Chubby Hubby Bars Recipe

If you’re looking for a deliciously indulgent treat that satisfies both your sweet and salty cravings, look no further than Chubby Hubby Bars. With a perfect balance of chewy chocolate, crunchy pretzels, and creamy peanut butter, these bars are a delightful dessert that will quickly become a family favorite. Easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. Ready to make your taste buds dance? Let’s dive into the details!

Ingredients for Chubby Hubby Bars

To make these scrumptious bars, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter (1 ½ sticks), at room temperature
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated white sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ⅓ cup chunky peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 ¼ cups chocolate chips, divided use
• 1 ½ cups chopped pretzels, divided use
• ½ cup peanut butter chips

this RECIPE

Essential Kitchen Equipment

Before you start baking, make sure you have the following kitchen tools on hand:

• 9 x 13-inch baking pan
• Nonstick cooking spray
• Large mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or hand mixer
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin
• Cooling rack

Preparation Steps for Chubby Hubby Bars

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Chubby Hubby Bars:

1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray to ensure your bars don’t stick.
2. Chop the Pretzels: Place the pretzels in a zip-top bag and crush them into small pieces using a rolling pin. Set aside 1 cup of chopped pretzels for the batter and the remaining ½ cup for the topping.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Set aside.
4. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In another large mixing bowl, beat ¾ cup of room-temperature unsalted butter, 1 cup of packed light brown sugar, and ½ cup of granulated white sugar with an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
5. Incorporate the Wet Ingredients: Add the 2 large eggs, ⅓ cup of chunky peanut butter, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until all ingredients are well combined.
6. Combine the Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars tough.
7. Fold in Chocolate Chips and Pretzels: Gently fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips and 1 cup of chopped pretzels into the batter until evenly distributed.
8. Spread the Batter: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula to ensure even baking.
9. Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the remaining ½ cup of chopped pretzels, ¼ cup of chocolate chips, and ½ cup of peanut butter chips. Sprinkle this topping mixture evenly over the batter.
10. Bake the Bars: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
11. Cool and Cut: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack before cutting them into squares.

Tips for Baking Success

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and a smoother batter.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until the flour disappears. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough bars.
• Check for Doneness: Baking times can vary depending on your oven. Start checking for doneness at the 30-minute mark to avoid over-baking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using Too Much Flour: Be sure to measure your flour correctly. Spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for the most accurate measurement.
• Skipping the Cooling Step: It might be tempting to cut into these delicious bars right away, but waiting until they are completely cool will help them set and prevent crumbling.
• Substituting Ingredients: While you can swap some ingredients, like using creamy peanut butter instead of chunky, substituting too many ingredients can change the texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Chubby Hubby Bars are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your serving game:

• Serve Warm with Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent dessert, serve the bars warm with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream.
• Drizzle with Chocolate or Caramel Sauce: Add a bit of flair by drizzling melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the bars just before serving.
• Garnish with Pretzel Pieces: For a bit of crunch and visual appeal, top each piece with a few extra pretzel pieces.

Recipe Variations and Swaps

• Use Different Nut Butters: Swap out the chunky peanut butter for almond or cashew butter for a different flavor profile.
• Add Dried Fruit: Mix in ½ cup of dried cranberries or raisins for a fruity twist.
• Switch Up the Chips: Substitute butterscotch or white chocolate chips instead of peanut butter chips for a new flavor combination.

Storage and Leftovers

• Store at Room Temperature: Keep your Chubby Hubby Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freeze for Later: To freeze, place the bars in a single layer in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between the layers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Pairing Suggestions

Enjoy these bars with a cold glass of milk, a warm cup of coffee, or a frothy milkshake. The balance of sweet and salty flavors pairs perfectly with both hot and cold beverages.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use creamy peanut butter instead of chunky?
A: Yes, you can substitute creamy peanut butter for chunky. However, the texture will be slightly different, and you might lose some of the delightful crunch.

Q: How do I know when the bars are done baking?
A: The bars are done when the edges are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs.

Q: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and gluten-free pretzels to make this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.

conclusion

Loved these Chubby Hubby Bars? Share this recipe with your friends and family, and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more delicious dessert ideas! We’d love to hear how your Chubby Hubby Bars turned out – leave a comment below!

Print