Imagine the perfect collision of campfire nostalgia and decadent dessert magic – where gooey marshmallows, rich chocolate, and creamy peanut butter unite in one irresistible treat! These Peanut Butter Cup S'mores Bars are not just a recipe; they're a game-changing dessert experience that will make your taste buds dance and your friends beg for the recipe. Whether you're a s'mores lover, a peanut butter fanatic, or just someone who appreciates mind-blowing desserts, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x9-inch baking dish by greasing it lightly with cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper for easier removal later.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs and 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter. Stir until the mixture is well combined and resembles wet sand.
- Press the graham cracker mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a solid crust. Use the back of a measuring cup or your fingers to pack it down firmly.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until it is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
- In a separate mixing bowl, add 1 cup of peanut butter and 1 cup of chocolate chips. Microwave the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour the peanut butter and chocolate mixture over the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Evenly distribute 2 cups of mini marshmallows over the peanut butter and chocolate layer, ensuring they cover the surface.
- Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden and slightly toasted.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. This will help them set up a bit before cutting.
- After cooling, use a sharp knife to cut the bars into 12 equal pieces. For cleaner cuts, you may want to lightly spray the knife with cooking spray.
- Serve the Peanut Butter Cup S'mores Bars warm or at room temperature. Enjoy your delicious treat!
Tips
- Use fresh ingredients: Ensure your graham crackers are crisp and your chocolate chips and marshmallows are at their peak freshness.
- Even distribution is key: When pressing the graham cracker crust and spreading the peanut butter-chocolate mixture, use a spatula or the back of a measuring cup to create an even layer.
- Watch the marshmallows carefully: They can go from perfectly golden to burnt quickly, so keep a close eye during the final baking stage.
- For clean cuts, let the bars cool completely or slightly chill them in the refrigerator before slicing.
- Experiment with variations: Try using different chocolate types like dark chocolate or adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top for extra flavor complexity.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 30mg
