Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Saucepan
- Spatula
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, beat together the peanut butter and softened butter until smooth.
2. Add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until well combined.
3. Stir in the graham cracker crumbs until fully incorporated.
4. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
5. In a saucepan, heat the chocolate chips and heavy cream over low heat, stirring constantly, until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
6. Pour the chocolate mixture over the peanut butter mixture in the baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
7. Chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate has set.
8. Cut into bars and serve.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Chilling time: 1 hour
5. Temperature:
No temperature needed.
Serving size:
Makes 12-16 bars.
Nutritional information:
Calories: 350
Fat: 23g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 7g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Creamy peanut butter can be substituted with crunchy peanut butter.
- Semisweet chocolate chips can be substituted with milk chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half or whole milk.
Variations:
- Add chopped peanuts or mini marshmallows to the peanut butter mixture for added texture.
- Use white chocolate chips instead of semisweet chocolate chips for a different flavor.
- Add a layer of caramel sauce on top of the peanut butter mixture before adding the chocolate layer.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before mixing it with the peanut butter.
- Use a spatula to press the peanut butter mixture evenly into the baking dish.
- Chill the bars for at least an hour to ensure the chocolate layer sets properly.
Storage instructions:
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Reheating instructions:
No reheating needed.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the bars on a platter or in a decorative container.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle chopped peanuts or sea salt on top of the bars for added flavor.
Pairings:
Serve the bars with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
No side dishes needed.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the peanut butter mixture is too dry, add a little more softened butter.
- If the chocolate mixture is too thick, add a little more heavy cream.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to use clean hands and utensils when preparing the bars to avoid contamination.
Food history:
Peanut butter chocolate bars have been a popular dessert in the United States since the 1950s.
Flavor profiles:
The bars have a sweet and salty flavor, with a creamy peanut butter filling and a rich chocolate topping.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the bars as a dessert or a sweet snack.
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