Experience the magic of Disneyland at home with these irresistible Peanut Butter Squares, featuring layers of graham crackers, creamy peanut butter filling, and rich chocolate topping, perfect for a delightful treat any time.
Author:Lona
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:0 minutes
Total Time:1 hour 15 minutes
Yield:24 squares
Category:Dessert
Method:No-Cook
Cuisine:American
Ingredients
Base and Filling
14 whole graham cracker sheets
2 cups creamy peanut butter
8 tablespoons butter, softened
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt
3½ cups powdered sugar
Chocolate Topping
4 tablespoons shortening
4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
Prepare Baking Dish and Graham Cracker Crumbs: Spray a 9×13-inch glass baking dish with non-stick spray. Place 2 whole graham cracker sheets in a Ziploc bag and crush them into crumbs using a meat mallet or the bottom of a glass. Set aside.
Make Peanut Butter Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Gradually add the powdered sugar a little at a time, mixing well until fully incorporated and smooth.
Melt Chocolate Mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips with shortening. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. Be cautious not to overheat.
Assemble First Layers: Lay 6 whole graham cracker sheets evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour about one-third of the melted chocolate over the graham crackers in a thin, even layer.
Add Peanut Butter Layer: Using your hands, take fistfuls of the peanut butter mixture and flatten each piece. Carefully place these flattened pieces on top of the chocolate layer, covering as much surface as possible without breaking the graham crackers underneath. Use all of the peanut butter mixture.
Layer Chocolate and Graham Crackers: Pour another one-third of the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer. Then, add another layer of 6 whole graham cracker sheets on top, followed by the remaining melted chocolate poured evenly over the final cracker layer.
Add Crumbled Topping and Chill: Sprinkle the crushed graham cracker crumbs evenly over the top chocolate layer. Place the baking dish in the refrigerator and let it cool for at least 1 hour to set.
Cut and Serve: Once chilled and set, cut the dessert into squares of your preferred size and serve.
Notes
For best results, use creamy peanut butter for a smooth texture.
Ensure not to overheat the chocolate to avoid burning and clumping.
Use a glass or ceramic dish instead of metal to prevent any metallic taste.
You can store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to one week.
Feel free to adjust the size of the squares to your liking.