Classic Peanut Butter Bars
User Reviews
5
Classic Peanut Butter Bars
Description
Classic Peanut Butter Bars feature a base made from graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, creamy peanut butter, confectioners sugar, and vanilla extract. The mixture is pressed into a pan to form a thick, compact layer. A topping of melted dark chocolate chips blended with peanut butter is then poured over and spread evenly.
Chilled until firm, the bars develop a sliceable, fudgy texture that offers the classic combination of peanut butter nuttiness and chocolate richness. The graham cracker crumbs add a subtle crunch and slight sweetness to the base, offsetting the creamy, dense topping. Stored chilled, they maintain their shape and texture.
If the bars are too firm to cut, resting them at room temperature for 15–20 minutes softens enough for easier slicing. These bars can be kept refrigerated to preserve freshness and texture over time.
Ingredients
peanut butter base
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs about 2 sleeves (16 crackers), finely crushed
- 1 cup butter salted, melted. Note: add 1/2 teaspoon salt if using unsalted butter
- 2 cups peanut butter creamy, crunchy will work too
- 4 cups confectioners sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
chocolate topping
- 16 ounces dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup peanut butter creamy
Instructions
- Combine all the peanut butter base ingredients in a large bowl, or if you have a full sized food processor you can do it that way, which is how I did it. Make sure to get everything thoroughly and evenly combined. If doing by hand it will take a little elbow grease.
- Crumble the mixture evenly over the bottom of your pan and then press in with your hands. You can use an offset spatular to help smooth out the surface. Try to get it flat across the surface.
- Melt the chocolate and peanut butter together over a double boiler, or in the microwave. If using the microwave, start with one minute, and then continue in short bursts, stirring in between. Let the heat of the bowl melt the final bits.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter and spread out evenly. Chill until firm and then cut into slices. If the bars are too hard to slice, let them sit out for 15-20 minutes to soften.
- Store leftover bars in the refrigerator.
Notes
- This recipe yields a large batch of bars; consider halving it for smaller portions.
- If bars are too hard to slice after chilling, allow them to sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes to soften slightly.
- Store the bars in the refrigerator to keep them firm and fresh.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 40bars
Amount Per Serving
Calories 255 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 255kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 25g | 8% |
| Protein | 5g | 10% |
| Fat | 16g | 25% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Trans Fat | 0.2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 12mg | 4% |
| Sodium | 141mg | 6% |
| Potassium | 163mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 18g | 36% |
| Vitamin A | 143IU | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 0.1mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 47mg | 5% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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