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Caramel Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Gooey Bars

Sweet, gooey bars layered with graham crackers, chocolate chips, and a peanut butter–sweetened condensed milk topping.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time31 minutes
Total Time41 minutes
Servings: 1 servings

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter 1 stick, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • pinch salt optional and to taste
  • 4 pieces graham crackers standard 3x5-inch crackers, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces (about 1 heaping cup loosely piled)
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 14 ounce sweetened condensed milk one 14-ounce can
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with aluminum foil and spray the foil with cooking spray; set aside.
  • In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the 1/2 cup (1 stick) melted unsalted butter in the microwave for about 1 minute.
  • Let the butter cool briefly so it doesn’t cook the egg, then whisk in the egg, 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar, and 2 teaspoons vanilla until smooth.
  • Stir in 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt (optional) until just combined; do not overmix. The batter will be thick.
  • Turn the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it lightly with a spatula and pressing it into the corners.
  • Evenly sprinkle the chopped graham crackers (from 4 crackers) over the batter, then sprinkle 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips on top.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk and 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter until smooth and combined.
  • Slowly and evenly pour the peanut butter–condensed milk mixture over the bars, smoothing lightly with a spatula and pushing any exposed graham pieces down so they are coated.
  • Bake for 28 to 31 minutes, until the top is set and slightly golden but not jiggly. Watch closely near the end to avoid burning.
  • Cool the bars in the pan for at least 3 hours (overnight is best) before lifting them from the foil and slicing into 9 generous pieces.

Equipment

  • 8x8-inch Baking Pan
  • Aluminum Foil
  • cooking spray
  • large microwave-safe bowl
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • large mixing bowl

Notes

  • Line the pan with foil for easier cleanup.
  • Let the butter cool briefly before adding the egg to avoid scrambling.
  • Do not overmix the batter; it should be thick.
  • Ignore a toothpick test—the interior stays gooey and may appear wet.
  • Cool at least 3 hours before slicing for best results.