No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (9-inch) graham cracker crust
• 1 (12-ounce) bag semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped peanuts, optional

Preparation Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

0 minutes

Difficulty Level:

1 (Simple)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
2. Spread the peanut butter mixture into the prepared graham cracker crust.
3. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
4. Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and spread evenly.
5. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts, if desired.
6. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 370 per bar
• Fat: 21g
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Protein: 7g

Dish Characteristics:

• Rich and decadent
• Sweet and salty
• No-bake and easy to make
• Perfect for parties or potlucks

User Comments:

• "These bars are so addictive! The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is irresistible."
• "I love that they're no-bake so I can make them in a hurry."
• "These bars are always a hit at parties. They're a crowd-pleaser for sure."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use a good-quality peanut butter for the best flavor.
• Do not overmix the peanut butter mixture, or the bars will become tough.
• If the chocolate chips are not melting smoothly in the microwave, add a splash of vegetable oil.
• Let the bars cool completely before cutting them into bars to prevent them from falling apart.