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Amish Reese's peanut butter bar on a plate

Amish Reese's Peanut Butter Bars Recipe

This dessert combines the flavor of Reese's peanut butter cups with a moist chocolate cake, a creamy peanut butter filling, and a rich chocolate frosting to create a decadent and satisfying treat.
5 from 2 votes
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Bars, Cakes, Dessert
Cuisine American, Amish
Servings 30 servings
Calories 362 kcal

Ingredients
  

Bottom Cake Layer:

  • 1 c. softened butter (2 sticks)
  • 1 c. water
  • 3 Tbsp. cocoa powder
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 1/2 c. sugar
  • 1/2 c. buttermilk or sour cream
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 2 c. all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp. salt

Middle Layer:

  • 1 1/2 - 1 3/4 c. creamy peanut butter (1 lb. container)

Frosting:

  • 1/2 c. softened butter (1 stick)
  • 2 Tbsp. cocoa powder
  • pinch salt
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1/4 c. milk
  • 2 1/2 - 3 c. powdered sugar

Instructions
 

Cake - Bottom Layer:

  • Preheat the oven to 350°.
  • Beat eggs well. Add the sugar and beat well again.
    2 large eggs (room temperature), 1 1/2 c. sugar
  • Add the buttermilk and vanilla and mix.
    1/2 c. buttermilk or sour cream, 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • In a saucepan, melt the butter, water, and cocoa. Then add this mixture to the egg mixture.
    1 c. softened butter (2 sticks), 1 c. water, 3 Tbsp. cocoa powder
  • Add the remaining ingredients and mix to combine. The batter will be runny.
    2 c. all-purpose flour, 1 tsp. baking soda, 1/2 tsp. salt
  • Pour into a greased and lightly floured 10x15" baking pan (jelly roll pan) and bake for 20 - 25 minutes until a toothpick comes out with only a few crumbs.
  • Cool completely.

Middle Layer:

  • Carefully spread the peanut butter over the top of the cooled cake.
    1 1/2 - 1 3/4 c. creamy peanut butter (1 lb. container)

Frosting:

  • Beat the butter until creamed. Add the cocoa and salt and mix.
    1/2 c. softened butter (1 stick), 2 Tbsp. cocoa powder, pinch salt
  • Add the remaining ingredients, mix, scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl, then mix on high speed for at least 2 minutes.
    1 tsp. vanilla extract, 1/4 c. milk, 2 1/2 - 3 c. powdered sugar
  • Spread the frosting over the top and chill before cutting into squares.
  • Can store at room temperature or refrigerate. These bars can also be frozen to keep them fresh for later.

Notes

If you don't have buttermilk, add 1 Tbsp. vinegar or lemon juice to a half cup and fill with whole or 2% milk. Let it rest for several minutes before adding it to the batter.
For a slight variation with the frosting, you can bring the butter, cocoa, and milk to a boil in a saucepan. Remove it from the heat and whisk in the powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla.
*Nutrition is approximate.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 362kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 6gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 38mgSodium: 224mgPotassium: 149mgFiber: 2gSugar: 33gVitamin A: 322IUVitamin C: 0.004mgCalcium: 24mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Amish Rees'e Peanut Butter Bars Recipe, Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars
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