Description
Homemade peanut butter squares deliver creamy chocolate-topped indulgence straight from childhood memories. Layers of graham cracker crust, rich peanut butter filling, and smooth chocolate glaze promise sweet comfort you’ll savor with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3½ cups powdered sugar
Base and Binding Ingredients:
- 14 whole graham cracker sheets
- 8 tablespoons (½ cup / 113 grams) butter, softened
- 4 tablespoons (¼ cup / 57 grams) shortening
Flavoring and Seasoning:
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare a glass baking dish by coating the interior with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the dessert.
- Create graham cracker crumbs by placing whole graham cracker sheets inside a sealed plastic bag and crushing them into fine, uniform fragments using a rolling pin or flat surface.
- Craft the peanut butter filling by blending peanut butter, softened butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl until thoroughly incorporated.
- Gradually fold powdered sugar into the peanut butter mixture, stirring consistently until the texture becomes smooth and spreadable.
- Melt chocolate chips with shortening in a microwave-safe container, heating in brief 30-second intervals and stirring between each session to achieve a glossy, uniform consistency.
- Construct the first layer by arranging whole graham crackers across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a solid foundation.
- Drizzle and spread one-third of the melted chocolate evenly over the graham cracker base, ensuring complete coverage.
- Carefully distribute flattened portions of the peanut butter mixture atop the chocolate layer, creating a uniform blanket of creamy filling.
- Apply another one-third of the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer, covering it completely.
- Position the remaining graham crackers on top of the chocolate layer and generously coat with the final portion of melted chocolate.
- Sprinkle the reserved graham cracker crumbs across the surface for added texture and visual appeal.
- Refrigerate the dessert for a minimum of one hour to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld together.
- Once chilled, slice into square portions and serve immediately for a delectable treat.
Notes
- Prepare your kitchen workspace with a glass baking dish, non-stick spray, and all ingredients measured and ready.
- Crushing graham crackers in a sealed bag creates a perfect textural base, releasing their sweet, nutty flavor for the dessert.
- Melting chocolate smoothly requires gentle heat and consistent stirring, transforming chips into a glossy, silky coating that binds the layers together.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 445
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 49 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg