Description
These Halfway to Heaven Peanut Butter Bars are a luscious no-bake dessert featuring a rich peanut butter and graham cracker crust topped with a smooth, creamy chocolate ganache. Perfectly sweet and indulgent, these bars are easy to prepare and ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust and Peanut Butter Layer
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
Chocolate Ganache
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Peanut Butter Bars: Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars after chilling.
- Mix the Base: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and 1 cup of creamy peanut butter. Stir until the mixture is well blended and forms a thick, crumbly dough.
- Form the Base Layer: Press the peanut butter mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared baking dish to create a solid and even base layer.
- Prepare the Chocolate Ganache: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips and 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter.
- Melting the Ganache: Microwave the chocolate mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval until the mixture is smooth and fully melted without any lumps.
- Assemble the Layers: Pour the smooth chocolate ganache over the peanut butter base layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Chill to Set: Place the assembled bars in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour until the chocolate ganache is firm and set.
- Serve: Remove the bars from the baking dish using the parchment paper edges, cut into 24 squares, and enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can substitute creamy peanut butter with natural peanut butter if you prefer a less sweet option, but the texture may vary slightly.
- For a nut-free version, use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
- Ensure the chocolate ganache is fully melted and smooth to achieve a glossy finish on the bars.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Allow bars to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving if chilled bars are too firm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
