Smudgy Bars
Indulge in the irresistible decadence of Smudgy Bars, a rich and satisfying dessert that perfectly balances crunch, creaminess, and gooey goodness. Featuring a buttery graham cracker crust baked to golden perfection, these layered bars are topped with a luscious combination of semi-sweet and milk chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and sweetened condensed milk. The finishing touch? A sprinkle of optional toppings like mini marshmallows, chopped peanuts, or flaky sea salt for added texture and flavor. Ready in just 35 minutes with minimal prep, these chocolate peanut butter bars are perfect for parties, potlucks, or an indulgent treat at home. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and crowd-pleasing flavors, Smudgy Bars are sure to be your new go-to dessert recipe!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 0.75 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- optional toppings (mini marshmallows, chopped peanuts, or flaky sea salt)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and have the texture of wet sand.
Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or a glass to compact it evenly.
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden and set. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, peanut butter, and sweetened condensed milk.
Microwave the mixture in 20-30 second intervals, stirring between each until it is smooth and fully melted. Avoid overheating to prevent seizing.
Stir in the vanilla extract for an added hint of flavor.
Pour the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the baked crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
If desired, sprinkle optional toppings such as mini marshmallows, chopped peanuts, or a dusting of flaky sea salt over the smudgy layer.
Bake for an additional 10 minutes, just until the top is set and glossy.
Remove the bars from the oven and cool completely at room temperature. Then transfer them to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours or until firm.
Once chilled, lift the bars out of the baking dish using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into 16 squares with a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for smooth edges.
Serve and enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
448 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 27.5 g | 35% | |
| Saturated Fat | 14.1 g | 70% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 44 mg | 15% | |
| Sodium | 166 mg | 7% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 47.4 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.3 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 36.9 g | ||
| Protein | 7.0 g | 14% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 90 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 1.1 mg | 6% | |
| Potassium | 212 mg | 5% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
