Description
Peanut Butter Dream Bars are a no-bake dessert featuring a crunchy graham cracker crust, a creamy peanut butter filling, and a rich chocolate topping. Easy to prepare and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, these bars combine creamy, crunchy, and chocolaty textures in every bite.
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 medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is evenly moistened.
- Press the crust: Transfer the crust mixture into an 8×8 inch baking dish. Press firmly and evenly into the bottom to form a solid crust layer.
- Chill the crust: Place the baking dish in the refrigerator to chill for about 15 minutes, allowing the crust to set while you prepare the filling.
- Mix the peanut butter filling: In a large bowl, beat together the creamy 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 and continue to beat until the filling is light and fluffy.
- Spread the filling: Remove the chilled crust from the refrigerator and evenly spread the peanut butter filling over the crust layer.
- Melt the chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons of butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Spread the chocolate topping: Pour the melted chocolate mixture evenly over the peanut butter filling, spreading it gently with a spatula.
- Chill the bars: Return the assembled bars to the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour or until the chocolate topping is firm and set.
- Cut and serve: Once set, cut the bars into 16 equal pieces and serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute milk for heavy cream to lighten the filling, though the texture may be slightly less rich.
- For easier cutting, warm the knife under hot water and dry it before slicing the bars.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For a crunchy variation, add chopped peanuts to the peanut butter filling.
