🥜 Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars 🍫
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Topping:
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions:
Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and sugar. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press it evenly into the bottom of an 8x8-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Make the Filling: In another bowl, mix the peanut butter, softened butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture evenly over the cooled crust, ensuring it reaches the edges.
Add the Chocolate Topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon of butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth. Pour the chocolate over the peanut butter layer and spread it evenly with a spatula.
Chill and Slice: 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, slice into squares, and serve.