Peanut Butter Fudgy M&M Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these amazing #brownies have only 6 ingredients! They are so quick & easy but also rich, decadent & heavenly. Terrific #dessert for summer #holidays, backyard BBQs, #tailgating parties or for #ChristmasCookieExchanges. #DarkChocolate #Fudge #MMs #cookie #PeanutButter #Peanuts #chocolate #HolidayDessert #PeanutButterFudgyMMBars #ChocolateDessert #MMDessert

Peanut Butter Fudgy M&M Bars

Teresa Ambra

Peanut Butter Fudgy M&M Bars are amazing. Peanut butter lovers and chocolate lovers are going to fly to the moon when they taste these spectacular dessert bars! Each luscious Peanut Butter Fudgy M&M Bar is filled with a lovely crunchy peanut butter batter that starts with a cake mix and crunchy peanut butter.  Then the bar is topped with a chocolate fudge-peanut butter frosting. This six-ingredient recipe will knock your socks off!

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Finally, M&Ms and chopped peanuts are sprinkled on top. These two main ingredients provide a double component of crunch and flavor. Chocolate and peanut butter! Oh, yum. And, seriously, chocolate and peanut butter together is a marriage made in heaven. 🙂

I love when a recipe comes together! Especially when it comes from the back of a cake mix box! I was actually baking a cake a couple of years ago and found this recipe on the side panel of the box. I clipped the recipe and taped it into one of my big recipe books to try “down the road.”

Well, “down the road” came a couple of days ago. I wanted to make something to take along on a mission trip our church is taking to a Navaho Reservation in Arizona next week. I thought all the kids (and perhaps a few of the adults 🙂  going on the trip would enjoy a gooey treat. It’s a long 1,100 mile trek from Texas to Arizona. I made up a batch of these tasty goodies and stuck them in the freezer to pull out when we go.

Chocolate and peanut butter permeated the air and I just loved the texture of these bars. I love peanut butter in anything sweet. I love chocolate, and I love M&Ms. What’s not to like in a bar with these three major food groups? 🙂

I’m going as the chief cook and bottle washer on this mission trip. Along with a good friend, we have the privilege of cooking for our group of 20 or so. Plus 10-15 more every day for about eight days, three meals a day. Whew, we will be two busy ladies and on our feet from before sunup to after sundown each day.

So during that stretch of time I will be too busy to post anything on my blog. But I will be sharing many of the recipes I’ve posted here over the past two years with all of our team members and others we will be working with. I will actually enjoy getting to make many of my favorite recipes again. And as many of you know, I really enjoy cooking for company no matter how much work is involved. We actually leave for Arizona on the anniversary of the first post I published two years ago!

If you’re looking for rich, chocolaty, peanut butter decadence then you need to give Peanut Butter Fudgy M&M Bars a try. Every bite is irresistible. It leaves you wanting more, and more, and more! But be prepared for ooey, gooey and sensational along the way as well. 🙂

I originally published this recipe in June 2014. My bars were really gooey and messy because I didn’t refrigerate them before taking pictures. I recently remade this recipe (June 2019) for our church’s Connection Class luncheon. I served them for dessert along with Oatmeal Scotchies. These delectable “brownies” were almost cleaned out. 🙂

Peanut Butter Fudgy M&M Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these amazing #brownies have only 6 ingredients! They are so quick & easy but also rich, decadent & heavenly. Terrific #dessert for summer #holidays, backyard BBQs, #tailgating parties or for #ChristmasCookieExchanges. #DarkChocolate #Fudge #MMs #cookie #PeanutButter #Peanuts #chocolate #HolidayDessert #PeanutButterFudgyMMBars #ChocolateDessert #MMDessert

Peanut Butter Fudgy M&M Bars are sensational dessert bars.

Peanut Butter Fudgy M&M Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these amazing #brownies have only 6 ingredients! They are so quick & easy but also rich, decadent & heavenly. Terrific #dessert for summer #holidays, backyard BBQs, #tailgating parties or for #ChristmasCookieExchanges. #DarkChocolate #Fudge #MMs #cookie #PeanutButter #Peanuts #chocolate #HolidayDessert #PeanutButterFudgyMMBars #ChocolateDessert #MMDessert

This side view shows all the rich, creamy dark chocolate frosting loaded on the top.

