Ultimate Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars:

Ultimate Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

Ingredients

• For the Peanut Butter Layer:
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup crushed nuts (optional for added crunch)
• For the Chocolate Topping:
  • 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons peanut butter
  • A pinch of sea salt (optional)

Instructions

Preparing the Peanut Butter Layer

1. Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine creamy peanut butter and softened butter until smooth. Mix in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and graham cracker crumbs until the mixture is uniform. Fold in crushed nuts if desired.
2. Spread in Pan: Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Press the peanut butter mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan.

Making the Chocolate Topping

1. Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and peanut butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
2. Spread Chocolate: Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer, smoothing it out with a spatula. Sprinkle with sea salt if using.

Chilling and Serving

1. Chill: Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours or until the chocolate has set and the layers are firm.
2. Cut and Serve: Lift the bars out of the pan using the edges of the parchment paper. Cut into squares or rectangles.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars offer a luscious texture and rich flavors that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. They’re incredibly easy to make and even easier to love. Enjoy the delightful contrast of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate in every bite!