REESE’S Peanut Butter Chocolate Revel Bars The Chewy Fudgy Dessert Everyone Loves

Ingredient Breakdown and Substitutions

The success of REESE’S Peanut Butter Chocolate Revel Bars depends on a thoughtful blend of pantry staples and specialty ingredients. Each one plays a key role in achieving that chewy, gooey, melt-in-your-mouth result that fans love. Let’s break down what goes into this dessert and how to adjust it for different dietary or ingredient needs.

Dry Ingredients:

• Quick-cooking oats (3 cups): These oats offer a finer texture than old-fashioned oats, creating a soft yet chewy crust and topping. They blend better into the dough, ensuring consistency throughout. For a crunchier texture, old-fashioned oats can be substituted, but avoid steel-cut oats as they’re too tough and will not bake properly. Learn more about types of oats and their uses here.

• All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): A classic choice for dessert bars. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

• Baking soda (1 tsp): This helps the dough rise slightly, adding lightness. It’s a common leavening agent in baking. If you’re curious about its role, read more about baking soda in baking here.

• Salt (½ tsp): Enhances all the other flavors and balances sweetness.

Wet Ingredients:

• Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Butter is crucial for flavor and texture. If using salted butter, reduce the added salt slightly.

• Brown sugar (2 cups, packed): Provides moisture and a deep, caramel-like sweetness. You can use coconut sugar or a mix of white and dark brown sugar as a replacement, but the flavor will change.

• Large eggs (2): Bind the dough and add richness.

• Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Adds warmth and rounds out the flavor.

Filling Ingredients:

• REESE’S creamy peanut butter (1 cup): A must-have. For a healthier twist, you can use natural peanut butter, but make sure it’s well-stirred and not too oily or dry. People often ask if this swap works—it does, though the texture may be slightly grainier.

• Sweetened condensed milk (14 oz can): Creates the ultra-rich, velvety chocolate layer. It also helps bind everything without additional eggs. If you’re dairy-free, look into plant-based versions like coconut condensed milk. Read about condensed milk and how it’s used in baking here.

• Semisweet chocolate chips (1 ½ cups): These provide balance without overwhelming sweetness. Dark chocolate chips or chopped bars also work well.

• REESE’S Peanut Butter Chips (1 cup): Intensifies the peanut butter flavor. You could substitute white chocolate or butterscotch chips, but you’ll lose some of that iconic REESE’S taste.

With the right balance of ingredients—and a few substitutions if needed—you can customize these bars to your taste and dietary needs. For creative inspiration, explore Pinterest boards with chocolate and peanut butter recipe ideas.

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions

1. Prep the Oven and Pan

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Make the Oatmeal Dough

• In a large mixing bowl, stir together:

  • 3 cups quick oats

  • 2½ cups flour

  • 1 tsp baking soda

  • ½ tsp salt

• In another large bowl, cream 1 cup softened butter with 2 cups packed brown sugar using a hand mixer until light and fluffy.

• Beat in 2 large eggs and 2 tsp vanilla extract.

• Slowly add the dry oat mixture to the creamed butter mixture. Mix until a thick dough forms.

3. Create the Chocolate-Peanut Butter Filling

• In a saucepan over low heat, combine:

  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

  • 1½ cups semisweet chocolate chips

  • 1 cup REESE’S Peanut Butter Chips

• Stir continuously until smooth and fully melted. If needed, you can review how chocolate melts properly here.

4. Assemble the Layers

• Press two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared pan.

• Pour the chocolate-peanut butter filling on top and spread evenly.

• Drop spoonfuls of the remaining oat dough over the filling. It’s okay if some filling is visible.

5. Bake and Cool

• Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

• Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan—this is essential for clean slicing.

• Once cool, cut into bars and serve.

This step-by-step process ensures the layers hold their shape and the texture remains chewy and soft with every bite. For even more helpful tips, check out cookie bar baking advice on Pinterest.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is beginner-friendly, a few common mistakes can affect your results. Here’s what to avoid:

• Overbaking: The bars continue to cook as they cool, so pull them out when the top is just golden brown. Overbaking leads to dry texture.

