemplating dinner, and the next, fudgy peanut butter bars, an entire Chocolate Pound Cake, and my beloved Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are cooling on racks, filling the house with irresistible aromas. The only downside? There’s absolutely nothing savory planned for dinner!

Perfectly cut Fudgy Peanut Butter Reeses Chocolate Bars on a vibrant turquoise surface

The Unbeatable Duo: Peanut Butter and Chocolate

And speaking of my husband being away, another delightful phenomenon occurs: peanut butter and chocolate come together in glorious harmony, fulfilling my heart’s every desire! It’s not just a passing fancy; it’s a dedicated section on my Easy Chocolate Desserts page, a testament to my unwavering adoration for this iconic flavor combination. I am, without a doubt, a HUGE fan, especially when those delightful Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups make an appearance. There’s something undeniably magical about the salty, nutty richness of peanut butter meeting the sweet, smooth creaminess of chocolate. It’s a match made in dessert heaven, a classic that never fails to satisfy that deep-seated craving for pure comfort and joy.

Close-up of Fudgy Peanut Butter Reeses Chocolate Bars revealing the dense, chewy interior with chocolate chips and Reese's pieces

From Cookie to Bar: The Birth of a New Obsession

Just the other day, amidst my baking reverie, I found myself in a delightful quandary, unsure what masterpiece to conjure up next. So, I turned to my trusted taste-tester, our resident peanut butter, chocolate, and Reese’s aficionado (also known as our concierge!). I asked him for his expert opinion. His immediate suggestion was to whip up a batch of these glorious Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies. While truly delicious, I gently reminded him that I was aiming for something fresh, something new to ignite the taste buds.

Slightly disappointed but ever the innovator, he paused, a thoughtful look on his face, and then offered a stroke of genius: “Well, why don’t you turn those incredible cookies into a fudgy brownie-like bar?”

A lightbulb moment! Why didn’t I think of that?! Yeeesssss! It was the perfect evolution, transforming the beloved cookie experience into a denser, richer, and even more satisfying bar form. The idea sparked immediate excitement, promising a treat that combined the best of both worlds – the intense peanut butter flavor of a cookie with the decadent, fudgy texture of a brownie. And that, my friends, is how these glorious Peanut Butter Milk Chocolate Bars came to be.

The Anatomy of a Perfect Peanut Butter Bar

Fudgy Peanut Butter Reeses Chocolate Bars sliced and arranged in a vintage baking tin

And so, here we have it: a truly spectacular dessert featuring a dense, peanut butter-packed “brownie” base, generously studded with more chocolate and Reese’s goodness, crowned with a lustrous milk chocolate ganache. Yes. Holy Wow, indeed!

These Peanut Butter Milk Chocolate Bars are crafted to perfection, delivering a wonderfully chewy texture that gives way to an explosion of pure peanut butter flavor with every bite. To elevate the experience, I couldn’t resist mixing in both creamy milk chocolate chips and miniature Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups directly into the batter. Because, let’s be honest, when it comes to peanut butter and chocolate, why hold back? The combination creates delightful pockets of melted chocolate and iconic Reese’s flavor throughout the bar, making each morsel an adventure. The fudgy nature of the bar itself provides that satisfying density, while the mix-ins add contrasting textures and bursts of sweetness.

The Dreamy Milk Chocolate Ganache Topping

Smooth Chocolate Ganache being artfully spread over the golden peanut butter bars

And then, there’s the milk chocolate ganache. Oh my goodness! This isn’t just any topping; it’s a silky, smooth, and incredibly creamy layer that provides the perfect counterpoint to the rich, nutty peanut butter bar beneath. The sweetness of the milk chocolate ganache beautifully complements the slight saltiness of the peanut butter, creating a harmonious balance that will dance on your palate. It adds an extra layer of decadence, transforming these bars from merely delicious to utterly divine.

In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I’m already planning to double the ganache recipe next time, just for an extra thick, luxurious topping. No judgment here, right? A generous blanket of this luscious ganache truly elevates the Peanut Butter Milk Chocolate Bars, ensuring every bite is a perfect blend of chocolatey goodness and intense peanut butter flavor. It’s the finishing touch that brings the whole creation together, making it an unforgettable homemade dessert.

Three Fudgy Peanut Butter Reeses Chocolate Bars stacked neatly, showing off their layers

The Ultimate Taste Test and Enduring Legacy

Once these incredible Peanut Butter Milk Chocolate Bars were cooled and topped with their glorious ganache, I couldn’t wait to share them. I practically rushed downstairs to ensure our beloved concierge received his share before he left for the night. (Fun fact for fellow food bloggers: he actually got to taste them BEFORE any photos were even taken… yes, that’s how special he is! Only a true food blogger could understand the gravity of such an act!)

I held my breath as he took the very first bite, awaiting his verdict with bated anticipation. The moment of truth arrived, and a smile spread across his face. He loved them! He even confessed he wasn’t sure whether these fudgy bars or the original cookie version was better! Phew, mission accomplished.

These bars are seriously, undeniably yummy. They possess that addictive quality, much like my Great-Grandmother’s legendary Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies or my rich Scottish Shortbread Recipe. When something tastes this good, it’s all too easy to find myself indulging in more than my fair share. But honestly, with a treat this spectacular, who can blame me? They’re the perfect homemade dessert for any occasion, a true crowd-plepleaser that promises to vanish from your dessert table almost as quickly as you made them.

If you tried this recipe and loved it, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the comments below. I love hearing from you; your comments make my day!

Fudgy Peanut Butter Reeses Chocolate Bars interior detail with melted chocolate and peanut butter















5 from 2 ratings

Fudgy Peanut Butter Milk Chocolate Bars

by

Chef Lindsey
These Fudgy Peanut Butter Milk Chocolate Bars are wonderfully chewy and bursting with rich peanut butter flavor! They’re loaded with milk chocolate chips and mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, then topped with a smooth, creamy milk chocolate ganache for an ultimate indulgence.
Prep:

20 minutes

Cook:

40 minutes

Total:

1 hour

20 minutes

Servings:

16
Bars
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Ingredients

For the Peanut Butter Bars:



  • ½
    cup

    unsalted butter

    softened



  • ¾
    cups

    granulated sugar

    ¾ + 2 tablespoons



  • 1
    cup
    creamy peanut butter



  • 1

    large egg



  • 1

    egg yolk



  • 1
    teaspoon

    vanilla extract



  • 1
    cup

    all-purpose flour



  • ½
    cup

    mini Reese’s peanut butter cups



  • ½
    cup

    milk chocolate chips

For the Milk Chocolate Ganache:



  • 2/3
    cup

    milk chocolate chips



  • 2
    tablespoons

    heavy cream



  • 4
    teaspoons

    unsalted butter

    softened

Makes:

0
inch


8
x
8
inch


rectangle

Instructions

To Make the Bars:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides to easily lift the bars out later.
  • In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer (a hand mixer works perfectly here for convenience) until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. Then, beat in the creamy peanut butter until it is fully incorporated, ensuring a smooth and consistent base.
  • Next, add the large egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the peanut butter mixture. Continue beating until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the batter is smooth. Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add in the all-purpose flour, mixing only until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough bar.
  • Gently stir in the milk chocolate chips and chopped mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups by hand, distributing them evenly throughout the thick batter. Press this rich, thick batter into your prepared 8-inch square baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer. Bake in the pre-heated oven for approximately 45 to 60 minutes, or until the bars are a deep golden brown, puffed slightly on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs still attached. This indicates a perfectly fudgy texture.
  • Allow the peanut butter bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This step is crucial for the bars to set properly before topping.
  • Once the bars are thoroughly cooled, it’s time to prepare your luscious ganache topping.

To make the Ganache:

  • Place the milk chocolate chips in a medium, heat-proof bowl. In a microwave-safe measuring cup, bring the heavy cream to a boil in the microwave. Watch it carefully to prevent it from bubbling over. Alternatively, you can heat the cream in a small saucepan over the stovetop until it just comes to a simmer.
  • Immediately pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips. Let it sit undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to allow the chocolate to melt. Then, whisk gently until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy. Promptly whisk in the softened unsalted butter until the ganache is perfectly smooth and emulsified.
  • Pour the warm ganache evenly over the completely cooled peanut butter bars. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it smoothly across the top. Let the bars cool at room temperature or chill them slightly in the refrigerator until the ganache is fully set.
  • Once the ganache has set, carefully lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Slice into 16 squares or desired size and serve. These delightful bars will keep beautifully for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Notes

The peanut butter bar recipe is adapted from Smitten Kitchen.
The Milk Chocolate Ganache recipe is my own creation, perfected for these bars.

Nutrition


Calories:
323
kcal

|

Carbohydrates:
29
g

|

Protein:
6
g

|

Fat:
21
g

|

Saturated Fat:
9
g

|

Polyunsaturated Fat:
3
g

|

Monounsaturated Fat:
7
g

|

Trans Fat:
1
g

|

Cholesterol:
45
mg

|

Sodium:
110
mg

|

Potassium:
139
mg

|

Fiber:
1
g

|

Sugar:
20
g

|

Vitamin A:
272
IU

|

Vitamin C:
1
mg

|

Calcium:
22
mg

|

Iron:
1
mg
Course:
Dessert
Cuisine:
American
Calories:
323




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Fudgy Peanut Butter Milk Chocolate Bars on a dark background, highlighting their rich colors
Fudgy Peanut Butter Milk Chocolate Bars with a subtle purple border, emphasizing their elegance
A single Fudgy Peanut Butter Milk Chocolate Reese's Bar, perfectly portioned