Peanut Butter Fudgy M&M Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these amazing #brownies have only 6 ingredients! They are so quick & easy but also rich, decadent & heavenly. Terrific #dessert for summer #holidays, backyard BBQs, #tailgating parties or for #ChristmasCookieExchanges. #DarkChocolate #Fudge #MMs #cookie #PeanutButter #Peanuts #chocolate #HolidayDessert #PeanutButterFudgyMMBars #ChocolateDessert #MMDessert

If you like peanut butter and chocolate, you’ll love these rich, over-the-top dessert bars.

Here’s what I did.

Peanut Butter Fudgy M&M Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these amazing #brownies have only 6 ingredients! They are so quick & easy but also rich, decadent & heavenly. Terrific #dessert for summer #holidays, backyard BBQs, #tailgating parties or for #ChristmasCookieExchanges. #DarkChocolate #Fudge #MMs #cookie #PeanutButter #Peanuts #chocolate #HolidayDessert #PeanutButterFudgyMMBars #ChocolateDessert #MMDessert

I used these ingredients. 

Peanut Butter Fudgy M&M Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these amazing #brownies have only 6 ingredients! They are so quick & easy but also rich, decadent & heavenly. Terrific #dessert for summer #holidays, backyard BBQs, #tailgating parties or for #ChristmasCookieExchanges. #DarkChocolate #Fudge #MMs #cookie #PeanutButter #Peanuts #chocolate #HolidayDessert #PeanutButterFudgyMMBars #ChocolateDessert #MMDessert

Pour cake mix into a large mixing bowl. Add crunchy peanut butter, egg and water.

Peanut Butter Fudgy M&M Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these amazing #brownies have only 6 ingredients! They are so quick & easy but also rich, decadent & heavenly. Terrific #dessert for summer #holidays, backyard BBQs, #tailgating parties or for #ChristmasCookieExchanges. #DarkChocolate #Fudge #MMs #cookie #PeanutButter #Peanuts #chocolate #HolidayDessert #PeanutButterFudgyMMBars #ChocolateDessert #MMDessert

Whisk to combine, or beat on a low speed with an electric mixer.

Peanut Butter Fudgy M&M Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these amazing #brownies have only 6 ingredients! They are so quick & easy but also rich, decadent & heavenly. Terrific #dessert for summer #holidays, backyard BBQs, #tailgating parties or for #ChristmasCookieExchanges. #DarkChocolate #Fudge #MMs #cookie #PeanutButter #Peanuts #chocolate #HolidayDessert #PeanutButterFudgyMMBars #ChocolateDessert #MMDessert

Grease a 9×13″ glass baking dish. Add peanut butter batter to pan and smooth the top.

Peanut Butter Fudgy M&M Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these amazing #brownies have only 6 ingredients! They are so quick & easy but also rich, decadent & heavenly. Terrific #dessert for summer #holidays, backyard BBQs, #tailgating parties or for #ChristmasCookieExchanges. #DarkChocolate #Fudge #MMs #cookie #PeanutButter #Peanuts #chocolate #HolidayDessert #PeanutButterFudgyMMBars #ChocolateDessert #MMDessert

Bake at 350 about 20-25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely.

Peanut Butter Fudgy M&M Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these amazing #brownies have only 6 ingredients! They are so quick & easy but also rich, decadent & heavenly. Terrific #dessert for summer #holidays, backyard BBQs, #tailgating parties or for #ChristmasCookieExchanges. #DarkChocolate #Fudge #MMs #cookie #PeanutButter #Peanuts #chocolate #HolidayDessert #PeanutButterFudgyMMBars #ChocolateDessert #MMDessert

Mix a can of dark chocolate fudge frosting with crunchy peanut butter.

Peanut Butter Fudgy M&M Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these amazing #brownies have only 6 ingredients! They are so quick & easy but also rich, decadent & heavenly. Terrific #dessert for summer #holidays, backyard BBQs, #tailgating parties or for #ChristmasCookieExchanges. #DarkChocolate #Fudge #MMs #cookie #PeanutButter #Peanuts #chocolate #HolidayDessert #PeanutButterFudgyMMBars #ChocolateDessert #MMDessert

Stir to combine.

