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peanut butter bars

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.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 24 bars servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

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

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the vanilla extract.
  3. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt until just combined.
  4. Press the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking pan and bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
  5. Let the crust cool completely on a wire rack.
  6. In a separate bowl, combine creamy peanut butter and softened butter, mixing until smooth.
  7. Gradually add powdered sugar and stir in vanilla extract until creamy.
  8. Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the cooled crust and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  9. Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until simmering, then pour over chocolate chips and butter in a heatproof bowl.
  10. After 5 minutes, whisk until smooth to make the ganache.
  11. Pour the ganache over the peanut butter layer and chill for 2-3 hours until set.
  12. 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.