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Chocolate peanut butter bars are a family dessert we make for parties when we don’t have much time to plan ahead. The few ingredients are pantry staples that I normally keep on hand. Simple is an understatement because you can let them sit on the counter or in the fridge and they are ready to serve at any moment. These bars are perfect for the impromptu kid hangout, a casual dinner with friends, or to bring to a family cookout. I made them a few days ago to bring for teacher appreciation week at school. Enjoy!

Five ingredients-that’s it!

Some details:

Easy Ingredients:

You can crush your own graham crackers in a large ziploc bag with a mallet or heavy skillet. Another method is to crush them in a food processor. I usually buy pre crumbled graham crackers for quick recipes like this one!

Slowly melting chocolate chips:

Place chocolate chips in a glass bowl and heat for one minute in the microwave. Stir immediately. If not fully melted, continue heating in 30 second increments, stirring after each one. I have a newer microwave and the chips melted after one minute and then stirring for about 20 seconds.

Layer one:

Let this sit for about 30 minutes before adding the melted chocolate chips.

Layer 2

It is simply melted chocolate chips! Store covered at room temperature or in the fridge. If kept in the fridge, let bars sit out at room temperature for about 20 minutes before cutting into bars because the chocolate will harden.

Fridge stash

Little bites don’t have to be logged in to Noon right?

FAQ

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

You definitely can for an added crunch and some texture.

How do you melt semi sweet chocolate chips?

Place chocolate chips in a glass bowl and put in the microwave for one minute. Take out and stir. Then, place back in the microwave for 30 second internals. Check after each one and stir to avoid burning the chocolate. If there are just a few chocolate chips left, they may melt by simply stirring quickly. You can also melt chocolate chips over a double boiler, but the microwave works fine for this recipe.

Simple Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

by Katie Heath
A quick and easy crowd pleasing dessert
Servings: 25 small bars
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
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Equipment

  • 1 9 by 13, casserole dish

Ingredients 

  • 1 lb. powdered sugar
  • 1 cup peanut buttter
  • 1/3 cup crushed graham crackers
  • 2 sticks butter, melted
  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

  • Mix crackers, sugar, butter, peanut butter in a large mixing bowl. Spread into a 9 by 13 and let stand for 30 minutes.
  • Melt choclate chips in the microwave. Immediately spread over peanut butter mixture and let sit until firm. You can let them firm up on the counter or in the fridge. Slice into bars and serve.

Notes

Katie’s Tips:
*Keep these 5 ingredients in your pantry and fridge for a quick dessert idea in a pinch. 
*For a shortcut buy the graham cracker premade crumbs.
*These are fine to be left on the counter in an airtight container. I like to eat mine cold, so I leave leftovers in the fridge. 
*Be sure to read above for how to melt semi-sweet chocolate chips easily without burning. My other advice is to rinse the bowl you melt your chocolate in right away so the chocolate doesn’t harden. I hate trying to wash a bowl with dried chocolate!
 
Made it? Tag @katieskitchencounter on Instagram. I’d love to see!

The most simple recipe! You will love it. To make these look more elegant and classy for a dinner party, sprinkle with a little fleur de sel.