Peanut Butter Fudgy M&M Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these amazing #brownies have only 6 ingredients! They are so quick & easy but also rich, decadent & heavenly. Terrific #dessert for summer #holidays, backyard BBQs, #tailgating parties or for #ChristmasCookieExchanges. #DarkChocolate #Fudge #MMs #cookie #PeanutButter #Peanuts #chocolate #HolidayDessert #PeanutButterFudgyMMBars #ChocolateDessert #MMDessert

Spread frosting over top of peanut butter bars.

Peanut Butter Fudgy M&M Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these amazing #brownies have only 6 ingredients! They are so quick & easy but also rich, decadent & heavenly. Terrific #dessert for summer #holidays, backyard BBQs, #tailgating parties or for #ChristmasCookieExchanges. #DarkChocolate #Fudge #MMs #cookie #PeanutButter #Peanuts #chocolate #HolidayDessert #PeanutButterFudgyMMBars #ChocolateDessert #MMDessert

Sprinkle with M&Ms. Gently press the M&Ms into the frosting so they don’t move around.

Peanut Butter Fudgy M&M Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these amazing #brownies have only 6 ingredients! They are so quick & easy but also rich, decadent & heavenly. Terrific #dessert for summer #holidays, backyard BBQs, #tailgating parties or for #ChristmasCookieExchanges. #DarkChocolate #Fudge #MMs #cookie #PeanutButter #Peanuts #chocolate #HolidayDessert #PeanutButterFudgyMMBars #ChocolateDessert #MMDessert

Add chopped peanuts. Press the peanuts slightly into the frosting as well.

Peanut Butter Fudgy M&M Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these amazing #brownies have only 6 ingredients! They are so quick & easy but also rich, decadent & heavenly. Terrific #dessert for summer #holidays, backyard BBQs, #tailgating parties or for #ChristmasCookieExchanges. #DarkChocolate #Fudge #MMs #cookie #PeanutButter #Peanuts #chocolate #HolidayDessert #PeanutButterFudgyMMBars #ChocolateDessert #MMDessert

I cut my pieces small because these are rather rich. Also, I wanted them to go farther so all the folks on the trip could sample one.

Peanut Butter Fudgy M&M Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these amazing #brownies have only 6 ingredients! They are so quick & easy but also rich, decadent & heavenly. Terrific #dessert for summer #holidays, backyard BBQs, #tailgating parties or for #ChristmasCookieExchanges. #DarkChocolate #Fudge #MMs #cookie #PeanutButter #Peanuts #chocolate #HolidayDessert #PeanutButterFudgyMMBars #ChocolateDessert #MMDessert

Peanut Butter Fudgy M&M Bars are so mouthwatering and delicious.

Peanut Butter Fudgy M&M Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these amazing #brownies have only 6 ingredients! They are so quick & easy but also rich, decadent & heavenly. Terrific #dessert for summer #holidays, backyard BBQs, #tailgating parties or for #ChristmasCookieExchanges. #DarkChocolate #Fudge #MMs #cookie #PeanutButter #Peanuts #chocolate #HolidayDessert #PeanutButterFudgyMMBars #ChocolateDessert #MMDessert

If you want a rich and decadent dessert, Peanut Butter Fudgy M&M Bars will do it! (Especially if you use dark chocolate fudge frosting.)

Here’s the recipe.

PEANUT BUTTER FUDGY M&M BARS

(Recipe from Pillsbury)

Peanut Butter Fudgy M&M Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these amazing #brownies have only 6 ingredients! They are so quick & easy but also rich, decadent & heavenly. Terrific #dessert for summer #holidays, backyard BBQs, #tailgating parties or for #ChristmasCookieExchanges. #DarkChocolate #Fudge #MMs #cookie #PeanutButter #Peanuts #chocolate #HolidayDessert #PeanutButterFudgyMMBars #ChocolateDessert #MMDessert

Peanut Butter Fudgy M&M Bars

Teresa Ambra
Rich and decadent, this sensational dessert bar starts with a cake mix and crunchy peanut butter for the base. Then it's topped with dark chocolate fudge frosting mixed with more crunchy peanut butter. Finally the frosting is covered with M&Ms and chopped peanuts. It's fabulous for potlucks, tailgating parties or summer holiday fun like Memorial Day, Fourth of July or Labor Day.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Cookies, Brownies and Bars, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 313 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 9x13" glass baking dish
  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 electric mixer
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • 1 small mixing bowl
  • 1 sharp knife to chop peanuts if they're not pre-chopped
  • 1 spatula
  • 1 nut chopper if nuts are not previously chopped