• Using the wrong oats: Quick oats create the right texture. Avoid steel-cut oats completely.

• Not cooling before slicing: Cutting warm bars causes them to fall apart. Always cool completely.

• Skipping parchment paper: This helps lift the bars easily out of the pan without sticking.

• Uneven dough distribution: Press the bottom layer evenly, and don’t overdo the topping—some filling should peek through for visual contrast.

With these tips, you’ll avoid common pitfalls and get that perfect chewy-fudgy bite every time.

Creative Twists and Variations

These bars are delicious as-is, but they also invite creativity. Here are some fun ways to switch it up:

• Swap REESE’S with other candies: Try mini peanut butter cups, chopped Snickers, or M&M’s for a colorful twist.

• Add a salty crunch: Top with crushed pretzels or chopped peanuts before baking.

• Add layers of texture: Mix in shredded coconut, mini marshmallows, or chopped almonds.

• Use white or dark chocolate chips: Swap semisweet chocolate for white or extra dark chocolate for a flavor change.

• Make it festive: Add seasonal sprinkles on top for holidays.

• Drizzle toppings: Once cool, drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel sauce for a bakery-style finish.

Looking for more variation ideas? Search dessert bars on Pinterest for visual inspiration.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

To keep your REESE’S Revel Bars fresh and chewy, follow these storage tips:

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to a week. Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.

• Freezing: Wrap bars individually or freeze the full slab in foil, then in a zip-top bag. They’ll last up to 3 months.

• Thawing tip: Let them thaw on the counter or microwave for a few seconds to bring back that soft, fudgy texture.

This dessert freezes particularly well, making it a great make-ahead option for events and holidays.

When and Where to Serve These Bars

REESE’S Peanut Butter Chocolate Revel Bars are incredibly versatile. Here are the best times to serve them:

• Potlucks: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that disappears fast.

• Bake sales: Eye-catching and unique, they stand out on any dessert table.

• Holidays: Great addition to Christmas cookie trays or Halloween parties.

• School lunches or snacks: Cut into small squares for an easy, packable treat.

• Birthday parties: Serve with ice cream or milkshakes.

• Gifting: Wrap in parchment and twine for a homemade edible gift.

Whatever the occasion, these bars hit the sweet spot—rich, nostalgic, and utterly satisfying.

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Each bar (cut into 24 pieces) contains:

• Calories: ~290

• Fat: 15g

• Sugar: 24g

• Protein: 4g

Note: These are estimates and can vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes. While indulgent, they’re meant to be a treat—enjoy them mindfully.

REESE’S and Nostalgia: A Perfect Combo

There’s something timeless about the combination of chocolate and peanut butter. REESE’S has become more than just a candy brand—it’s a nostalgic symbol of childhood, comfort, and homemade happiness.

Incorporating REESE’S products into baked goods like revel bars connects modern recipes to tradition. The warmth of the peanut butter, the richness of the chocolate, and the soft oats evoke the kind of dessert memories that last a lifetime.

The rise of REESE’S-inspired desserts on Pinterest shows just how beloved this flavor combo remains. Whether it’s in cupcakes, cookies, or layered bars like these, REESE’S continues to bring joy in every bite.

FAQs: People Also Ask

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of REESE’S?
Yes, but the texture may change slightly. Natural peanut butter is often oilier or drier depending on the brand. Be sure to stir well and use a smooth version for best results.

What can I substitute for sweetened condensed milk?
You can use coconut condensed milk for a dairy-free version, or make your own with milk and sugar cooked down. However, results may vary in thickness and sweetness.

Do I need to refrigerate REESE’S Revel Bars?
No, they can stay at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Refrigeration can extend shelf life but may firm up the texture.

How do I keep the bars soft and chewy?
Avoid overbaking and make sure to store them in an airtight container. Let them cool completely before cutting to keep the texture intact.

Can I double the recipe for a bigger batch?
Yes! Use a larger sheet pan and increase baking time slightly. Watch closely for golden brown edges to know when it’s done.

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