Sunday, July 21, 2013

Peanut Butter Cup Bars

 They're a little bit of smooth and creamy with a little bit of crunch. The delightful flavours of the chocolate top layer combine in complete harmony with the fudgy peanut butter and make it oh so rich and irresistible.
Peanut Butter Bars. I knew when I came across Christine's blog Kitchen Chronicles that she would be the culprit of a weekend's indulgence and possible weight gain. (Don't worry Christine, I already can't see my toes anyway. My hubby had to do a few more kilometers at the gym though, he doesn't have pregnancy as an excuse!)
I loved everything about this slice, not only the flavour and appearance, but that because of the divine richness, it forced portion control. It's also a really easy recipe to make, and requires no use of the oven, just a little bit of the stove or microwave, which makes it great for summer. The only problem I had was a wee one--the peanut butter layer tended to come away with the knife when I cut through the bar. It was probably an error in my butter calculations that made it so. I heated the knife to make it easier to cut the chocolate layer, so maybe that had something to do with it as well.
Well, I'm off for a while from the Secret Recipe Club to have my bub! Wish me luck!






PEANUT BUTTER CUP BARS (Adapted from Kitchen Chronicles)

Peanut Butter Layer:

3/4 cup butter
1 3/4 cups icing sugar
1 cup smooth peanut butter
3/4 cup biscuit crumbs (I used crushed Scotch Fingers but biscuits such as Graham Crackers do the trick well also)

Chocolate Layer:

1/3 cup butter
1 cup dark chocolate buttons

Garnish:

1 tbsp smooth peanut butter

Grease a 9x9 inch tray and line with baking paper.
To make the peanut butter layer, place the butter in a medium saucepan and melt over a low heat. Add the icing sugar, peanut butter and biscuit crumbs and stir until well combined.
Pour this mixture into the prepared tray and smooth with a spatula. Set aside.
For the chocolate layer, place the butter and chocolate in a small saucepan over a low heat. Stirring continuously, allow the chocolate and butter to melt and incorporate. Remove from heat. Gently pour this mixture over the peanut butter layer and smooth with a spatula.
In a zip lock bag, place the remaining peanut butter for the garnish. Microwave gently for 15-30 seconds until the peanut butter is runny, then decorate the top of the chocolate layer as desired. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before cutting with a hot knife.



14 comments:

  1. Nothing better than peanut butter and chocolate. Nothing.

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  2. Hi, I'm an honorary group C member this month. :) You had me at peanut butter and chocolate, my favorite combo. Congrats on your upcoming birth!

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  3. I just made these for my work group last week as a thank you for throwing me a baby shower! They are certainly addicting and I try not to think about the weight gain that follows ;). Of course, these days I'm like you and being pregnant, I don't worry about it too much! I'm glad you enjoyed this recipe and congratulations on your upcoming birth! When are you due? I'm due 8/10 and so this is my last SRC before a small break as well.

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  4. Oh Louise! They look just like my grandma used to make! So good :)

    I had you this month!! Thank YOU for your cajun chicken recipe with the mango, avocado salsa. It was phenomenal and is now in our weekly cooking repertoire. I was even so impressed, I'm making it the next time I cook dinner for friends. Thank you thank you thank you!! Happy SRC Reveal!!

    xo,
    Kristy

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  5. These are so gorgeous! Your pictures are incredible! I so would love one of these for breakfast!

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  6. Those look like the best bars ever! I hope you froze some for when baby arrives! Good luck!

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  7. Totally understand your choice! These would be a hit in my house!

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  8. You had me at peanut butter :)

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  9. Oh.my. goodness. I'm a sucker for anything peanut butter & chocolate - the only problem is I know I'd eat way more than my fair share - need to make these for when I can gift some of them as well (which will not be a problem at all!)

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  10. Yum! There is nothing better than chocolate and peanut butter. Look great!

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  11. You had me at peanut butter cup! Good gravy! I want to lick my screen!

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  12. A perfect summer treat. No bake and combining the best flavors in the world--chocolate and peanut butter, sounds like a winner to me. Congratulations on your little one!!

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  13. These look delicious, perfect squares.

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Give me some sugar, Sugar...