Dream Bar from Potbelly Sandwich Shop features a rich blend of creamy peanut butter and fudge layered over a moist chocolate cookie base, topped with crunchy peanuts and drizzled with smooth caramel, offering a decadent treat with a perfect harmony of sweet and salty flavors.
Equipments
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Spatula
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- 9x13-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Saucepan
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Offset spatula or spoon (for spreading layers)
- Knife (for cutting bars)
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped roasted peanuts
- 1 cup caramel candies
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
When preparing the Dream Bar, ensure you use creamy peanut butter to achieve the smooth texture that contrasts beautifully with the crunchy roasted peanuts. Semisweet chocolate chips and unsweetened cocoa powder provide the rich chocolate base that balances the sweetness from granulated sugar and caramel candies. Measuring ingredients accurately with standard measuring cups and spoons will help maintain the perfect consistency and flavor profile. Melt caramel candies with heavy cream gently in a microwave-safe bowl for a smooth drizzle topping that enhances the bar's decadent taste. Your homemade Dream Bar from the Potbelly Sandwich Shop copycat menu will capture the ideal harmony of sweet and salty flavors for a truly indulgent treat.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs to the butter mixture and beat until combined.
- Add peanut butter and mix until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
- Stir in rolled oats and mini chocolate chips with a spatula.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan using an offset spatula.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely in the pan.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt semisweet chocolate chips in 20-second intervals until smooth.
- Pour and spread melted chocolate evenly over the cooled cookie base.
- Refrigerate for 10 minutes to set the chocolate layer.
- In a saucepan, melt caramel candies with heavy cream over low heat until smooth.
- Drizzle caramel over the chocolate layer.
- Sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts on top and gently press down.
- Drizzle additional melted peanut butter (optional) over the top.
- Let bars cool and set completely.
- Remove from the pan using parchment paper, transfer to a cutting board, and cut into bars.
Substitution
The Dream Bar from Potbelly Sandwich Shop copycat menu captures the rich combination of creamy peanut butter and fudge layered on a moist chocolate cookie base. If you don't have semisweet chocolate chips, you can substitute with bittersweet or milk chocolate chips depending on your sweetness preference. For caramel candies, caramel sauce or dulce de leche can provide a similar smooth and sticky texture in the topping. When measuring peanut butter, scoop it firmly for accurate quantities to maintain the desired creamy consistency. Your final bars will turn out best if you allow them to cool completely before cutting, ensuring clean edges and perfect portions.
Tips
Ensure you cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy to achieve the right texture in your cookie base. When melting chocolate chips, heat in short 20-second bursts to avoid burning or seizing. Use parchment paper to line your baking pan for easy removal and clean cuts of your bars. After drizzling caramel and sprinkling peanuts, press gently to help toppings adhere without crushing the crunch.
Nutritions
The Dream Bar from Potbelly Sandwich Shop is a calorie-dense dessert rich in protein and healthy fats, primarily sourced from creamy peanut butter and roasted peanuts. It provides a significant amount of sugar and carbohydrates from granulated sugar, caramel, and chocolate components, offering quick energy but also contributing to its indulgent nature. The inclusion of rolled oats adds a bit of dietary fiber, supporting digestive health while balancing the sweetness. Your choice to enjoy this treat should consider its high fat and sugar content, making it best enjoyed in moderation.
Storage
Store your Dream Bars in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and prevent the caramel from becoming sticky. Keep them refrigerated to prolong shelf life, ideally consuming within one week for optimal flavor and texture. Before serving, allow the bars to sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften the chocolate and peanut butter layers.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap creamy peanut butter for almond butter to add a slightly nutty yet milder flavor while maintaining the rich texture. Using dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet chips brings a deeper cocoa taste and cuts sweetness for a more balanced treat. For a gluten-free variation, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure rolled oats are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary needs. To enhance texture, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to the dry ingredients, which elevates the overall flavor complexity without overpowering the original taste.
Allergies
Dream Bar contains common allergens such as peanuts, dairy, eggs, and gluten, which may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. The presence of creamy peanut butter, chopped roasted peanuts, heavy cream, and butter highlights the need for caution if you have nut or dairy allergies. Always check ingredient labels thoroughly to ensure your safety when enjoying this decadent treat.
Why this recipe?
Dream Bar from Potbelly Sandwich Shop offers a unique blend of rich, creamy flavors combined with a perfect balance of sweetness and texture that delights dessert lovers. Its irresistible combination of chocolate chunks, nuts, and marshmallow swirls creates a satisfying treat that stands out among typical dessert bars. You can recreate this popular menu item at home with easily accessible ingredients, allowing for a customizable experience that matches your taste preferences. Trying the copycat version is worth it because it delivers the same indulgent satisfaction without the restaurant price, making it a convenient and delicious option.