Chocolate Peanut Candy Squares Recipes

CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER SQUARES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F and spray a 9-inch square baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
• Make the crust: Combine the chocolate wafers, sugar, butter and peanut butter in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the blade attachment and pulse until the cookies are finely crushed. Press the mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan (I spread it with my hands first, then use the bottom of a measuring cup to even it out). Bake for 8 minutes. Set on a rack to cool completely.
• In the meantime, make the peanut butter filling: Combine all of the filling ingredients together in the bowl of a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and mix at low speed until just combined (do not whip). Set the bowl in the refrigerator while you prepare the rest.
• Make the chocolate ganache topping: Combine the milk chocolate chips and heavy cream in a microwave safe bowl and cook in the microwave at medium power (50%) for 1 minute. Stir until the bowl no longer feels warm. Continue heating at 15-30 second intervals, stirring until chocolate is smooth and melted. Do not overheat.
• Put it all together: Spread about ¼ cup of the chocolate mixture evenly over the cooled crust; place the pan in the freezer until the chocolate is set, 5-10 minutes. Spread the peanut butter mixture into an even layer over the chocolate (if it's firm, you can use your hands; if it's soft, use a butter knife or an offset spatula). Give the chocolate ganache a quick stir to smooth any lumps, then spread it evenly over top of the peanut butter layer. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and place in the freezer for 1 hour to set (or, if you're not in a hurry, you can just leave it in the refrigerator for a few hours). When firm, use a sharp knife to cut into squares (make them small as they are very rich!). Run an offset spatula underneath the bars to release the crust so it doesn't crumble. Keep refrigerated and serve cool.
• Freezer-Friendly Instructions: These can be frozen tightly covered for up to 3 months. Let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

CHOCOLATE PEANUT SQUARES

Steps:

• Line a 9-in. square pan with foil; grease foil with 1 teaspoon butter. In a microwave, melt remaining butter. Stir in confectioners' sugar, peanut butter and cracker crumbs. Spread into prepared pan., In microwave, melt topping ingredients; stir until smooth. Spread over top. Refrigerate until set., Using foil, lift out of pan. Cut into 1-in. squares. Store airtight in the refrigerator.

CHOCOLATE-SALTED PEANUT CRUNCH SQUARES

Steps:

• Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper and set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, maple sugar and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Whisk in the warm melted cacao butter and vanilla until smooth. Gently stir in the cereal and peanuts; pour into the lined pan and, using an offset spatula, spread evenly. Scatter some peanuts over the top and let set overnight at room temperature or refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours. Cut into squares and serve.

CHOCOLATE COVERED PEANUT CANDY BAR

Steps:

• Combine all the ingredients for the centers, except for the powdered sugar, in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir often as the caramel slowly melts. When the mixture is smooth, add 3/4 cup of powdered sugar and stir. Save the remaining 1/2 cup of powdered sugar for later. Use a candy thermometer to bring the mixture to exactly 230 degrees, stirring often, then turn off the heat. When the temperature of the candy begins to drop, add the remaining 1/2 cup of powdered sugar to the pan, then use a hand mixer on high speed to combine. Keep mixing until the candy cools and thickens and can no longer be mixed. That should take 1 to 2 minutes. Let the candy cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes, or until it can be touched. Don't let it sit too long-- you want the candy to still be warm and pliable when you shape it. Take a teaspoon-size portion and roll it between your palms or on a countertop until it forms a roll with the width of your index finger, and measuring about 4 1/2-inches long. Repeat with the remaining center candy mixture and place the rolls on waxed paper. You should have 8 rolls. Let the center rolls sit out for 1 to 2 hours to firm up.
• Combine the 20 caramels with the 1 1/2 teaspoons of water in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir often until the caramels melt completely, then turn off the heat. If you work fast this caramel will stay warm while you make the candy bars. Pour the peanuts onto a baking sheet or other flat surface. Using a basting brush and working quickly, "paint a coating of caramel onto one side of a center roll. Quickly turn the center over, caramel side down, onto the peanuts and press gently so that the peanuts stick to the surface of the candy. Paint more caramel onto the other side of the roll and press it down onto the peanuts. The candy should have a solid layer of peanuts covering all sides. If needed, brush additional caramel onto the roll, then turn it onto the peanuts to coat the roll completely. Place the candy bar onto waxed paper, and repeat with the remaining centers. Place the bars into your refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours so that they firm up. Pour the milk chocolate chips into a glass or ceramic bowl and zap it in the microwave for 2 minutes on 50 percent power. Gently stir the chips, then heat for an additional 30 seconds at 50 percent power. Repeat if necessary, stirring gently after each 30 seconds. Don't over-cook the chips or the chocolate will burn and seize up on you. Drop a candy bar center into the melted milk chocolate. Cover the candy bar with chocolate using 2 forks, 1 in each hand. When the candy is covered with chocolate, balance the bar on both of the forks, one at each end of the candy bar, and tap the forks on the top edge of the bowl so that much of the chocolate drops off. Carefully place the candy bar onto waxed paper and remove the 2 forks. Repeat with the remaining ingredients, and then chill the candy bars until firm.

CHOCOLATE, PEANUT BUTTER & OATMEAL SQUARES

Steps:

• Put first 4 ingredients in large sauce pan.
• Bring to boil, stirring constantly Remove from heat& add remaining ingredients Mix well& spoon into 9"X13" pan Refrigerate, cut& serve.

CHOCOLATE MARSHMALLOW CANDY SQUARES

Steps:

• Line a 13-in. x 9-in. pan with foil and grease the foil with 1-1/2 teaspoons butter; set aside. , Microwave the chocolate chips, butterscotch chips and peanut butter at 70% power for 2 minutes; stir. Microwave in 10- to 20-second intervals until melted; stir until smooth. Cool for 1 minute. Stir in marshmallows and peanuts. , Spread into prepared pan. Refrigerate until firm. Using foil, lift candy out of pan. Discard foil; cut into 1-1/2-in. squares.

NO-BAKE CHOCOLATE-PEANUT BUTTER CANDY BARS

Steps:

• Line bottom and sides of 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with foil, leaving foil hanging over 2 opposite sides of pan. Spray foil with cooking spray. In food processor bowl with metal blade, place cookies. Cover; process until cookies are finely chopped.
• In 2-quart saucepan, cook marshmallows and butter over low heat, stirring constantly, until melted. Stir in chopped cookies and 3/4 cup of the chocolate chips until well mixed. Press in bottom of baking dish.
• In medium microwavable bowl, microwave milk and peanut butter chips uncovered on High 30 seconds. Stir; microwave 30 to 60 seconds longer, stirring every 30 seconds, until smooth and creamy. Stir in peanut butter until smooth. Stir in peanuts and crushed granola bars. Spread over chocolate layer. If peanut butter mixture starts to set, microwave uncovered on High 15 to 30 seconds or until warm and spreadable.
• In small microwavable bowl, microwave remaining 1/4 cup chocolate chips and the oil uncovered on High 30 to 45 seconds or until chips are melted and can be stirred smooth. Drizzle chocolate diagonally over peanut butter layer. Refrigerate 30 minutes or until set. To cut bars, remove from pan, using foil to lift. Cut into 8 rows by 4 rows. Store covered in cool place.

PEANUT BUTTER CANDY BARS

Steps:

• Grease a 10x15 inch pan. In a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups melted margarine, peanut butter, confectioners' sugar and graham cracker crumbs. Spread in prepared pan.
• Combine 1/2 cup margarine and chocolate chips in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until melted and smooth. Spread over peanut butter mixture. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.