Peanut Butter Passion Bars

Here’s a recipe for Peanut Butter Passion Bars:

Ingredients

Base Layer:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Filling:

• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Topping:

• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Base Layer:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, melted butter, peanut butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until well combined.
3. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.

2. Make the Filling:

1. In a large bowl, beat the peanut butter and softened butter together until creamy.
2. Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar, and beat until smooth.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Spread the filling evenly over the baked base layer.

3. Bake:

1. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.

4. Prepare the Topping:

1. In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter together, stirring until smooth.
2. Pour the chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the cooled bars, spreading it evenly.
3. If desired, sprinkle chopped peanuts over the top.

5. Chill and Serve:

1. Refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour, or until the topping is set.
2. Once set, cut into squares or bars and serve.

Enjoy your Peanut Butter Passion Bars!