Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

These peanut butter bars are delightful and easy to make recipe which gives the flavorful taste of chocolates and peanut. A perfect recipe for those who have a sweet tooth, always crave for sweets but avoid to turning on the oven and who are new to baking.

The base is made up of peanut butter and graham cracker crumbs which is covered with the layers of chocolate. The taste is sweet but little bit salty which comes up with delicious mouth watering flavor.

Their simple preparation method and universally loved flavors makes them a hit among the people of all ages. Their no bake nature makes sure that anyone can whip up a batch of these delightful bars.

So lets get started!

Ingredients

Unsalted Butter – 1cup

Graham Cracker Crumbs – 2cups

Sugar Granulated – 2cups

Creamy Peanut Butter – 1cup

Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips – 1+1/2 cup

Creamy Peanut Butter – 4 tbsp (for the chocolate topping)

Instructions

  • Prepare the pan: 

Line up a baking pan with parchment paper  or aluminum foil. If you do not have these, you can grease the pan with oil and dust it with some all purpose flour. It will prevent the bars from sticking to the pan.

  • Make the peanut butter base:

 

 

Now melt the peanut butter in a saucepan on medium heat. Once melted, remove the heat and stir in the graham cracker crumbs until well combined. Now its turn to add sugar and 1 cup creamy peanut butter and stir it completely until it gives a smooth texture. For mixing you can use a spoon or a hand whisker.

  • Form the base layer:

Spread the mixture on the lined up baking pan. You can spread it with the help of spatula or spoon. Make sure  the mixture is spread evenly on each side.

  • Prepare the chocolate topping:

In a micro-safe bowl, take semi-sweet chocolate chips and 4 tbsp creamy peanut butter. Microwave it for around 2 minutes with 30 seconds interval. Stir it after every interval to ensure that chocolate and peanut butter are completely melted and combined.

  • Add the chocolate layer:

Now spread this chocolate layer over the peanut butter base with the help of spatula. Make sure each side is covered completely. If you like more nuts you can add on the top of chocolate layer and for extra chocolaty flavor add a layer of chocolate again on the nuts.

 

  • Chill the bars:

Keep the baking pan in the refrigerator for around 2 hours. For quicker result you can keep it in the freezer for 30-40 minutes or until the bars are  firm or set completely.

  • Slicing and serve:

Take the bars our from the refrigerator, place them on a cutting board and with the help of a sharp knife cut them into square or rectangular shape or any shape you want. Your peanut butter bars are ready. If you are a fan of caramel, drizzle some on the cookies and enjoy.

Serve and enjoy!

Time required

Preparation time – 15 minutes

Cooling time – 30 minutes

Total time required – 45 minutes

Tools Required

  • Baking Pan
  • Spatula
  • Measuring Cups and spoons
  • Micro-safe Bowl
  • Aluminum Foil
  • Parchment Paper
  • Saucepan
  • Sharp Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Microwave

How to store peanut butter bars?

  • For short term storage:

You can put the peanut butter bars in an airtight jar or container and can place them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Keeping them in a airtight jar will preserve their flavor and taste. To prevent them from sticking to each other, put the butter paper or parchment paper in between the layers. Avoid keeping them in the direct sunlight which will effect the flavor and texture of cookies.

  • For long term storage:

Place the bars on a baking dish and freeze them until they get solid. Transfer them in a freezer safe bag or container. You can store them in freezer for around a month. The second way is, wrap each bar individually with cling wrap of plastic wrap then put them in a freezer safe bag. This way you can freeze them for more than 2 weeks. When you want to eat it, thaw them on room temperature for around 20-25 minutes they will be ready to use.

Notes:

  • Make sure the base layer is evenly spread, smooth and well pressed before adding another layer.
  • Do not overheat the chocolate and peanut butter mixture and stirring them will help to prevent from scorching.
  • According to your taste you can add any nuts or marshmallows into the peanut butter base layer or between the chocolate layers after the base
  • Feel free to bring variations in chocolate toppings. You can use any flavored chocolate for the topping.
  • Do not forget to grease the pan before adding the base layer.
  • You can add nuts of your choice including almonds, cashews and pistachios but for original peanut flavor add the crushed peanuts.
  • Always add the room temperature ingredients and the accurate measurements are essential for the perfect flavor.
  • You can adjust the amount of sugar according to your preference. If you prefer less sugar either reduce the amount or can also use the dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet one.
  • For people who do not like graham cracker crumbs, crushed oats is the alternative for them. But I would personally prefer to use graham cracker crumbs for the original taste.
  • To get smooth cuts, use warm knife. All you need to do is put the knife in hot water, clean it with a cloth and cut the cookies.

Garnishing Ideas:

Garnishing of these delicious chocolate peanut bars not only enhance flavor or texture but also give them appealing appearance by adding beautiful finishing touch. Here is a thing to remember while garnishing, whether you are doing liquid garnishing or solid one, always do so when the chocolate is little bit soft because if the chocolate is fully settled the garnish will not stick to the bars.

So here are some ideas of garnishing:

  • Crushed peanut
  • Sea salt flakes
  • Crushed Chocolate
  • Peanut butter swirls
  • Cocoa powder dusting
  • Drizzle melted chocolate ( dark chocolate, milk chocolate or white chocolate)
  • Maple syrup
  • Caramel
  • Salted Caramel
  • Espresso Drizzle
  • Chocolate ganache
  • Peanut butter sauce
  • Honey

 

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