Irresistible Creamy Peanut Butter Squares Recipe for Sweet Tooths

Dive into a world of sweet, nutty bliss with these irresistible peanut butter squares that promise pure indulgence.

Creamy peanut butter creates a decadent layer of pure comfort in this simple yet divine dessert.

No complicated techniques or fancy equipment stand between you and these mouthwatering treats.

Rich, smooth, and packed with intense flavor, these squares deliver a classic combination that never disappoints.

Each bite combines the perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

The recipe requires minimal ingredients and delivers maximum satisfaction.

Get ready to become the dessert hero at your next gathering with these crowd-pleasing peanut butter squares.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 17

Peanut Butter Squares Ingredients Snapshot

• Graham Cracker Sheets: Provides crunchy foundation and structural integrity for the squares.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps bind ingredients together smoothly.
• Butter: Enhances rich flavor and creates creamy texture in the base.

• Peanut Butter: Delivers classic nutty taste and creates smooth, luxurious filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances overall dessert complexity.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies other flavor profiles.

• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Creates decadent chocolate layer with perfect melting properties.
• Shortening: Helps chocolate coating become glossy and smooth for elegant finish.

Kitchen Tools for Peanut Butter Squares

• 9×13-inch glass baking dish: Essential for layering and baking the dessert.
• Ziploc bag: Perfect for crushing graham crackers without mess.
• Mixing bowl: Needed for combining peanut butter filling ingredients smoothly.
• Microwave-safe bowl: Ideal for melting chocolate chips evenly.
• Spatula: Helpful for spreading layers and scraping bowls clean.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Knife: Used for cutting squares after chilling.

Peanut Butter Squares Instructions

Chocolate Peanut Butter Heaven

• Preparation Zone

Create a clean workspace in your kitchen. Grab a large rectangular baking dish and lightly coat it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

• Cracker Foundation

Crush graham crackers into fine, sandy pieces using a rolling pin or food processor. These crumbs will provide a delightful base for your sweet treat.

• Creamy Peanut Butter Layer

Blend smooth peanut butter with softened butter, creating a rich and silky mixture. Fold in powdered sugar until the texture becomes soft and spreadable.

• Chocolate Magic

Carefully melt chocolate chips in short bursts, stirring between each heating cycle. The goal is a glossy, smooth chocolate coating that will make everyone swoon.

• Layering Technique

Arrange graham crackers as the first layer in your dish. Generously drizzle melted chocolate, followed by dollops of peanut butter mixture. Repeat the layers, ensuring each bite will be a perfect balance of flavors.

• Chill and Enjoy

Place the dish in the refrigerator for about an hour. The cooling process will help the layers set and intensify the flavors. When ready, slice into delectable squares and watch them disappear quickly.

Variations for Peanut Butter Squares

• Quick Chocolate Swirl: Create artistic chocolate patterns by drizzling melted white chocolate over the top layer for a decorative touch.
• Nutty Crunch Boost: Sprinkle chopped peanuts or toasted almond slivers between layers to add extra texture and depth of flavor.
• Storage Secrets: Keep these squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring maximum freshness and preventing chocolate from melting.
• Gluten-Free Twist: Replace graham crackers with gluten-free graham-style crackers or crushed gluten-free cookies to make this dessert accessible for those with dietary restrictions.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dessert up to 3 days in advance, which allows flavors to meld and makes party planning a breeze.

Serve Peanut Butter Squares with Style

• Sweet Dessert Companion: Pair these peanut butter squares with a cold glass of milk for a classic, nostalgic treat that brings out the rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter flavors.
• Crowd-Pleasing Party Platter: Arrange the squares on a decorative tray with fresh strawberries or raspberries to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness that complements the dessert's indulgent nature.
• Afternoon Tea Delight: Serve alongside a hot cup of coffee or herbal tea, creating a perfect mid-afternoon snack that satisfies sweet cravings and provides a delightful energy boost.
• Frozen Twist Option: For a summer variation, place the squares in the freezer for an extra-cool, refreshing dessert that offers a delightful texture and intensified flavor profile.

Storage Advice for Peanut Butter Squares

• Refrigerator Storage Magic: Keep these delightful squares in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cool environment helps maintain their perfect texture and prevents chocolate from melting.
• Freezer-Friendly Treat: Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container for maximum 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for a quick, delicious dessert that tastes just as amazing as freshly made.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the entire batch up to 2 days before your event or gathering. Simply cover and refrigerate until ready to serve, which allows flavors to meld beautifully and saves precious preparation time.
• Portion Control Tip: Cut squares into smaller bite-sized pieces for easier serving at parties or for those wanting a lighter sweet treat. Smaller portions also help control indulgence while still enjoying every delicious bite.

Decadent Peanut Butter Squares Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 17 1x

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Description

Irresistible chocolate peanut butter squares combine rich cocoa with creamy peanut butter in a delightful no-bake dessert. Chocolate drizzle and crumbly graham cracker base ensure you’ll savor each indulgent bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 cups creamy peanut butter
• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 14 whole graham cracker sheets
• 8 tbsps (½ cup / 113 grams) butter, softened
• 4 tbsps (¼ cup / 57 grams) shortening
• 2 tsps vanilla extract
• ½ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Prep Station: Coat glass baking dish with non-stick spray and crush graham crackers into fine crumbs using a rolling pin within a sealed plastic bag.
2. Peanut Butter Filling: Whisk peanut butter, softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth, then gently incorporate powdered sugar to create a spreadable consistency.
3. Chocolate Preparation: Melt chocolate chips with shortening in microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until achieving a glossy, uniform liquid.
4. Layer Foundation: Create a base layer of whole graham crackers in the prepared dish, then drizzle and spread one-third of melted chocolate evenly across the surface.
5. Filling Assembly: Distribute flattened peanut butter mixture uniformly over the chocolate layer, then cover with another one-third of melted chocolate.
6. Final Construction: Top with remaining graham crackers, coat with final chocolate layer, and sprinkle reserved graham cracker crumbs for enhanced texture.
7. Chilling Phase: Refrigerate for one hour to allow layers to solidify and flavors to harmonize, then slice into square portions and serve chilled.

Notes

• Optimize Non-Stick Coating: Spray glass dish thoroughly to guarantee effortless dessert removal and prevent frustrating sticking.
• Master Crumb Technique: Crush graham crackers inside a sealed bag using steady rolling pin pressure for consistent, fine texture without messy crumbs.
• Achieve Smooth Filling: Blend peanut butter ingredients gradually, stirring until mixture reaches silky, spreadable consistency without lumps.
• Perfect Chocolate Melting: Heat chocolate chips with shortening in brief microwave intervals, stirring between sessions to create glossy, uniform chocolate coating.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 17
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg