Description
Indulgent peanut butter dream bars blend creamy richness with chocolate’s deep allure, creating a dessert that sings with sweet sophistication. Layers of silky peanut butter and smooth chocolate melt together, promising pure bliss in each delectable bite you’ll savor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Crust and Binding Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks/226 grams) unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Flavor and Enhancing Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
Instructions
- Craft the foundational crust by thoroughly blending graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar, ensuring complete incorporation of ingredients.
- Press the crumb mixture uniformly into a prepared 9×9-inch baking pan, creating a compact and even base layer.
- Whip peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until achieving a silky, homogeneous consistency with no visible lumps.
- Carefully spread the creamy peanut butter mixture across the graham cracker crust, maintaining a smooth and level surface.
- Utilize microwave technique to gently melt chocolate chips and additional peanut butter, stirring between 30-second intervals to prevent scorching and ensure complete liquefaction.
- Gently cascade the glossy chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the existing peanut butter layer, using a spatula to distribute evenly and create a flawless top coating.
- Transfer the assembled dessert to the refrigerator, allowing a minimum of 2 hours for complete chilling and structural solidification.
- Once thoroughly chilled and set, slice into precise square portions, revealing the decadent layered composition.
- Serve directly from the refrigerator to maintain optimal texture and coolness.
Notes
- Crust Perfection: Use a flat-bottomed measuring cup or glass to press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly for a compact, stable base.
- Smooth Peanut Butter Layer: Ensure butter and peanut butter are at room temperature to create a silky, lump-free mixture that spreads easily.
- Chocolate Melting Hack: Stir chocolate and peanut butter carefully between microwave intervals to prevent burning and achieve a glossy, smooth topping.
- Dietary Modifications: Swap regular butter for coconut oil to make the recipe dairy-free, or use gluten-free graham crackers for a gluten-sensitive version.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Refrigerating
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 261 kcal
- Sugar: 19 g
- Sodium: 81 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 17 mg