Reese’s Pieces Bars
Dive into layers of peanut butter bliss with these Reese’s Pieces Bars! Featuring a soft, chewy peanut butter base, a rich chocolate topping, and plenty of Reese’s Pieces for a pop of color and crunch, these bars are a decadent treat perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and impossible to resist, they’re the ultimate indulgence for peanut butter and chocolate fans.
These Reese’s Pieces Bars quickly became a family favorite after my first attempt at recreating the flavors of our favorite candy in dessert form. My husband, who adores Reese’s, couldn’t stop raving about the gooey, peanut buttery center paired with the chocolate topping. Our kids loved the bright candy pieces sprinkled on top, turning this dessert into an instant hit for bake sales, family gatherings, or just an indulgent movie night.
Why You’ll Love Reese’s Pieces Bars
•Rich and Decadent: A perfect balance of peanut butter, chocolate, and candy crunch.
•Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for parties, holidays, or bake sales.
•Simple Ingredients: Most items are pantry staples for effortless preparation.
•Customizable: Add nuts, marshmallows, or extra chocolate for a personal twist.
Ingredients Notes for Reese’s Pieces Bars
•peanut butter: Use creamy peanut butter for a smooth texture; natural peanut butter may alter the consistency.
•Reese’s Pieces: Add these for a signature crunch and pop of color.
•chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips make the perfect topping.
•Butter: Unsalted butter ensures control over the flavor balance.
•Sugar: Granulated sugar creates a chewy, bakery-style texture.
Recipe Steps
1.Prepare the Base:
•Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
•In a large mixing bowl, cream butter, peanut butter, and sugar until light and fluffy.
•Beat in eggs and vanilla, then gradually add flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt until a dough forms.
2.Spread and Bake:
•Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let cool completely.
3.Chocolate Topping:
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•In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips with a splash of milk, stirring until smooth.
•Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the cooled peanut butter base.
4.Add Reese’s Pieces:
•Immediately sprinkle Reese’s Pieces over the chocolate, pressing gently to adhere.
5.Chill and Serve:
•Refrigerate the bars for 1–2 hours until the chocolate sets. Slice into squares and enjoy!
Storage Options
•Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
•Refrigerator: Keep for up to a week for a firmer texture.
•Freezer: Freeze slices with parchment paper between layers for up to 2 months.
Variations & Substitutions
•Crunchy Additions: Add chopped peanuts or pretzels for extra texture.
•White Chocolate Drizzle: Add a decorative drizzle for a gourmet touch.
•No-Bake Option: Use crushed graham crackers mixed with melted butter for the base and skip the baking step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of candy?
A: Absolutely! Swap Reese’s Pieces for M&M’s, peanut butter chips, or mini Reese’s cups for variety.
Q: What size pan works best?
A: An 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch pan is perfect for thick, chewy bars.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare these bars a day ahead and refrigerate them until you’re ready to serve.
Indulge in the perfect marriage of peanut butter and chocolate with these Reese’s Pieces Bars—a treat your whole family will beg you to make again and again! 🍫🥜
Reese's Pieces Bars
Rate This Yum Pin This Recipe For Later! Share The Yum On Facebook PrintIngredients
- 1/2 lb 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 lb 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 lb 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 lb 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup Reese’s Pieces candy
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips optional
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in Candy: Stir in the Reese’s Pieces and mini chocolate chips (if using) until evenly distributed.
- Spread in Pan: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, pressing it down with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. Be careful not to overbake, as you want the bars to stay soft.
- Cool and Slice: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Slice into squares or rectangles.