No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars

No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars puts granulated sugar, vanilla extract and salt at the center of a brownie recipe and finishes in about 135 minutes, enough for 16 Bars (8X8-inch pan).

• Yield 16 Bars (8X8-inch pan)
• Ready in 135 minutes

Ingredients

Crust

• 2 cups ( 200 g ) graham cracker crumbs
• 10 tablespoons ( 140 g ) butter , melted
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Peanut Butter Filling

• 1 cup ( 255 g ) creamy peanut butter
• 4 tablespoons ( 57 g ) butter , softened
• 1 cup ( 114 g ) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Chocolate Topping

• 4 ounces ( 113 g ) semisweet or bittersweet chocolate
• ⅜ cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8X8-inch or 9X9-inch baking pan.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer or in a bowl using a handheld mixer, mix the peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt until the mixture is completely combined and is smooth. Spread over the crumb mixture, smoothing the top with an offset or rubber spatula. Chill the bars for at least an hour, until the filling is set.
3. Heat the chocolate and cream in a medium microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds, until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth. Pour the chocolate over the peanut butter filling and evenly spread with an offset spatula. Chill the bars for at least an hour, until the chocolate topping is set. Run a knife under hot water and wipe clean. Slice the bars with the warm knife. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Cool the pan before you lift the squares.