peanut butter bars
These peanut butter bars are a nostalgic treat featuring a buttery, crumbly base topped with a rich, creamy peanut butter layer and a dreamy chocolate ganache, perfect for sharing or savoring in a quiet moment.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt until just combined.
- Press the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking pan and bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
- Let the crust cool completely on a wire rack.
- In a separate bowl, combine creamy peanut butter and softened butter, mixing until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and stir in vanilla extract until creamy.
- Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the cooled crust and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until simmering, then pour over chocolate chips and butter in a heatproof bowl.
- After 5 minutes, whisk until smooth to make the ganache.
- Pour the ganache over the peanut butter layer and chill for 2-3 hours until set.
- Lift the bars from the pan using parchment overhang and cut into squares.
Notes
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature. Chilling layers is crucial for neat cuts.