No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars

http://www.melskitchencafe.com/2012/07/no-bake-peanut-butter-chocolate-bars.html
No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars

printed from melskitchencafe.com

*Makes 16 2-inch squares

INGREDIENTS:
Crust:
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
10 tablespoons butter, melted
1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Peanut Butter Filling:
1 cup creamy peanut butter
4 tablespoons butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

Chocolate Topping:
4 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate
3/8 cup heavy cream

DIRECTIONS:

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. 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.

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.