Peanut Butter Chocolate Crunch Squares Recipe

Craving a sweet treat with layers of fudgy goodness, crispy crunch, and a creamy finish? These Peanut Butter Chocolate Crunch Squares deliver just that. Every bite offers a perfect blend of rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and a satisfying cereal crunch.

Let's dive into this mouthwatering recipe that is easy to whip up and even easier to devour.

Yield(s): Makes 9 medium-sized bars

20m prep time

30m cook time

1h inactive

Photo byGLP

Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Base:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Crispy Peanut Layer:

• 14 oz peanut butter chips
• ¼ cup smooth peanut butter
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream
• ½ cup peanut butter puff cereal

For the Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting:

• 1 cup smooth peanut butter
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup powdered sugar

Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Chocolate Base

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease an 8x8-inch baking dish. Line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. In a small bowl, mix together flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
3. In a separate large bowl, beat together butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until well combined.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with just a few crumbs attached. Let it cool completely.

Step 2: Create the Crispy Peanut Layer

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine peanut butter chips, smooth peanut butter, and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
2. Stir in the peanut butter cereal until well-coated, then spread the mixture evenly over the cooled chocolate base. Refrigerate to set.

Step 3: Whip up the Peanut Butter Frosting

1. Using a mixer, beat together smooth peanut butter and unsalted butter until creamy and free of lumps. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
3. Spread the frosting over the cereal layer and refrigerate until firm.

Once everything is set, lift the dessert out of the pan using the parchment paper, slice into squares, and indulge in the peanut butter-chocolate crunch perfection.

Substitutions:

• Swap out peanut butter chips for white chocolate chips if you prefer a milder flavor.
• Use almond butter or sunflower seed butter in place of peanut butter for a different nutty taste.
• If peanut butter cereal isn’t available, try using rice cereal for a lighter, crispier texture.

Storage Tips:

Store these bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. If you’d like to make them ahead of time, you can freeze them. Just wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container. Let them thaw in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Sweetest Menu.

https://12tomatoes.com/peanut-butter-crunch-bars/