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Black Widow Peanut Butter Bars Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 7 reviews
  • Author: Evelyn
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 24 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Delight in these festive Black Widow Peanut Butter Bars, a fun and indulgent dessert perfect for Halloween or any playful occasion. Featuring a rich peanut butter base baked to perfection, creamy cocoa frosting, and a spooky marshmallow spider web topping adorned with adorable chocolate spiders, these bars are sure to captivate both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Base

  • 1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) salted butter
  • 2 cups creamy peanut butter
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Peanut Butter Layer

  • 1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter

Chocolate Frosting

  • 2-3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup warmed milk (plus additional if needed)
  • 1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter (included in peanut butter layer butter)

Topping and Decorations

  • Marshmallows (for spider web)
  • Whoppers (for spider bodies)
  • Candy eyes (for spider eyes)
  • Melted chocolate (for spider legs and details)
  • Black or silver sprinkles (for spider legs decoration)
  • Small plastic spiders (optional, for decoration)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars after baking.
  2. Melt Butter and Peanut Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) salted butter and 1/2 cup peanut butter. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and well combined.
  3. Mix Dough Ingredients: To the melted butter and peanut butter, stir in the light brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract until smooth. Then add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. Mix gently until just combined to form the dough.
  4. Spread and Bake Dough: Transfer the dough to the prepared baking dish and use a spatula or your hands to press it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the center is just set. Remove from oven.
  5. Add Peanut Butter Layer: While bars are still warm, dollop tablespoon-sized spoonfuls of the remaining 1/2 cup peanut butter over the baked bars. Lightly spread the peanut butter to form an even layer. Allow the bars to cool completely.
  6. Prepare Chocolate Frosting: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the 1 stick (1/2 cup) softened salted butter, 2 cups powdered sugar, 1/2 cup cocoa powder, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup warm milk. Beat until smooth, adding additional warm milk gradually until the frosting is thick but drizzly. Adjust sweetness by adding more powdered sugar if desired.
  7. Frost the Bars: Spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the cooled peanut butter layer. Let the frosting set for about 1 hour at room temperature.
  8. Create Spider Web with Marshmallows: Melt marshmallows in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and fully melted. Let the melted marshmallow cool for 3-5 minutes, then use your hands to stretch and pull it over the frosted bars in multiple directions to create a messy but fun spider web effect.
  9. Make Chocolate Spiders: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Fill a piping bag or ziplock bag with melted chocolate. Pipe two small 1/3-inch dots of chocolate side by side for the spider body’s attachment points. Place a Whopper on each dot. Pipe 2-3 legs on each side of the Whopper and decorate the legs with black or silver sprinkles. Add two tiny dots of chocolate on one Whopper for eyes and attach candy eyes. Freeze the spiders for 15 minutes to harden.
  10. Decorate and Serve: Gently remove the hardened chocolate spiders from the parchment paper and place them on top of the bars. Optionally, scatter small plastic spiders for extra Halloween flair. Slice into bars and enjoy!
  11. Storage: Store the bars in a cool, dry place. They can be kept at room temperature or refrigerated for longer freshness.

Notes

  • Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
  • If frosting is too thick, add warm milk a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  • The marshmallow web will be sticky and messy but adds a fun texture and visual effect.
  • Use parchment paper in the baking dish for easy removal and cleaner slices.
  • The plastic spiders are optional and should be removed before eating.
  • For a less sweet variation, reduce powdered sugar slightly in the frosting.
  • Whoppers can be substituted with similarly shaped milk chocolate candies.

Find it online: https://evelynscooking.com/black-widow-peanut-butter-bars-recipe/