Chocolate Chip Muffin Crumb Bars
2 - 7 oz Martha White Chocolate Chip Muffin Mix
1/2 cup softened butter
1 large egg
1/2 cup chocolate hazelnut spread
Preheat oven to 350. Line a 9x9" baking pan with parchment paper and set aside. In a bowl, combine the muffin mix, just the powder, the softened butter, and one egg. Use a spoon to combine the ingredients into a soft dough. Take half of the dough and press it into the bottom of the prepared pan. Spread the chocolate hazelnut spread over the top of the dough, leaving 1/2" of space around the bottom layer. Crumble the remaining dough and sprinkle it over the top of the hazelnut spread, trying to cover it as much as possible. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
Hey fellow dessert lovers! You know those days when you crave something utterly delicious but don't have hours to spend baking? That's exactly when these Chocolate Chip Muffin Crumb Bars come to my rescue. They're seriously one of my go-to recipes, and I just had to share some extra tips and tricks I've picked up to make them absolutely perfect every single time. First off, the secret to their incredible ease and that perfect crumbly texture really lies in using a good quality muffin mix. I often reach for Martha White chocolate chip muffin mix because it consistently delivers fantastic results, making the prep practically effortless. But even with such a simple base, a few small details can elevate your bars from good to phenomenal. Make sure your butter is genuinely softened – it mixes so much better with the muffin powder and egg, creating that ideal soft dough that's easy to press and crumble. And whatever you do, keep a close eye on your oven! Baking for just 20 to 25 minutes is key; you want them golden brown on top but still wonderfully moist and gooey chocolate hazelnut filling inside. Overbaking will make them dry, and we definitely don't want that! Using parchment paper to line your 9x9" pan is also a game-changer for easy removal and cleanup – trust me on this one. Now, while the original recipe with chocolate hazelnut spread is divine, don't be afraid to get creative with your fillings and mix-ins! I've experimented with spreading creamy peanut butter instead of hazelnut spread for a different nutty twist, or even a layer of softened cream cheese mixed with a little sugar for a cheesecake-like surprise. If you're feeling extra indulgent, sprinkle in some extra chocolate chips, chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or even a handful of dried cranberries into the top crumb layer before baking. You can also totally switch up the muffin mix flavor – imagine blueberry muffin crumb bars with a lemon curd filling, or banana nut muffin bars with a caramel swirl! The possibilities are endless. When it comes to enjoying these delights, I'm a firm believer that they are best served slightly warm. The warmth really brings out the melted chocolate chips and makes that gooey chocolate hazelnut filling even more irresistible. And what pairs better with a rich, sweet treat? For me, it's always a tall, cold glass of milk. It’s just the classic combination that never fails! They’re also fantastic with a cup of coffee or tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent dessert experience. These bars are perfect for packing in lunchboxes, bringing to a potluck, or simply enjoying as an after-dinner treat. They store well in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, though I doubt they'll last that long once your family gets a taste! So go ahead, whip up a batch, and enjoy these wonderfully easy, crumbly, and chocolatey bars. They're sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire!