Hanky Pankys
Hanky Pankys are rich, fudgy chocolate peanut butter bars that combine simple pantry ingredients into a decadent treat. With a dense, chocolatey base and a hint of crunchy peanut butter, these bars offer an indulgent yet easy-to-make dessert or snack perfect for any occasion.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 9-12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with flour substitution)
Main Ingredients
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – 1 cup (about 170g)
- Crunchy Peanut Butter – 1/2 cup (about 125g)
- Butter – 1/2 cup (1 stick or 115g), unsalted
- Sugar – 1 cup (200g)
- Flour – 3/4 cup (95g), all-purpose or almond/oat flour for gluten-free option
- Eggs – 2 large, at room temperature
- Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon
- Prepare Your Pan: Line a square baking pan (8×8 inches recommended) with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars once baked.
- Melt Butter, Chocolate, and Peanut Butter: In a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in the microwave with short bursts, gently melt the butter, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and crunchy peanut butter together until smooth and well combined.
- Mix Sugar and Eggs: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar and room-temperature eggs until the mixture is pale and slightly fluffy. This helps create a tender texture in the finished bars.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the melted chocolate mixture to the sugar and eggs, stirring gently to incorporate. Then fold in the flour and vanilla extract until just combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain fudginess.
- Bake and Cool: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake at 325°F (163°C) for about 25-30 minutes. Remove when the edges are set but the center remains slightly gooey for the perfect fudgy consistency. Allow to cool completely before slicing into bars.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs for a smoother batter and even baking.
- Don’t overbake; underbaking slightly ensures a soft, fudgy center.
- Measure flour correctly by spooning and leveling to avoid dense bars.
- Chill the bars thoroughly before cutting for cleaner slices.
- Use quality chocolate and peanut butter for the best flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (assuming 12 bars per recipe)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Hanky Pankys, chocolate peanut butter bars, fudgy bars, easy dessert, gluten-free dessert option