Peanut Butter Bars
User Reviews
5
Peanut Butter Bars
Description
These Peanut Butter Bars begin with a base made from graham cracker crumbs mixed with powdered sugar, melted butter, and creamy peanut butter pressed evenly into a pan. The topping is a melted blend of chocolate chips and additional peanut butter, spread over the base for a glossy finish. Refrigeration overnight sets both layers properly, allowing the peanut butter base to firm up and the chocolate to solidify on top.
The bars combine textures from a crumbly, sweetened crust to a creamy peanut chocolate topping. They do not require baking, making preparation straightforward. The peanut butter offers a rich nutty flavor contrasted by the sweet chocolate layer, appealing to fans of classic peanut butter and chocolate combinations.
Serving these bars chilled maintains their texture. They are well suited for make-ahead occasions and can be stored in the refrigerator to keep fresh up to a week. Variations for dietary needs include using vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips or gluten-free graham cracker crumbs.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs 6 ounces, from about 8 full graham cracker sheets
- 1 cup powdered sugar sifted if lumpy
- ½ cup butter 1 stick, melted, plus more for the pan, salted
- 1 cup peanut butter plus 2 tablespoons for the chocolate layer, creamy
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Grease an 8x8-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs and powdered sugar. Add the melted butter and 1 cup peanut butter and mix until well combined.
- Use your hands to evenly press the peanut butter mixture into the prepared pan.
- In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and the remaining 2 tablespoons peanut butter. Microwave on high, stirring every 20 seconds, until the mixture is smooth. Evenly spread over the peanut butter layer.
- Refrigerate the bars overnight, or until the chocolate is firm and the peanut butter layer is fully set. The chocolate will set up sooner, but the peanut butter layer requires a full overnight chill. Slice and serve.
Notes
- Store leftover bars tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- To make a vegan version, substitute vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs to adapt this recipe for gluten-free diets.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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