Ingredients
  

  • 18.25 oz. pkg. Golden Butter recipe cake mix
  • 1 cup crunchy peanut butter
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 1 large egg
  • 16 oz. can dark chocolate fudge frosting
  • 1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter
  • 1 cup M&Ms
  • 1/2 cup peanuts chopped (measure after chopping)

Instructions
 

  • Heat oven to 350°.
  • Grease or spray a 9x13” glass baking dish.
  • In large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, 1 cup crunchy peanut butter, water and egg and mix until well combined.
  • Spread into bottom of prepared baking dish.
  • Smooth the top really well.
  • Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until puffy and golden brown or a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
  • Cool completely.
  • In a small mixing bowl blend chocolate fudge frosting with ½ cup crunchy peanut butter.
  • Spread over top of the cooled bars.
  • Sprinkle with chopped peanuts, then M&Ms.
  • Gently press the peanuts and M&Ms into the icing.

Notes

NOTE: I recommend refrigerating or freezing the bars before cutting, so the icing is not quite so goopy.
 
NOTE: If your cake mix is not 18.25 ounces, you may need to add a couple of ounces of flour to bring it up to that amount. Otherwise, the brownies will not have the same texture.
 
Recipe adapted from Pillsbury.
 
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 313kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 6gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 280mgPotassium: 193mgFiber: 2gSugar: 27gVitamin A: 31IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 69mgIron: 1mg
Keyword brownie, chocolate, chocolate dessert, cookie, dessert, M&Ms, peanut butter
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

 

[b]Peanut Butter Fudgy M&M Bars[/b]
 
Recipe Type: Cookies, Brownies and Bars
Cuisine: American
Author: Teresa Ambra – recipe from [url href=”http://www.pillsbury.com/recipes/peanut-butter-cup-bars/9e6304d6-a854-4866-af1f-dd5bd26219e3″ target=”_blank” title=”peanut butter cup bars”]Pillsbury[/url]
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 24
Rich and decadent, this sensational dessert bar starts with a cake mix and crunchy peanut butter for the base, then it’s topped with chocolate fudge frosting mixed with more crunchy peanut butter. Finally the frosting is covered with M&Ms and chopped peanuts.
Ingredients
  • 18.25-oz. pkg. Pillsbury Golden Butter recipe cake mix
  • 1 cup crunchy peanut butter
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 1 egg
  • 16-oz. can chocolate fudge frosting
  • ½ cup crunchy peanut butter
  • 1 cup M&Ms
  • ½ cup chopped peanuts
Instructions
  1. Heat oven to 350°.
  2. Grease or spray a 9×13” glass baking dish.
  3. In large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, 1 cup peanut butter, water and egg and mix until well combined.
  4. Spread into bottom of prepared baking dish.
  5. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until puffy and golden brown or a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
  6. Cool completely.
  7. In a small mixing bowl blend chocolate fudge frosting with ½ cup peanut butter.
  8. Spread over top of the cooled bars.
  9. Sprinkle with M&Ms and chopped peanuts.
Peanut Butter Fudgy M&M Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these amazing #brownies have only 6 ingredients! They are so quick & easy but also rich, decadent & heavenly. Terrific #dessert for summer #holidays, backyard BBQs, #tailgating parties or for #ChristmasCookieExchanges. #DarkChocolate #Fudge #MMs #cookie #PeanutButter #Peanuts #chocolate #HolidayDessert #PeanutButterFudgyMMBars #ChocolateDessert #MMDessert

Peanut Butter Fudgy M&M Bars are great for holiday baking or tailgating parties. Everyone will be licking their fingers!

Peanut Butter Fudgy M&M Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these amazing #brownies have only 6 ingredients! They are so quick & easy but also rich, decadent & heavenly. Terrific #dessert for summer #holidays, backyard BBQs, #tailgating parties or for #ChristmasCookieExchanges. #DarkChocolate #Fudge #MMs #cookie #PeanutButter #Peanuts #chocolate #HolidayDessert #PeanutButterFudgyMMBars #ChocolateDessert #MMDessert

Don’t Peanut Butter Fudgy M&M Bars look marvelous?

