Are you ready for a delicious trip down memory lane? These old-fashioned peanut butter bars are the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and utterly irresistible. Simple to make, yet incredibly satisfying, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a quick dessert, bake sale contribution, or a comforting afternoon snack. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is designed for easy homemade cooking, delivering delicious dishes with minimal fuss. Get ready to experience the magic of these classic peanut butter bars!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup powdered sugar
Instructions:
Make the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8x8 inch baking pan. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of your delicious bars.
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt.
- Stir in the melted butter until evenly moistened. The mixture should hold together when pressed.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or your hands to create an even layer.
Make the Peanut Butter Filling:
- In a separate bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust.
Bake and Finish:
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. Oven temperatures can vary!
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the peanut butter layer.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to set completely. This will also help firm up the bars for easier cutting.
- Once set, cut into squares and serve.
Tips for Success:
- For a richer flavor, use salted butter and reduce the amount of added salt.
- If your peanut butter is particularly thick, you may need to add a tablespoon or two of milk or oil to make it easier to spread.
- Don't overbake the bars! Slightly underbaked bars will be softer and chewier.
- For easy cleanup, line your baking pan with parchment paper before pressing in the crust.
Variations:
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the peanut butter filling for an extra chocolatey kick.
- Pretzel Peanut Butter Bars: Add ½ cup crushed pretzels to the graham cracker crust for a salty and crunchy twist.
- Nutty Delight: Substitute almond butter or cashew butter for the peanut butter.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the specific ingredients used. A reasonable estimate for one bar (assuming 16 bars per pan) is approximately:
- Calories: 250-300
- Fat: 15-20g
- Saturated Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Sugar: 15-20g
- Protein: 4-5g
These old-fashioned peanut butter bars are a simple yet rewarding baking project. Their nostalgic flavor and ease of preparation make them perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!