Classic Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars
Transport yourself back to childhood with these indulgent Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars, a nostalgic treat cherished by young and old alike. This delightful dessert brings together creamy peanut butter and velvety chocolate in a heavenly combination that will make your taste buds dance. The recipe was a lunchtime staple from first to twelfth grade, often traded amongst friends on 'Pizza Fridays' in the bustling cafeteria of Whitehall School District, Pennsylvania. With a simple preparation and a delightful balance of flavors, each bite is a trip down memory lane. Serve them at parties or as an effortless dessert for family gatherings, and watch as they steal the spotlight. Prepare for a batch that can generously serve 12 to 24 people, depending on your serving size – perfect for sharing or savoring on your own!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
peanut butter
2 lbs (smooth)
butter or margarine
1/4 lb (softened)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (none)
confectioners' sugar
1 lb (sifted)
brown sugar
1/3 cup (packed)
milk chocolate
8 ounces (melted)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, softened butter or margarine, vanilla extract, confectioners' sugar, and brown sugar.
2
Using a heavy-duty mixer, blend until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
3
In a separate saucepan, melt the milk chocolate over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
4
Once the chocolate is melted and smooth, remove it from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
5
Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly into a greased 13x9 inch pan, smoothing it out with a spatula.
6
Pour the melted milk chocolate over the peanut butter layer, spreading it evenly to cover the surface.
7
Refrigerate the pan for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate is set.
8
Once chilled, cut the bars into squares. For a delightful touch reminiscent of school days, place each square in a muffin or cupcake paper for easy serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Classic Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars?
They are a nostalgic, no-bake dessert featuring a creamy peanut butter base and a velvety milk chocolate topping, famously served in the Whitehall School District.
Is this recipe a no-bake dessert?
Yes, these bars do not require baking; they are set by refrigerating for at least two hours.
How much peanut butter is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 lbs of smooth peanut butter.
What type of butter should I use?
You can use 1/4 lb of either butter or margarine, as long as it is softened.
How much confectioners' sugar is required?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of sifted confectioners' sugar.
Does the recipe use brown sugar?
Yes, it includes 1/3 cup of packed brown sugar in the peanut butter mixture.
What kind of chocolate is used for the topping?
The topping is made from 8 ounces of melted milk chocolate.
How long do the bars need to chill?
The bars should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate layer is completely set.
What size pan should I use?
You should use a greased 13x9 inch pan.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
Depending on how you cut them, the recipe yields approximately 12 to 24 servings.
How do I melt the chocolate for the topping?
Melt the milk chocolate in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent it from burning.
Should the confectioners' sugar be sifted?
Yes, the recipe specifies using sifted confectioners' sugar to ensure a smooth texture.
Is vanilla extract used in this recipe?
Yes, one teaspoon of vanilla extract is added to the peanut butter base.
What equipment is recommended for mixing?
A heavy-duty mixer is recommended to blend the thick peanut butter and sugar mixture until smooth.
How should I prepare the pan?
The 13x9 inch pan should be greased before spreading the peanut butter mixture into it.
What is the historical significance of these bars?
These bars were a lunchtime staple in the Whitehall School District in Pennsylvania, often traded on 'Pizza Fridays'.
How should the bars be served for a nostalgic touch?
For a look reminiscent of school days, place each cut square into a muffin or cupcake paper.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead?
The classic version uses smooth peanut butter for a creamy consistency, but you can use crunchy if you prefer added texture.
When should I cut the bars?
Cut the bars into squares only after they have been thoroughly chilled and the chocolate has set.
Are these bars suitable for large parties?
Yes, they are described as perfect for sharing at parties or family gatherings due to the large yield.
Does the chocolate need to cool before pouring?
Yes, once the chocolate is melted, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly before spreading it over the peanut butter layer.
What is the texture of the peanut butter layer?
The texture is smooth and dense, achieved by mixing peanut butter, butter, and sugars.
Is this an easy recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is classified as an easy recipe with simple preparation steps.
How do I smooth the peanut butter layer into the pan?
Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly into the corners of the greased pan.
Can I substitute the milk chocolate for dark chocolate?
While the original recipe calls for milk chocolate, dark chocolate can be used for a less sweet alternative.
How much butter is 1/4 lb?
1/4 lb of butter is equivalent to one standard stick (1/2 cup).
Should the brown sugar be packed?
Yes, the 1/3 cup of brown sugar should be packed when measuring.
Is there any salt added to the recipe?
The recipe does not call for additional salt, as the peanut butter and butter usually provide enough.
Can these bars be stored at room temperature?
It is best to keep them refrigerated to ensure the chocolate topping remains set and the bars stay firm.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include chocolate, peanut butter, dessert, nostalgic, bar cookie, and no-bake dessert.