Get ready to experience a dessert that's so irresistibly delicious, you'll want to hide the entire batch from your family! These Graham Cracker Peanut Butter Bars are the perfect combination of rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and crunchy graham cracker crumbs that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're looking for a quick treat, a crowd-pleasing dessert, or just need something to satisfy your sweet tooth, these bars are about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars will bake evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs and 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder. Stir them together until they are well mixed.
- Add 1 cup of peanut butter, 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, and 1/4 cup of melted butter to the dry mixture. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to mix everything together until you achieve a smooth, cohesive dough.
- Prepare an 8x8 inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it lightly with butter. This will make it easier to remove the bars once they are baked.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom, pressing it down firmly to create a compact layer.
- Bake the mixture in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the edges begin to pull away from the sides of the pan and the top looks set.
- While the bars are baking, melt 1/2 cup of chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat them in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until they are completely melted and smooth.
- Once the bars are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, pour the melted chocolate over the top, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, or place them in the refrigerator for quicker cooling. This will help the chocolate to set properly.
- Once cooled and set, lift the bars out of the pan using the edges of the parchment paper. Cut them into 12 equal squares or rectangles.
- Serve your Graham Cracker Peanut Butter Bars as a delicious treat, and store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for up to a week.
Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and consistent texture.
- For extra richness, use high-quality cocoa powder and natural peanut butter.
- Make sure to press the mixture firmly into the pan to create compact, sturdy bars.
- To prevent burning, watch the chocolate carefully when melting in the microwave and stir frequently.
- For a more decadent version, sprinkle some sea salt on top of the melted chocolate for a gourmet touch.
- If you prefer a softer texture, refrigerate the bars for a fudgier consistency.
- These bars can be easily customized by adding chopped nuts or using different types of chocolate for topping.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs.
- Always let the bars cool completely to allow the chocolate to set properly.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent them from drying out.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 15mg
