There are so many great things about peanut butter, and this Peanut Butter Bars recipe is no exception.
Yes, peanut butter elevates and balances acid in savory dishes, lifts the flavor profile of Asian and Thai meals, and especially creates a dessert like these peanut butter bars that melt in your mouth.
We love this peanut butter bars recipe for how easy it is to do with kids, or whip it together yourself (FOR yourself).
Sometimes you have to treat yourself to something scrumptious, using your favorite ingredients like graham crackers and peanut butter!
If you want these to be portable, leave off the chocolate spread on top because this will melt. You can bring it with you and add it later.
These are best served chilled, but they are oh so delicious with coffee or tea.
Butter – You can use salted or unsalted butter in this recipe but if you use unsalted you will need to add a dash of salt to the recipe.
Not only does the butter add to the creaminess of the recipe but it also helps everything bind together.
Graham cracker crumbs – Making graham cracker crumbs is fun. This is a great chore for a little tike helper.
You just need to crush the graham crackers until they are small crumbs. You don’t want to turn them into powder but you do want them to be small crumb pieces.
A food processor makes fast work of it, but an easy manual method to create graham cracker crumbs is to put the crackers in a large baggie and then roll over them with a rolling pin.
Powdered sugar – As a general rule I always recommend that you sift the powdered sugar. It has a tendency to clump and sifting helps break it up.
It doesn’t take long and it is an oddly rewarding process.
Semisweet chocolate chips – You could substitute dark chocolate or even mix in dark chocolate with semisweet chips.
Peanut butter – This recipe comes together better if you use creamy peanut butter.
However, if you want to experiment, try a mixture of half chunky and half creamy.
How long do peanut butter bars last?
These bars will last up to a week if stored in the refrigerator.
The peanut butter bars will last up to 3 months if stored in an airtight container in the freezer.
Can you freeze peanut butter bars?
Yes, you absolutely can freeze peanut butter bars. I recommend that you cut them into squares prior to freezing them.
To freeze them, place them in a freezer baggie and place a piece of wax paper between each bar.
That way they won’t stick together in the baggie.
Squeeze all of the air out of the baggie that you can and then seal it completely.
To be absolutely certain that they retain their freshness, I then recommend placing the baggie of peanut butter squares in another airtight container.
This double duty will help them stay fresh longer.
The bottom line
Peanut butter lovers, unite!
There’s so much to love about these peanut butter bars, and you can pat yourself on the back for baking these delicious treats at home.
Looking for more peanut butter dessert ideas? Check out this No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie recipe too! Or this super easy peanut butter fudge!
Peanut Butter Bars Recipe
This is a tender and delicious peanut butter bars recipe with a yummy chocolate spread on top.
Ingredients
- 1 c butter, divided (2 sticks)
- 2 c graham cracker crumbs
- 2 c powdered sugar
- 2 c semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 c peanut butter
- 4 T peanut butter
- Baking spray
Instructions
- Spray a 9 x 13 glass baking pan with baking spray.
- Melt the butter. Set 1/4 c of the melted butter aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix together until fully blended 3/4 cup of the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, 1 c of peanut butter and the powdered sugar.
- Evenly spread the mixture into the baking pan. Press it down so that it is evenly distributed.
- Place the baking pan in the refrigerator to chill for 15 minutes.
- Add the chocolate chips, remaining butter and 4 tablespoons of peanut butter to a microwave safe bowl.
- Slowly melt the chocolate mixture in the microwave in 10 second intervals until it is smooth. Stir in-between intervals.
- Remove the baking dish with the peanut butter mixture from the fridge.
- Spread the chocolate mixture over the peanut butter mixture evenly.
- Place the pan in the fridge and chill for at least one hour.
- Remove and cut into small squares.
- Serve chilled for better handling.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 14 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 492Total Fat: 33gSaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 277mgCarbohydrates: 48gFiber: 3gSugar: 35gProtein: 7g