🍫 Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars 🥜
Ingredients
For the Crust:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Peanut Butter Layer:
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Topping:
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Mix until the dough comes together. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of an 8x8-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Make the Peanut Butter Layer: In a separate bowl, beat the peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture evenly over the cooled crust, using a spatula to create a smooth layer.
Add the Chocolate Topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons of butter. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth. Pour the chocolate mixture over the peanut butter layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Chill and Set: Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the layers to set. Once firm, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper and cut them into squares.
Serve: Enjoy these bars chilled or at room temperature for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.