Are you ready to indulge in a sweet, nutty delight that will have your taste buds dancing? Look no further than Bridget's Peanut Butter Bars! This irresistible American treat combines the rich, creamy goodness of peanut butter with the delightful crunch of graham crackers and a sprinkle of chocolate chips to create a dessert that’s simply unforgettable. Perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself—these bars are incredibly easy to make and require just 30 minutes from start to finish. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a dessert that’s sure to become a new favorite!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly using a wooden spoon or electric mixer until the ingredients are smooth and well incorporated.
- Add graham cracker crumbs to the mixture and stir until a consistent dough forms. The texture should be slightly crumbly but hold together when pressed.
- Transfer the dough into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula or your hands to press it evenly into all corners, creating a uniform layer.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly across the top of the dough, gently pressing them slightly into the surface.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan for about 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out of the pan and transfer to a cutting board.
- Cut into 12 equal rectangular bars using a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for neat edges.
- Serve and enjoy at room temperature, or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Use Creamy Peanut Butter: For a smoother texture, opt for creamy peanut butter. If you prefer a bit of crunch, feel free to use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
- Don’t Skip the Parchment Paper: Lining your baking pan with parchment paper not only makes for easy removal of the bars but also helps to prevent sticking, ensuring your bars come out perfectly shaped.
- Mix Thoroughly: When combining the ingredients, make sure to mix until everything is well incorporated. This ensures a consistent flavor throughout the bars.
- Press Firmly: When spreading the dough into the baking pan, press it down firmly to create a uniform layer. This helps the bars hold together better once baked.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting. This step is crucial for achieving clean, neat edges and preventing them from crumbling.
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to get creative! Add chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even drizzle some melted chocolate on top for an extra special touch.
- Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze well, so you can enjoy them later!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
