Candy Crunch Peanut Butter Bars
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 30 peanut butter sandwich cookies with peanut butter filling
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup butter melted
For the Peanut Butter Layer:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 ⅓ cups creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup butter softened
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- ½ cup finely crushed peanuts in a crunchy sugar coating
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- Additional coarsely crushed peanuts for sprinkling
Preparation Time: 30 minutes / Chilling Time: 1 hour
Instructions
Prepare the Pan:
- Line a 13×9-inch baking pan with foil, allowing the foil to extend over the edges.
- This will make it easier to lift the bars out of the pan.
For the Crust:
- In a food processor, combine the peanut butter sandwich cookies and salt.
- Cover and process until fine crumbs form.
- Add the melted butter and pulse just until the mixture is combined.
- Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
For the Peanut Butter Layer:
- In a large bowl, beat the powdered sugar, 1 1/3 cups of peanut butter, softened butter, and heavy cream with a mixer on low to medium speed until smooth.
- Stir in the finely crushed peanuts in the crunchy sugar coating.
- Carefully spread this peanut butter mixture over the crust in the pan.
For the Chocolate Topping:
- In a small heavy saucepan, cook and stir the semisweet chocolate chips and 1/2 cup of peanut butter over low heat until they are melted and smooth.
- Spread the chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the layers in the pan.
- Sprinkle the top with additional coarsely crushed peanuts for extra texture and decoration.
Chill and Serve:
- Cover the pan and chill it for 1 hour or until the bars are set.
- Use the foil to lift the uncut bars out of the pan, then cut them into individual bars.
Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:
Storage:
Layer the bars between sheets of waxed paper in an airtight container. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
These Candy Crunch Peanut Butter Bars offer a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors with a chocolatey finish. Enjoy making and sharing these delightful treats!