Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Bars

Salted caramel peanut butter bars….name a better trio of ingredients?! These just bring you right back to childhood. The rich creamy peanut butter is mixed with graham cracker crumbs and butter creating a rich bottom layer than topped with chocolate peanut butter and a layer of salted caramel on top. It’s just melt in your mouth, so good!

Ingredients

Peanut Butter Base

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter (Jif or skippy work best)
• 1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 tsp. salt
• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs

Chocolate Layer

• 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

Caramel

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tbsp. butter
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions

Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper.

Peanut butter base layer- Using a food processor or a plastic bag and rolling pin, crush the graham crackers to fine crumbs. Set aside

In a large bowl combine the peanut butter, melted butter, mix together until well combined using an electric mixer until there are no lumps. Slowly add in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract and salt. Then stir in the graham crackers and make sure everything is mixed evenly. Spread out into the prepared pan, and let chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Chocolate layer-In a small microwave safe bowl combine the chocolate chips and peanut butter and microwave in 30 second increments stirring between each one until smooth and melted. Pour over the peanut butter layer, and chill for at least one hour. 

Caramel- In a medium sauce pan, melt the sugar over medium low heat, until it’s completely melted. Swirling the pan gently every 20 seconds. It will start to clump a little but it will eventually melt slowly. Just make sure it doesn’t burn. It will turn a beautiful golden. 

Then once it’s melted, remove it from the heat immediately and stir in the butter. It will start to violently bubble, that’s what you want.

Then pour in the heavy cream, vanilla extract and sea salt. Stir until everything is evenly combined. Spoon over cooled chocolate and sprinkle flakey sea salt on top.

Then remove and use a sharp knife to cut into bars.

Store in an air tight container for 5-7 days.