Chocolate Peanut Butter Squares (Printer-friendly)
A luscious blend of chocolate and peanut butter layered into creamy squares ready to chill and serve.
# What You'll Need:
→ Peanut Butter Layer
01 - 1 cup creamy peanut butter
02 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter
03 - 2 cups powdered sugar
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Chocolate Layer
06 - 1 1/4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
07 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
# How to Prepare:
01 - Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.
02 - In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine peanut butter and butter. Stir continuously until melted and smooth.
03 - Remove from heat. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until fully combined and creamy texture is achieved.
04 - Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly into prepared pan. Smooth top with spatula for uniform layer.
05 - Combine chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons butter in microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth.
06 - Pour melted chocolate over peanut butter layer. Spread evenly to create smooth top surface.
07 - Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until fudge is completely firm and set.
08 - Lift fudge from pan using parchment overhang. Cut into 16 squares. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- No candy thermometer or fancy techniques required, just two bowls and a microwave
- The texture lands somewhere between fudge and truffle, rich enough that one square satisfies completely
02 -
- Room temperature ingredients incorporate more smoothly, so pull everything out about 20 minutes before starting
- The parchment overhang becomes your best friend when lifting the entire fudge block out for cutting
03 -
- Score the chocolate layer lightly after 30 minutes of chilling to create guide lines for cutting later
- Clean your knife blade between every few cuts to keep the layers distinct and beautiful