Chocolate Peanut Squares Recipes

CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER SQUARES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F and spray a 9-inch square baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
• Make the crust: Combine the chocolate wafers, sugar, butter and peanut butter in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the blade attachment and pulse until the cookies are finely crushed. Press the mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan (I spread it with my hands first, then use the bottom of a measuring cup to even it out). Bake for 8 minutes. Set on a rack to cool completely.
• In the meantime, make the peanut butter filling: Combine all of the filling ingredients together in the bowl of a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and mix at low speed until just combined (do not whip). Set the bowl in the refrigerator while you prepare the rest.
• Make the chocolate ganache topping: Combine the milk chocolate chips and heavy cream in a microwave safe bowl and cook in the microwave at medium power (50%) for 1 minute. Stir until the bowl no longer feels warm. Continue heating at 15-30 second intervals, stirring until chocolate is smooth and melted. Do not overheat.
• Put it all together: Spread about ¼ cup of the chocolate mixture evenly over the cooled crust; place the pan in the freezer until the chocolate is set, 5-10 minutes. Spread the peanut butter mixture into an even layer over the chocolate (if it's firm, you can use your hands; if it's soft, use a butter knife or an offset spatula). Give the chocolate ganache a quick stir to smooth any lumps, then spread it evenly over top of the peanut butter layer. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and place in the freezer for 1 hour to set (or, if you're not in a hurry, you can just leave it in the refrigerator for a few hours). When firm, use a sharp knife to cut into squares (make them small as they are very rich!). Run an offset spatula underneath the bars to release the crust so it doesn't crumble. Keep refrigerated and serve cool.
• Freezer-Friendly Instructions: These can be frozen tightly covered for up to 3 months. Let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER CRISPY BARS

Steps:

• Line an 8-inch square baking dish with a strip of parchment paper, cut to fit neatly across the base and up opposite sides. In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown rice crisps and 1 cup of the chopped pecans (reserve the rest for sprinkling on top). Set both aside.
• In a medium saucepan, combine the peanut butter and honey. Warm the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring often, until it's steaming or you catch a bubble or two forming on the bottom, about 5 minutes. (We don't want this mixture to come to a boil or the peanut butter could scorch.)
• Pour the warm mixture into the bowl of rice crisps. Using a rubber or silicone spatula, stir until the mixture is completely combined. Transfer it all to the lined baking dish. Press down with the spatula to spread it fairly evenly, then switch to a large, sturdy glass with a flat bottom (maybe a working jar or mason jar or what-have-you) and press down firmly all over, including the corners. You really want to pack it down (it's ok if you hear some crunching noises). Lastly, use your hands to ensure that it's evenly compacted.
• Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring after each one. Don't overdo it. The chocolate is done when it's about 90% melted-keep stirring off the heat and the pieces should completely dissolve. (Alternately, you can use melt it in a heat-proof bowl set over a saucepan of gently simmering water.)
• Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter-crispy mixture. Use a clean spatula to spread it evenly all over. Make some pretty chocolate swooshes if you'd like. Sprinkle the remaining pecans on top, followed by the salt.
• Place the baking dish in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or up to a day. To slice, carefully grab both sides of the parchment paper and lift it out of the baking dish. Use a sharp chef's knife to make 4 even columns and 4 even rows-to minimize the risk of cracking the chocolate, carefully apply even pressure from above the knife to press straight down, rather than sawing from one edge across.
• These bars will keep well at room temperature for up to 1 week, or for several months in the freezer. Store in an air-tight container either way.

NO-BAKE CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER BARS

Steps:

• Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch square baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Set aside.
• Mix the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, and confectioners' sugar together in a medium bowl. Stir in 1 cup (250g) of peanut butter, then press evenly into prepared baking pan.
• Melt remaining 2 Tablespoons of peanut butter with the chocolate chips in the microwave or on the stove. Stir until smooth. Spread over peanut butter layer.
• Chill in the refrigerator until completely firm, at least 2 hours. Allow to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before cutting. Serve chilled. Setting them out for a few hours at room temperature for serving is OK.
• Cover leftover bars tightly and refrigerate for up to 1 week.

CHOCOLATE MARSHMALLOW PEANUT BUTTER SQUARES

Steps:

• Place first 5 ingredients in a large heavy saucepan; cook and stir over low heat until smooth and blended, about 5 minutes (mixture will be very thick). Remove from heat; stir in remaining ingredients. Spread into a greased 13x9-in. pan., Refrigerate, covered, until firm, about 4 hours. Cut into squares. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

CHOCOLATE-SALTED PEANUT CRUNCH SQUARES

Steps:

• Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper and set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, maple sugar and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Whisk in the warm melted cacao butter and vanilla until smooth. Gently stir in the cereal and peanuts; pour into the lined pan and, using an offset spatula, spread evenly. Scatter some peanuts over the top and let set overnight at room temperature or refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours. Cut into squares and serve.

CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER BARS IV

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, stir together graham cracker crumbs, confectioners' sugar, peanut butter and melted butter. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9x13 inch pan. Melt chocolate chips over a double boiler or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Spread melted chocolate over the crumb crust. Chill for about 5 minutes, then cut into bars before the chocolate is completely set, then chill until ready to serve.