Decadent Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Bliss Bars
Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with these Decadent Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Bliss Bars! This recipe, a proud first-place winner in RSC#12, features an extraordinary combination of rich, velvety dark chocolate brownies infused with crunchy peanut butter for that perfect texture. Each bar is topped with a thick layer of creamy peanut butter icing, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures, finished with an irresistible drizzle of sugar-free chocolate syrup. These bars are perfect for sharing, but beware—they are so rich that you'll want to keep them all to yourself! With a serving size that can be adjusted based on personal preference for sweetness and richness, these treats are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
1/4 cup (Melted)
Bittersweet Chocolate Chips
1 cup (Use 60% Cocoa Ghirardelli baking chips)
Chunky or Creamy Peanut Butter
1/8 cup (Your choice)
Splenda Granular
1/4 cup (Granular)
Granulated Sugar
1/2 cup (Granulated)
Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon (Pure extract)
Egg
1 (Whole)
Egg Whites
2 (Whipped)
Whole Wheat Flour
1/4 cup (Sifted)
Semisweet Mini Chocolate Chips
1/3 cup (No preparation needed)
Creamy Peanut Butter
1/2 cup (Smooth)
Powdered Sugar
1 cup (Sifted)
Evaporated Skim Milk or Milk
3-4 tablespoons (Adjust to desired consistency)
Sugar-Free Chocolate Syrup
1 tablespoon (optional) (For drizzling)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a 9x9-inch (or 8x8-inch) baking dish with cooking spray.
2
In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. When melted, add the bittersweet chocolate chips and peanut butter, stirring continuously until completely melted and combined.
3
Remove the saucepan from heat and promptly stir in the Splenda, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4
Add the egg and the two egg whites to the mixture, beating well to incorporate.
5
Gently fold in the whole wheat flour and mix for about one minute until the batter is smooth and glossy.
6
Stir in the semisweet mini chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
7
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly, and bake for 20-25 minutes for the 9x9 dish, or slightly longer for the 8x8 dish. The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Avoid overcooking to keep the brownies moist and fudgy.
8
Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack.
9
For the peanut butter topping, use an electric mixer to combine the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Scrape the sides as needed.
10
Gradually add the evaporated skim milk (or regular milk) one tablespoon at a time, mixing on medium-high speed until you achieve a smooth, spreadable icing consistency—thick but not runny.
11
Spread the peanut butter topping evenly over the cooled brownies.
12
To serve, plate the brownies and drizzle with sugar-free chocolate syrup for an elegant touch. Alternatively, drizzle syrup over uncut brownies to create a unique design each time you slice them.
13
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Bliss Bars?
They are a rich dessert featuring bittersweet chocolate brownies infused with peanut butter, topped with a creamy peanut butter icing and sugar-free chocolate syrup.
What size baking dish is recommended for this recipe?
You can use either a 9x9-inch or an 8x8-inch baking dish.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How do I prepare the baking dish?
Lightly spray the baking dish with cooking spray before adding the batter.
How do I melt the butter and chocolate chips?
Melt the butter in a medium-sized saucepan over low heat, then add the bittersweet chocolate chips and peanut butter, stirring continuously until combined.
What type of chocolate chips are best for the brownie base?
The recipe recommends using 60 percent Cocoa Ghirardelli bittersweet baking chips.
When should I add the sweeteners to the mixture?
Remove the saucepan from the heat before stirring in the Splenda, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract.
How many eggs are required for this recipe?
You will need one whole egg and two egg whites, which should be whipped.
What type of flour is used in these bliss bars?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of sifted whole wheat flour.
How long should I mix the batter after adding the flour?
Gently fold in the flour and mix for about one minute until the batter is smooth and glossy.
Are there extra chocolate chips inside the brownies?
Yes, 1/3 cup of semisweet mini chocolate chips are stirred into the batter for extra indulgence.
How long do the brownies need to bake?
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes for a 9x9 dish, or slightly longer if using an 8x8 dish.
How can I tell when the brownies are done?
A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs attached.
How do I keep the brownies moist and fudgy?
Avoid overcooking the brownies to ensure they maintain a moist and fudgy texture.
What ingredients are in the peanut butter topping?
The topping consists of creamy peanut butter, sifted powdered sugar, and evaporated skim milk or regular milk.
How do I make the peanut butter icing?
Mix the peanut butter and powdered sugar until they form coarse crumbs, then gradually add milk until you reach a smooth, spreadable consistency.
What consistency should the icing have?
The icing should be thick enough to spread but not runny.
Do I need to cool the brownies before adding the topping?
Yes, the brownies should be cooled on a wire rack before spreading the peanut butter topping over them.
How is the chocolate syrup used in this recipe?
The sugar-free chocolate syrup is drizzled over the top of the bars for an elegant finish.
How should I store the leftover bliss bars?
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness.
Has this recipe won any awards?
Yes, this recipe was a first-place winner in RSC#12.
Can I use regular milk instead of evaporated skim milk?
Yes, regular milk can be used as a substitute for evaporated skim milk in the icing.
Can I use chunky peanut butter in the brownie batter?
Yes, you can use either chunky or creamy peanut butter for the 1/8 cup used in the brownie base.
Is there any special preparation for the powdered sugar?
The recipe recommends sifting the powdered sugar before mixing the topping.
How many ingredients are required in total?
The recipe uses a total of 14 different ingredients.
What tools are needed for the icing?
An electric mixer is recommended to combine the topping ingredients effectively.
Is the chocolate syrup mandatory?
The sugar-free chocolate syrup is listed as optional for drizzling.
What is the serving size for these bars?
The serving size can be adjusted based on personal preference for sweetness and richness.
What are the key flavor profiles of this dessert?
The bars offer a balance of rich dark chocolate and creamy, salty peanut butter.
Can I drizzle the syrup before cutting the brownies?
Yes, you can drizzle the syrup over uncut brownies to create a unique design for each slice.