Thingies Layered Dessert Bars
Indulge in the ultimate trifecta of textures and flavors with these irresistible Thingies Layered Dessert Bars! This decadent treat features a buttery, golden shortbread crust layered with silky chocolate ganache and a creamy, sweet peanut butter topping, all crowned with a satisfying crunch of chopped peanuts. Easy to prepare with just 20 minutes of hands-on time, these no-fuss dessert bars are perfect for parties, potlucks, or whenever a sweet craving strikes. Each bite offers a perfect balance of buttery richness, velvety chocolate, and nutty goodness. Make a batch ahead of time and chill for a dessert that’s as convenient as it is addictive. Whether you’re a fan of chocolate-peanut butter combos or layered bar desserts, these are bound to become a new favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter
- 0.5 cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1.5 cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
- 0.5 cup Heavy Cream
- 0.5 cup Smooth Peanut Butter
- 0.75 cup Powdered Sugar
- 0.5 cup Chopped Peanuts
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
In a medium bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the flour and mix until a soft dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Prick the dough all over with a fork to prevent bubbling.
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
In a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips with the heavy cream, stirring until smooth.
Pour the melted chocolate mixture evenly over the cooled crust and spread with a spatula. Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to let the chocolate layer slightly set.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the peanut butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Carefully spread this mixture over the chilled chocolate layer using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon.
Sprinkle the chopped peanuts evenly over the top for a crunchy finish. Press them gently into the peanut butter layer to help them adhere.
Chill the dessert bars in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until fully set.
Once set, remove the dessert bars from the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Slice into 12 equal pieces and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
5220 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 303.3 g | 389% | |
| Saturated Fat | 137.9 g | 690% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 368 mg | 123% | |
| Sodium | 599 mg | 26% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 584.3 g | 212% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 37.8 g | 135% | |
| Total Sugars | 336.8 g | ||
| Protein | 89.9 g | 180% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 126 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 23.6 mg | 131% | |
| Potassium | 822 mg | 18% | |
*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.
