Description
Sweet layers of chocolate and peanut butter meld into irresistible bars that promise pure indulgence. These no-bake treats offer a quick, delectable escape for chocolate enthusiasts seeking a simple yet satisfying dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
Binding Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Topping Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
- 2 tbsp sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare a square baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, allowing slight overhang for easy removal.
- Melt unsalted butter in a saucepan over low heat, stirring continuously until smooth and fully liquefied.
- Remove melted butter from heat and whisk in peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes uniform and glossy.
- Fold graham cracker crumbs into the peanut butter mixture, ensuring complete and even incorporation.
- Press the combined mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan, creating a compact base layer.
- Melt chocolate chips using a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until completely smooth.
- Pour melted chocolate over the peanut butter base, using a spatula to spread it evenly to the edges.
- Sprinkle chopped peanuts across the chocolate surface for added crunch and texture.
- Optional: Lightly dust sea salt over the top for a flavor enhancement.
- Refrigerate the bars for 2 hours or until chocolate sets completely and firms up.
- Using parchment paper edges, lift the entire slab from the pan and slice into square or rectangular portions.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes
- Customize the recipe by using gluten-free graham crackers to make it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Opt for dark chocolate chips for a richer, less sweet version that adds antioxidant benefits.
- Enhance the texture by toasting the peanuts before chopping to bring out their deeper, nuttier flavor profile.
- Create a lower-sugar alternative by replacing some powdered sugar with a sugar-free sweetener or reducing the overall sugar content.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: No-Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg