Description
Peanut Butter Dream Bars are a delicious no-bake dessert featuring a crunchy graham cracker crust, a creamy peanut butter filling, and a rich chocolate topping. Ready in just 15 minutes and perfect for sharing, these bars combine classic flavors in an easy-to-make treat that’s great for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Peanut Butter Filling
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk)
Chocolate Topping
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir well until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the crust: Transfer the crust mixture into an 8×8-inch pan lined with parchment paper. Press firmly and evenly to form the base layer.
- Chill the crust: Place the pan in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to set the crust.
- Mix the peanut butter filling: In a separate bowl, beat together the peanut butter, powdered sugar, softened butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Add the cream: Slowly add the heavy cream (or milk) to the peanut butter mixture, beating until light and fluffy.
- Spread the filling: Evenly spread the peanut butter filling over the chilled crust layer, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Melt the chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semisweet chocolate chips and butter together in 20-second intervals, stirring between each until fully melted and smooth.
- Spread the chocolate topping: Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and spread evenly to cover.
- Chill the bars: Return the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate topping is firm.
- Cut and serve: Remove the bars from the pan using the parchment paper edges and cut into 16 squares. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- For a lighter texture, substitute heavy cream with whole milk.
- You can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer added texture.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- To soften cutting, allow bars to sit at room temperature for a few minutes.
- Double the recipe to make a larger batch for gatherings.
