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Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

These Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars combine creamy peanut butter with sweet chocolate over a graham cracker base, creating a nostalgic treat that's perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the crust
  • 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 0.5 cups unsalted butter, melted
For the filling
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the chocolate layer
  • 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon shortening
  • 1 pinch sea salt for sprinkling on top

Method
 

Preparation of the crust
  1. Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or a rolling pin.
  2. Melt unsalted butter in the microwave or on the stovetop.
  3. Mix graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter in a medium bowl until evenly moistened.
  4. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8×8 inch square baking pan lined with parchment paper.
  5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Making the filling
  1. In a large bowl, cream together peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
  2. Stir in vanilla extract.
  3. If the mixture seems too thick, adjust with a touch of milk or more powdered sugar until thick and spreadable.
  4. Spread the peanut butter filling over the chilled graham cracker base.
  5. Chill in the refrigerator for another 30 minutes.
Making the chocolate layer
  1. Melt chocolate chips and shortening together in a heat-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds.
  2. Pour melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and sprinkle with sea salt.
  3. Chill for at least 1 hour until the chocolate is set.
Serving
  1. Once set, remove the bars from the pan and cut them into squares.
  2. Serve chilled and enjoy.

Notes

Feel free to try crunchy peanut butter for added texture. Consider adding chopped nuts or mini marshmallows for a twist. For clean cuts, run a knife under hot water and wipe it dry before slicing.