Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars


Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (includes chilling time)
Servings: 16 bars
Category: Dessert

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Notes After Making

Add

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Ingredients

Peanut Butter Layer

  • ½ cup (8 tablespoons; 113g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup (120g) graham cracker crumbs (about 8 full-sheet graham crackers)
  • 2 cups (240g) confectioners’ sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter

Chocolate Topping

  • 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
  • 1 cup (180g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

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Instructions 

Peanut Butter Layer 

  1. Line an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
  2. Break the graham crackers into pieces and place them in a food processor. Pulse until fine crumbs form. Add the confectioners’ sugar and salt. Pulse a few times to combine.
  3. Pour in the melted butter and add 1 cup peanut butter. Process until the mixture is evenly combined and resembles thick cookie dough, scraping down the sides as needed.
  4. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press firmly into an even layer.

Make the Chocolate Topping

  1. Combine the remaining 2 tablespoons peanut butter and chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Alternatively, melt together in a saucepan over low heat.
  3. Spread the chocolate mixture evenly over the peanut butter layer.
  4. Refrigerate until completely firm, at least 2 hours.
  5. Remove from the refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before cutting into bars.
  6. Serve chilled or at cool room temperature.

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Jessica’s Notes

Prep Ahead:

  • These bars can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator until serving.

Storage:

  • Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
  • Serve chilled or allow to sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving.

Freezer-friendly:

  • Freeze for up to 3 months in an airtight container with parchment between layers.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Variations:

  • Use milk chocolate chips for a sweeter topping.
  • Substitute crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
  • Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the chocolate before chilling.
  • Add chopped peanuts between the peanut butter and chocolate layers for extra crunch.

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