Description
Disneyland Peanut Butter Squares are rich, layered treats featuring a base of graham crackers topped with creamy peanut butter mixture and smooth chocolate layers. This no-bake dessert is easy to prepare and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with contrasting textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Layer
- 14 whole graham cracker sheets
Peanut Butter Mixture
- 2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 8 tablespoons butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3½ cups powdered sugar
Chocolate Topping
- 4 tablespoons shortening
- 4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Spray a 9×13-inch glass baking dish generously with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Crush graham cracker crumbs: Place 2 whole graham cracker sheets inside a Ziploc bag and crush them into fine crumbs using a meat mallet or the bottom of a glass. Set aside for topping.
- Mix peanut butter filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Gradually add the powdered sugar in small amounts, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Melt chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine semi-sweet chocolate chips and shortening. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth. Avoid overheating to prevent burning.
- Layer graham crackers: Lay 6 whole graham cracker sheets evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the first layer.
- Add first chocolate layer: Pour about one-third of the melted chocolate over the graham cracker layer, spreading it into a thin, even coating.
- Spread peanut butter layer: Using your hands, take fistfuls of the peanut butter mixture and flatten them. Place the flattened pieces over the chocolate layer, covering as much surface as possible without cracking the graham crackers below. Use all of the peanut butter mixture for this layer.
- Repeat chocolate and graham cracker layers: Pour another one-third of the melted chocolate evenly over the peanut butter layer. Then lay another 6 whole graham cracker sheets on top, followed by the remaining chocolate poured evenly over the final graham cracker layer.
- Top with crumbs: Sprinkle the reserved crushed graham cracker crumbs over the top chocolate layer for added texture and presentation.
- Chill and serve: Place the assembled dish in the refrigerator and let it cool for at least 1 hour to set. Once firm, cut into squares of your preferred size and serve.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- When melting chocolate, stir frequently to avoid scorching.
- Use a glass or ceramic dish to evenly set the squares without sticking.
- Chilling for longer than an hour will firm up the squares further and make cutting easier.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
