Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Peanut Butter Bars featuring a buttery graham cracker base layered with creamy peanut butter and topped with rich, semi-sweet chocolate. Perfect for a sweet snack or dessert that requires no baking.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Base
- 3/4 cup butter melted
- 2 cups graham crackers crushed
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
Topping
- 2 1/2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips
- 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure to cover the bottom and sides for easy removal later. Set the dish aside.
- Make the Base Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, powdered sugar, and crushed graham crackers using a stand mixer or hand-held mixer until well blended.
- Add Peanut Butter to Base: Mix in 1 ¼ cups of creamy peanut butter into the graham cracker mixture until it is just well incorporated and smooth.
- Press the Base: Evenly spread and press the peanut butter and crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a firm base layer.
- Melt Chocolate Topping: In a heat-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips with the remaining 3 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter. Heat the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Spread Chocolate Layer: Pour and evenly spread the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the peanut butter base in the baking dish.
- Chill the Bars: Place the baking dish in the refrigerator and chill for 1 hour to allow the bars to set and firm up.
- Serve: Remove the bars from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before cutting into pieces and serving.
Notes
- Use parchment paper to easily lift the bars out of the pan without sticking.
- For a crunchier texture, substitute chunky peanut butter instead of creamy.
- Ensure the chocolate mixture is smooth by stirring well between heating intervals to prevent burning.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Allowing bars to come slightly to room temperature before serving improves the texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
