Peanut Chocolate Squares
Creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate combine over a crunchy graham cracker crust, creating indulgent squares perfect for satisfying sweet cravings or sharing at gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix peanut butter, powdered sugar, melted margarine, and graham cracker crumbs until well combined.
- Press the mixture evenly into a 9 x 13 inch ungreased pan.
- Refrigerate or freeze for 1 hour until the crust is set.
- Spread melted chocolate chips evenly over the set crust.
- Cut into squares and serve immediately or store for later.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, try using natural peanut butter instead of regular peanut butter; it will enhance the flavor. If you're looking to reduce sugar, you can substitute half of the powdered sugar with cocoa powder for a richer taste. Ensure the margarine is fully melted to avoid a grainy mixture. Adjust the chocolate topping to your preference by using dark or milk chocolate chips.
Serving Suggestions
These Peanut Chocolate Squares are perfect for a sweet ending to a meal or as a snack for gatherings. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making them an excellent choice for Sunday Brunch. You can also serve them alongside ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them in individual squares wrapped in plastic wrap, then placed in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds for a soft treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peanut Chocolate Squares contains roughly 672 calories, with 10g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 60g fat. It is a good source of protein (19% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 522mg per serving (23% 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 peanut butter with almond butter or cashew butter for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the texture might slightly change depending on the nut butter used, but the overall recipe will still work wonderfully.
How do I make these squares gluten-free?
To make these Peanut Chocolate Squares gluten-free, simply replace the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or crushed gluten-free cookies. Ensure all other ingredients, like chocolate chips, are also gluten-free.
Can I add additional toppings to the squares?
Absolutely! You can sprinkle crushed nuts, mini marshmallows, or even a drizzle of caramel or white chocolate on top of the melted chocolate for added texture and flavor. Get creative with the toppings to suit your taste.
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).