Gooey Fluffernutter Bars
I don't remember where I found this recipe, but I've been bringing these bars to holiday get togethers for several years and they are always a big hit. Served warm with a cup of steaming hot coffee, they are delicious.
Gooey Fluffernutter Bars
1 cup crunchy peanut butter
3/4 c. packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
4 Tbsp. butter, softened
1 tsp. baking powder
1 c. all-purpose flour
7 oz. container marshmallow creme
1 heaping cup roughly chopped peanut butter cups
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line an 8x8" pan with parchment paper so it hangs over the sides about an inch. No need to grease the paper.
In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream together peanut butter, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla and butter. Add in baking powder and flour and mix until combined.
Separate dough into two equal portions. Press one portion on the bottom of the pan. Bake for ten minutes, then remove from oven and allow to cool completely. Sprinkle the peanut butter cup pieces over the baked dough. Warm the marshmallow creme in the microwave for just a few seconds to make it pourable and then spread it over the top with a spatula.
Take the remaining portion of dough and punch off golf-ball sized pieces, flattening them out into small circles (I try for 2 inches) with your hands. Place the circles of dough on top of the marshmallow creme, pushing them together until all the dough is gone. Place the pan back in the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until sides start to turn a slight golden brown. Let cool slightly, but while still warm, cut the bars into serving pieces.
