Pam Swanner'S Peanut Butter Bars
Rich, creamy peanut butter bars with a chocolate topping, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and sharing at parties or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt margarine and crunchy peanut butter over low heat.
- Add powdered sugar and stir well.
- Pour the mixture into a medium, buttered baking dish (7 1/2 x 12 inches).
- Spread evenly and let cool.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using smooth peanut butter instead of crunchy. If you're looking for a healthier alternative, try substituting half of the margarine with coconut oil. You can also mix in chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added texture. Make sure to keep stirring the mixture until it’s well combined to avoid clumps of powdered sugar.
Serving Suggestions
These peanut butter bars are delicious on their own but can be enhanced with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a decadent treat. They also pair well with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee. For a fun twist, try drizzling some melted chocolate or caramel sauce on top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover peanut butter bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to two weeks. For best results when reheating, place a bar in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften slightly but be careful not to melt the chocolate topping.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pam Swanner'S Peanut Butter Bars contains roughly 797 calories, with 6g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 515mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of nut butter?
Yes, you can substitute crunchy peanut butter with almond butter or cashew butter for a different flavor profile. However, keep in mind that the texture and taste will change slightly, so choose a nut butter that you enjoy.
How can I make these bars more chocolatey?
To add more chocolate flavor, you can use chocolate chips mixed into the peanut butter mixture or sprinkle extra melted chocolate on top of the bars before they cool. This will create a delicious chocolate layer that complements the peanut butter.
What can I do if my mixture is too dry?
If the mixture feels too dry, you can add a little more melted margarine or peanut butter until it reaches a spreadable consistency. Mixing in a tablespoon of milk can also help to achieve the desired texture without compromising the flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).