Peanut Butter & Fudge Bars
Submitted by hollyb
No-bake peanut butter and fudge bars with crispy rice cereal layers sandwiching a rich chocolate fudge center. Double boiler or microwave method included.
YIELD
16 servingsPREP
30 minCOOK
0 minREADY
120 minThese no-bake peanut butter bars are three layers of pure crunch and fudge. Crispy rice cereal bound with melted peanut butter morsels and corn syrup forms the top and bottom, with a thick layer of chocolate fudge spread between them.
The construction is straightforward. Press half the peanut butter cereal mixture into the pan, chill it, spread the fudge layer on top, then press the remaining cereal mixture over that. Chilling sets everything firm enough to cut clean squares.
Melting the peanut butter morsels in a double boiler gives you gentle, even heat that won’t scorch. The recipe also includes microwave directions if you want to skip the stovetop entirely.
The fudge layer is where the richness lives. Semi-sweet chocolate melted with butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla creates a smooth, spreadable fudge that firms up in the fridge but stays soft enough to bite through without cracking.
Pro Tips
- Press the bottom layer firmly and evenly. Loose spots crumble when you try to cut bars later.
- Work quickly when spreading the fudge layer. It starts to set as it cools, and reheating makes it grainy.
- Chill until fully set before cutting. Rushing this step means sloppy, uneven bars that fall apart.
- Store in the refrigerator. These bars soften fast at room temperature, especially the fudge layer.
Variations
- Butterscotch swap: Replace the chocolate morsels with butterscotch chips for a peanut butter and butterscotch version.
- Salted finish: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top layer before chilling for a sweet-salty contrast.
- Dark chocolate upgrade: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a deeper, more bittersweet fudge center.
Ingredients
Directions
Combine peanut butter morsels, corn syrup, and 2 tablespoons butter in top of a double boiler; bring water to a boil.
Cook over hot water until morsels melt; stir well.
Add cereal, and stir well.
Press half the mixture into a buttered 12- x 8- x 2-inch baking dish , and chill while preparing chocolate layer.
Set remaining cereal mixture aside.
Combine chocolate morsels and ¼ cup butter in top of a double boiler; bring water to a boil.
Cook mixture over hot water until chocolate melts; stir well.
Add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, stirring until well blended.
Spread chocolate mixture over chilled layer.
Spread remaining cereal mixture over chocolate layer; press layered mixture firmly.
Chill until set.
Cut into squares.
MICROWAVE DIRECTIONS: Combine peanut butter morsels, corn syrup, and 2 tablespoons butter in a large bowl.
Microwave at HIGH for 1½ to 2 minutes or until morsels begin to melt.
Stir until morsels melt.
Add cereal, and stir well.
Press half the mixture into a buttered 12- x 8- x 2-inch baking dish, and chill while preparing chocolate layer.
Set remaining cereal mixture aside.
Place chocolate morsels and ¼ cup butter in a 1-quart casserole.
Microwave at HIGH for 1½ to 2 minutes or until morsels begin Stir until morsels melt. Add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, stirring until well Spread chocolate mixture over chilled layer. Spread remaining cereal mixture over chocolate layer; press firmly. Chill until set. Cut into bars.
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