There’s something truly magical about the combination of peanut butter and chocolate. These Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars are the epitome of this classic duo, offering a decadent, creamy, and irresistible treat. The smooth blend of rich peanut butter and luscious chocolate atop a crumbly graham cracker base makes for a dessert that’s not only easy to make but impossible to forget.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is foolproof and guaranteed to yield results that will delight your taste buds. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or a quiet night in, these bars are a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in any setting. Store them in the refrigerator for a cool, refreshing treat, or keep them in the freezer for a firmer texture that’s equally delicious.
- Decadent Peanut Butter Chocolate Dream Bars
Recipe
Ingredients:
1 cup butter, melted
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 to 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 cups creamy natural peanut butter (no sugar added type), divided
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Directions:
In a large bowl, combine melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and 1 cup of peanut butter. Mix until well combined.
Spread the mixture evenly in a 9 x 13-inch pan to form the base.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips with the remaining 1 cup of peanut butter, stirring occasionally until smooth.
Spread the chocolate mixture over the base layer in the pan.
Refrigerate until firm, then cut into 54 bars.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Chill Time: 2 hours | Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Kcal: 300 kcal per bar | Servings: 54 bars
Nutrition Facts per Serving (Assuming 54 servings per recipe):
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 6g
Vitamins and Minerals:
- Vitamin D: 0mcg
- Calcium: 20mg
- Iron: 1mg
- Potassium: 200mg
Key Nutritional Highlights:
- High in Protein: Thanks to the peanut butter, each serving provides a good amount of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
- Source of Healthy Fats: The natural peanut butter contributes healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.
- Energy-Boosting: With a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and protein, these bars can provide a quick source of energy, making them a suitable snack for active individuals or a sweet treat for anyone looking for a boost.
Considerations:
- Sugar Content: These bars are high in sugars, primarily from powdered sugar and chocolate chips. If you’re watching your sugar intake, consider reducing the amount of powdered sugar or using sugar-free chocolate chips.
- Calories: Each bar is relatively high in calories, so they should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
FAQ for Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars Recipe
Q: Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy? A: Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer a bit of texture in your bars. The overall taste will remain similar, but you’ll get additional crunch in every bite.
Q: Is it possible to make this recipe vegan? A: To make this recipe vegan, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative. Ensure that the chocolate chips you use are also vegan.
Q: Can I reduce the sugar content in this recipe? A: Yes, you can reduce the sugar content by decreasing the amount of powdered sugar. Keep in mind that this will affect the sweetness and possibly the texture of the base layer. You could also look for sugar-free chocolate chips as an alternative.
Q: How long do these bars need to chill before they are ready to eat? A: The bars typically need to chill for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator to firm up properly. For a quicker set, you can place them in the freezer for about 1 hour.
Q: How should I store the Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars, and how long will they last? A: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months. If frozen, let them thaw for a few minutes at room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Q: Can I use a different type of cracker for the base? A: Yes, you can use a different type of cracker or cookie for the base. Vanilla wafers, chocolate cookies, or even pretzels can be used for a different flavor profile. Just ensure they are finely crushed to form a solid base.
Q: What can I do if I don’t have a microwave to melt the chocolate and peanut butter? A: If you don’t have a microwave, you can melt the chocolate and peanut butter together in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method). Stir constantly until smooth and fully combined.
Q: Can I add toppings to these bars? A: Absolutely! Feel free to add toppings like chopped nuts, sea salt, or a drizzle of caramel or white chocolate before the bars set in the refrigerator for an extra flavor and texture.
Q: Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe? A: To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure that the graham cracker crumbs you use are certified gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free options that work perfectly in this recipe.
Q: Can I double this recipe? A: Yes, you can easily double this recipe. Just use a larger pan (or two 9×13 pans) to accommodate the increased volume of ingredients. Keep in mind that the chilling time might increase slightly with a larger batch.