For a Beginner Baker or a Quick Dessert!
If you’re anything like me and adore the mouthwatering combination of chocolate and peanut butter, then you absolutely have to try the homemade Reese’s Pieces peanut butter bars! This simple no-bake dessert captures the nostalgic essence of a classic Reese’s and elevates it with a unique twist thanks to the “surprise ingredient”: graham cracker crumbs.
First off, texture is key when it comes to desserts, and the addition of graham cracker crumbs gives these bars a delightful crunch that perfectly complements the smoothness of the peanut butter filling. Unlike the store-bought versions, these bars taste like they came straight from a cozy kitchen filled with love and care. You can almost hear the laughter and chatter emanating from a family gathering as you take a bite!
The recipe is refreshingly straightforward, making it an ideal treat for beginner bakers or those who want a quick indulgence without the fuss. The hardest part? Waiting for the bars to chill in the refrigerator for a few hours (though I can’t blame anyone for sneaking a bite before then!). Using just a handful of simple ingredients, including melted butter, powdered sugar, and creamy peanut butter, it comes together in no time. The mix of flavors and textures is both decadent and satisfying.
Ingredients:
Peanut Butter Bars
1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, melted
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
1 cup creamy peanut butter, not all-natural
1/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup mini Reese’s Pieces
Ganache
1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
2 Tablespoons creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup mini Reese’s Pieces
Instructions:
Prepare a 9×13 baking dish by lining with parchment paper or tin foil. This makes the bars much easier to lift out so you can cut them. In a large mixing bowl with a handheld mixer, or use the bowl of a stand mixer, add the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, peanut butter, and brown sugar. Blend together until it’s combined well. Stir in the mini Reese’s Pieces candy.
Press the dough into the prepared pan. It helps if you drop spoonfuls of dough all over the pan, instead of just one big pile in the middle, and then spread it out. I like to use the back of a silverware spoon to help spread. If it’s getting too sticky, lightly spray cooking spray on your fingers or the back of the spoon.
Add the milk chocolate chips and peanut butter into a microwave-safe bowl. Cook for 1 minute and stir. Cook for another 1 minute. Stir again. Pour the peanut butter chocolate over the bars and spread out evenly. Sprinkle more mini Reese’s Pieces over top and gently press them into the chocolate. Cover the pan with tin foil and refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving and cutting.
Leftovers need to be stored in the fridge. As these bars sit at room temperature they will soften up and the chocolate topping will begin to soften and melt slightly.