If you have a sweet tooth that craves nostalgic flavors with a delightful twist, then you absolutely must try this Irresistible Disneyland’s Peanut Butter Sandwich Bars Recipe. These bars capture the magic of the beloved Disneyland treat, combining layers of crunchy graham crackers, creamy peanut butter filling, and a smooth chocolate topping that sets just right. Every bite offers a perfect harmony of textures and flavors that will transport you straight to a joyful dessert moment, making it a true crowd-pleaser and a personal favorite that’s easy to whip up at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of rich, creamy, and crunchy textures. From the buttery graham crackers forming the base, to the luscious peanut butter mixture, and the glossy chocolate layer that seals it all in, every component is straightforward, yet crucial to the overall experience.
- 1 sleeve graham crackers (approx. 9 whole crackers), plus extra for layering: These crackers create the crunchy foundation and top for your bars.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: Provides that smooth, nutty richness that’s key to the filling.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds moisture and helps bind the filling while enriching flavor.
- 1½ cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the peanut butter filling perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its warm, aromatic touch.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances and intensifies the sweetness of the filling.
- 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: For the luscious chocolate topping that makes these bars irresistible.
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter (to help the chocolate set soft): Keeps the chocolate layer soft and creamy, not hard or brittle.
How to Make Irresistible Disneyland’s Peanut Butter Sandwich Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by lining an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This simple step helps you lift the bars out easily once they’re set, keeping the clean lines intact and saving you from any sticky situations.
Step 2: Lay the Base Layer
Next, arrange the whole graham crackers in a single layer at the bottom of the pan. Don’t worry if you need to break a few pieces to fill gaps — just make sure the base is completely covered. This crunchy base is essential for the sandwich bars’ satisfying texture.
Step 3: Make the Peanut Butter Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Whip it all together until smooth and thick, creating a creamy filling that’s packed with flavor and just sweet enough to balance the savory notes.
Step 4: Spread the Peanut Butter Mixture
Pour this luscious filling evenly over the graham cracker base and use a spatula to smooth it out gently. This layer gives you that rich, creamy middle that sandwiches the bars perfectly.
Step 5: Add the Top Layer of Graham Crackers
Place another full layer of graham crackers on top of the peanut butter layer. Press down lightly to secure the layers together without crushing the crackers completely. This step keeps the bars sturdy and gives that satisfying crunch every time you bite in.
Step 6: Melt and Spread the Chocolate Topping
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons of peanut butter in 30-second bursts, stirring between intervals until smooth and glossy. This combination ensures the chocolate stays soft and silky. Pour and spread this heavenly chocolate topping evenly over the top layer of crackers.
Step 7: Chill and Set
Place the pan into the refrigerator for at least 1 to 2 hours, allowing the chocolate to firm up and the bars to set completely, which makes slicing easier and cleaner.
Step 8: Slice and Serve
Once set, use the parchment paper to lift the block from the pan. Slice with a sharp knife into squares or rectangles. These bars are delicious chilled or at room temperature, perfect for any occasion.
How to Serve Irresistible Disneyland’s Peanut Butter Sandwich Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle a few crushed peanuts or mini chocolate chips atop the chocolate layer before chilling. A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce can also elevate the presentation and add bursts of contrasting flavors.
Side Dishes
These bars pair beautifully with a tall glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee or tea. Their decadent richness complements the softness of these beverages, making snack time feel like an indulgent treat you deserve.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the bars on a decorative platter alongside fresh berries or banana slices for a pop of color and freshness. Wrapping bars individually in parchment paper tied with twine makes them perfect gifts or portable snacks for on-the-go enjoyment.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your bars fresh by storing them covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay tasty and firm for up to 5 days, which means you can enjoy this treat throughout the week without any worries.
Freezing
You can also freeze the bars for longer storage. Wrap individual bars or the whole slab tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. They freeze well for up to 2 months and thaw quickly in the fridge or on the countertop.
Reheating
For best texture, serve the bars chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer softened chocolate, leave them out for about 10 minutes after refrigeration. Avoid microwaving as it can alter the texture of the peanut butter layer and make the graham crackers soggy.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add an extra bit of texture inside the creamy filling, making each bite even more interesting. Just be sure to mix it thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
Is there a substitute for graham crackers?
If graham crackers are not available, digestive biscuits or any lightly sweetened crackers can work as a substitute. Just keep in mind the flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, natural peanut butter works well, but because it tends to be less sweet and more oily, you might want to adjust the powdered sugar amount to suit your taste and ensure the filling sets properly.
How do I prevent the chocolate from being too hard?
Mixing a small amount of peanut butter with the melted chocolate, as the recipe suggests, helps keep the top layer soft and creamy instead of hard and brittle, perfect for that true Disneyland bar experience.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Definitely! Just make sure to use a larger baking dish to accommodate the doubled ingredients and keep the layers even. Adjust chilling time slightly to ensure the bars set thoroughly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to recreate a cherished Disneyland treat in your own kitchen, this Irresistible Disneyland’s Peanut Butter Sandwich Bars Recipe is your perfect go-to. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy a homemade dessert that delivers on flavor and nostalgia. Trust me, once you try these bars, they’ll become a beloved recipe in your collection too!
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Irresistible Disneyland’s Peanut Butter Sandwich Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Discover the irresistible charm of Disneyland’s Peanut Butter Sandwich Bars, a no-bake layered treat featuring crunchy graham crackers, creamy peanut butter filling, and a luscious chocolate topping. Perfectly sweet and delightfully textured, these bars are an easy-to-make snack or dessert that requires minimal prep and no baking.
Ingredients
Base and Filling
- 1 sleeve graham crackers (approx. 9 whole crackers), plus extra for layering
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Topping
- 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter (to help the chocolate set soft)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting later.
- Layer Graham Crackers: Arrange whole graham crackers in a single layer across the bottom of the pan, breaking crackers as necessary to fully cover the base.
- Make Peanut Butter Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine melted butter, creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until the mixture is thick, smooth, and creamy.
- Spread Filling: Pour the peanut butter mixture evenly over the graham cracker base and smooth with a spatula.
- Add Second Graham Layer: Place another layer of whole graham crackers on top of the peanut butter filling, gently pressing down to secure the layer.
- Melt Chocolate Topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips together with 2 tablespoons peanut butter in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth and glossy.
- Spread Chocolate: Pour the melted chocolate mixture evenly over the top graham cracker layer and smooth out with a spatula.
- Set the Bars: Refrigerate the bars for at least 1 to 2 hours, or until the chocolate topping is firm and the bars have set completely.
- Slice and Serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan, then slice into squares or rectangles with a sharp knife. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- For easier slicing, warm the knife slightly before cutting to prevent chocolate from cracking.
- These bars should be stored in the refrigerator to keep the chocolate firm, but can be served at room temperature for slightly softer texture.
- Peanut butter can be substituted with almond butter for a different flavor profile.
- If you prefer a crunchier texture, sprinkle some chopped peanuts or add a graham cracker crumb layer inside.
