Gooey Chocolate-Peanut Bars

Ingredients:

For the Base:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the Gooey Chocolate-Peanut Filling:

  • 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 large egg

  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

For the Topping:

  • 1/2 cup chopped peanuts (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat Oven:

    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9x9-inch baking pan.

  1. Prepare the Base:

    • In a medium bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, and granulated sugar. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the base.

  1. Prepare Gooey Chocolate-Peanut Filling:

    • In another bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, peanut butter, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth. Stir in the chocolate chips.

  1. Spread Filling:

    • Spread the chocolate-peanut filling evenly over the base in the baking pan.

  1. Optional Topping:

    • Sprinkle the chopped peanuts evenly over the top if desired.

  1. Bake:

    • Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.

  1. Cool:

    • Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

  1. Chill (Optional):

    • For easier cutting, you can refrigerate the bars for a couple of hours before slicing.

  1. Slice and Serve:

    • Once cooled and set, cut into squares and serve.