Peanut Butter Fudgy M&M Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these amazing #brownies have only 6 ingredients! They are so quick & easy but also rich, decadent & heavenly. Terrific #dessert for summer #holidays, backyard BBQs, #tailgating parties or for #ChristmasCookieExchanges. #DarkChocolate #Fudge #MMs #cookie #PeanutButter #Peanuts #chocolate #HolidayDessert #PeanutButterFudgyMMBars #ChocolateDessert #MMDessert

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Reese's Peanut Butter Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this spectacular #dessert is rich, decadent & divine! It uses only 5 ingredients. It's a fantastic #copycat #recipe for #ReesesPeanutButterCups. No kidding! Perfect for #tailgating parties & potlucks, or #holidays like #MemorialDay or #FathersDay. #cookie #chocolate #brownie #ChocolateDessert #PeanutButterDessert #ReesesPeanutButterBars

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White Chocolate Toffee Peanut Butter Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | Everyone raves over these #brownies when we make them. They'e super rich, decadent & absolutely divine! They will cure any sweet tooth craving you have. #toffee #dessert #chocolate #cookies #whitechocolate #HeathEnglishToffeeBits #ChocolateDessert #ToffeeDessert #peanutbutter #PeanutButterDessert #Tailgating #TailgatingDessert

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Peanut Butter Fudgy M&M Bars | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these amazing #brownies have only 6 ingredients! They are so quick & easy but also rich, decadent & heavenly. Terrific #dessert for summer #holidays, backyard BBQs, #tailgating parties or for #ChristmasCookieExchanges. #DarkChocolate #Fudge #MMs #cookie #PeanutButter #Peanuts #chocolate #HolidayDessert #PeanutButterFudgyMMBars #ChocolateDessert #MMDessert

Peanut Butter Fudgy M&M Bars

Teresa Ambra
Rich and decadent, this sensational dessert bar starts with a cake mix and crunchy peanut butter for the base. Then it’s topped with dark chocolate fudge frosting mixed with more crunchy peanut butter. Finally the frosting is covered with M&Ms and chopped peanuts. It’s fabulous for potlucks, tailgating parties or summer holiday fun like Memorial Day, Fourth of July or Labor Day.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Cookies, Brownies and Bars, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 313 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 9×13" glass baking dish
  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 electric mixer
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • 1 small mixing bowl
  • 1 sharp knife to chop peanuts if they're not pre-chopped
  • 1 spatula
  • 1 nut chopper if nuts are not previously chopped

Ingredients
  

  • 18.25 oz. pkg. Golden Butter recipe cake mix
  • 1 cup crunchy peanut butter
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 1 large egg
  • 16 oz. can dark chocolate fudge frosting
  • 1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter
  • 1 cup M&Ms
  • 1/2 cup peanuts chopped (measure after chopping)

Instructions
 

  • Heat oven to 350°.
  • Grease or spray a 9×13” glass baking dish.
  • In large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, 1 cup crunchy peanut butter, water and egg and mix until well combined.
  • Spread into bottom of prepared baking dish.
  • Smooth the top really well.
  • Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until puffy and golden brown or a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
  • Cool completely.
  • In a small mixing bowl blend chocolate fudge frosting with ½ cup crunchy peanut butter.
  • Spread over top of the cooled bars.
  • Sprinkle with chopped peanuts, then M&Ms.
  • Gently press the peanuts and M&Ms into the icing.

Notes

NOTE: I recommend refrigerating or freezing the bars before cutting, so the icing is not quite so goopy.
 
NOTE: If your cake mix is not 18.25 ounces, you may need to add a couple of ounces of flour to bring it up to that amount. Otherwise, the brownies will not have the same texture.
 
Recipe adapted from Pillsbury.
 
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 313kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 6gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 280mgPotassium: 193mgFiber: 2gSugar: 27gVitamin A: 31IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 69mgIron: 1mg
Keyword brownie, chocolate, chocolate dessert, cookie, dessert, M&Ms, peanut butter
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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