Indulge your sweet tooth with these irresistible Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie Bars that are sure to become your new favorite dessert! Imagine a rich, velvety layer of creamy peanut butter resting atop a decadent chocolate crust, all drizzled with luscious melted chocolate. This easy-to-follow recipe will have you whipping up a batch in just under an hour, making it the perfect treat for any occasion—whether it's a family gathering, a potluck, or simply a cozy night in. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these delightful bars that are as delicious as they are simple to make!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, and granulated sugar. Pour in melted butter and mix until the mixture resembles wet sand and holds together when pressed.
- Press the graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a measuring cup to create a compact, smooth crust.
- Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes in the preheated oven. Remove and let it cool completely at room temperature, about 15-20 minutes.
- In another bowl, beat creamy peanut butter with powdered sugar until smooth and well combined. The mixture should be thick and spreadable.
- Carefully spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the cooled crust, creating a uniform layer.
- Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips using a double boiler or in 30-second intervals in the microwave, stirring between each interval until smooth and fully melted.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer, using a spatula to spread it evenly to the edges of the pan.
- Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours or until the chocolate is completely set and firm.
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out of the pan and place on a cutting board. Cut into 16 equal squares using a sharp knife.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let them sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the crust a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container until you're ready to add the peanut butter and chocolate layers.
- Let It Chill: Make sure to refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours after assembling. This will help the chocolate set properly and make cutting easier.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality chocolate chips and peanut butter for a richer flavor. Natural peanut butter works great, but make sure it’s creamy for easy spreading.
- Cutting the Bars: For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. This prevents the chocolate from smudging and gives you neat squares.
- Serving Suggestions: For an extra touch, serve these bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 20mg
