Description
Rich, chewy dessert bars packed with layers of chocolate, peanut butter, and toasted pecans, topped with a marbled melted chocolate finish for an indulgent treat perfect for gatherings and holidays.
Ingredients
- 1 stick (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (130 g) creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 ounces (56 g) white chocolate, coarsely chopped and divided
- 8 ounces (226 g) semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped and divided
- 1 cup (120 g) toasted pecans, coarsely chopped and divided
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Lightly grease an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy and smooth.
- Add the peanut butter and mix until fully combined.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract and beat until well blended.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until a smooth batter forms.
- Stir in half of the chopped white chocolate and half of the semisweet chocolate.
- Fold in half of the chopped toasted pecans.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until the center is soft but no longer runny.
- Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle the remaining white and semisweet chocolate over the hot bars.
- Cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil and allow the chocolate to melt for several minutes.
- Use the tip of a knife to gently swirl the melted chocolates together to create a marbled pattern.
- Sprinkle the remaining chopped pecans evenly over the top.
- Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Cut into approximately 2-inch squares before serving.
Notes
- An 8-inch pan produces thicker bars, while a 9-inch pan gives thinner bars.
- Chocolate chips can be used instead of chopped chocolate if preferred.
- Do not overbake; the center should remain slightly soft for the best chewy texture.
- Covering the pan with foil helps melt the chocolate evenly for easy swirling.
- Allow bars to cool fully before cutting to keep clean edges.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
