Description
Disneyland Peanut Butter Sandwich Bars are a rich and delicious no-bake dessert featuring layers of crunchy graham crackers, creamy peanut butter filling, and smooth semi-sweet chocolate. These easy homemade chocolate peanut butter bars are perfect for parties, holidays, and make-ahead treats.
Ingredients
18–20 whole graham cracker sheets
2 cups creamy peanut butter
8 tablespoons butter, softened
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt
3½ cups powdered sugar
4 tablespoons shortening
4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Non-stick cooking spray, for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Lightly spray a 9×13-inch glass baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- Place 2 whole graham cracker sheets in a resealable plastic bag and crush them into fine crumbs using a rolling pin or the bottom of a sturdy glass. Reserve the crumbs for topping.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing thoroughly after each addition until a thick, smooth dough forms. Knead with your hands if necessary.
- Combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and shortening in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until completely melted and smooth. Avoid overheating.
- Arrange approximately 6 whole graham cracker sheets in a single layer across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Break additional crackers as needed to cover the surface evenly.
- Pour approximately one-third of the melted chocolate over the graham crackers. Spread evenly with a spatula to create a thin chocolate layer.
- Flatten the peanut butter filling into an even layer using your hands or by rolling it between two sheets of parchment paper. Carefully place the filling over the chocolate layer, pressing gently to distribute it evenly.
- Spread another one-third of the melted chocolate over the peanut butter filling. Arrange another complete layer of graham crackers on top, breaking crackers as needed to cover the surface.
- Pour the remaining melted chocolate over the top graham cracker layer and spread evenly. Immediately sprinkle the reserved graham cracker crumbs over the chocolate.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate and peanut butter layers are completely firm.
- Remove from the refrigerator and allow to stand at room temperature for 5–10 minutes. Using a sharp knife, cut into 24 squares and serve chilled or slightly softened.
Notes
For extra crunch, substitute crunchy peanut butter for creamy peanut butter.
Dark chocolate chips can replace semi-sweet chocolate chips for a deeper, less sweet chocolate flavor.
For a decorative finish, drizzle melted white chocolate over the chilled bars.
Add a small amount of crispy rice cereal to the peanut butter filling for additional crunch.
Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the final chocolate layer to balance the sweetness.
Milk chocolate chips can be substituted for a sweeter, creamier chocolate coating.
Regular creamy peanut butter provides the most consistent filling. If using natural peanut butter, stir thoroughly before measuring.
If the peanut butter filling becomes too crumbly, knead thoroughly or add a small amount of additional creamy peanut butter until it holds together.
For cleaner slices, warm a sharp knife under hot water, dry completely, and wipe between cuts.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Separate stacked layers with parchment paper.
Freeze individual bars in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
For the best texture, remove the bars from the refrigerator 10–15 minutes before serving.
These bars can be prepared a day ahead. Overnight refrigeration helps the layers firm up and makes slicing easier.
Do not reheat. These bars are designed to be served chilled or slightly softened at room temperature.
For parties, cut the bars into smaller bite-sized squares because they are very rich.
Nutrition values are approximate estimates per bar and may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 12 mg
