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PEANUT BUTTER DREAM BARS

PEANUT BUTTER DREAM BARS

A no-bake dessert with layers of buttery graham crust, creamy peanut butter filling, and rich chocolate ganache. Irresistible sweet-salty perfection!
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Servings 16
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls

Ingredients
  

For the Crust:

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Peanut Butter Layer:

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 cup powdered sugar sifted
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Chocolate Topping:

  • 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon espresso powder optional

Optional Garnishes:

  • 1/3 cup chopped roasted peanuts
  • Flaky sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons peanut butter chips for drizzle

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Pan & Crust

  • Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
  • Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt in a bowl until it resembles wet sand.
  • Press the mixture firmly into the pan. Chill for 20 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Layer

  • Beat softened butter and peanut butter until smooth.
  • Gradually mix in powdered sugar, then add vanilla and salt.
  • Spread the mixture over the crust evenly. Chill for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Topping

  • Heat heavy cream and butter until just below simmering.
  • Pour over chocolate chips, let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
  • Pour over the peanut butter layer, spreading evenly.

Step 4: Chill & Slice

  • Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight).
  • Use parchment overhang to lift out of the pan, then slice into bars with a warm knife.
  • Let bars sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Notes

🔹 Salted Caramel Version: Add 1/2 cup of salted caramel between the peanut butter and chocolate layers.
🔹 Pretzel Crunch Version: Replace half the graham cracker crumbs with crushed pretzels.
🔹 PB&J Version: Spread 1/3 cup of jam on the crust before the peanut butter layer.
🔹 Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut oil instead of butter and full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
🔹 Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free graham crackers.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 5gFat: 22gSugar: 18g
Keyword no bake dessert, peanut butter bars, peanut butter recipes
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