Frosted Peanut Butter Squares

Frosted Peanut Butter Squares Recipe - Delicious and Easy to Make

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Frosted Peanut Butter Squares are a delicious and indulgent treat that combines the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate in a convenient square form. These squares are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.

History

The exact origins of Frosted Peanut Butter Squares are unclear, but it is believed that they have been a popular dessert for many years. This recipe combines classic flavors in a new and exciting way, making it a favorite for those who love the combination of peanut butter and chocolate.

Ingredients

Squares

30 miniatures peanut butter cups
0.33 cup softened butter or margarine
0.5 cup peanut butter
0.33 cup sugar
0.33 cup packed light brown sugar
0.5 cup milk
2 eggs (4 oz / 113 g each)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
0.25 tsp salt

Chocolate Peanut Butter Topping

0.5 cup semisweet chocolate chips
0.33 cup creamy peanut butter
2 tbsp butter or margarine
0.25 cup powdered sugar

How to prepare

Squares

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Remove the wrappers from the candies.
Chop the candies into pieces.
Grease a 13x9x2 inches baking pan.
In a small mixer bowl, beat together the butter, peanut butter, sugar, and brown sugar until well blended.
Gradually add the milk, eggs, and vanilla, beating until smooth and well blended.
Stir together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and beat until well blended.
Spread the batter into the prepared pan.
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Spread the Chocolate Peanut Butter Topping over the cake.
Sprinkle the candy pieces over the top.
Cut into squares.

Topping

In a medium microwave-safe bowl, place the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter.
Microwave on HIGH for 1 minute; stir.
If necessary, microwave on HIGH for an additional 15 seconds at a time, stirring after each addition, just until the chips are melted when stirred.
Add the powdered sugar and whisk until smooth and of spreading consistency.
Enjoy.

Variations

For a twist on the classic recipe, try using dark chocolate peanut butter cups instead of milk chocolate.
Add a layer of marshmallow fluff between the cake and the topping for a fun and gooey treat.
Sprinkle crushed pretzels on top of the squares for a sweet and salty flavor combination.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to chop the peanut butter cups into small pieces to ensure that they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

- Make sure to cool the squares completely before adding the Chocolate Peanut Butter Topping to prevent it from melting.

- For a more decadent treat, try adding chopped nuts or sprinkles on top of the squares before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Frosted Peanut Butter Squares are perfect for serving at parties, potlucks, or as a special dessert for your family. They pair well with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to use a mixer to ensure that the batter is well blended and smooth.

- When melting the chocolate chips for the topping, be sure to stir frequently to prevent burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have mini peanut butter cups, you can use regular-sized peanut butter cups and chop them into smaller pieces.

- You can substitute butter for margarine in both the squares and the topping.

Make Ahead Tips

Frosted Peanut Butter Squares can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving.

Presentation Ideas

For a more elegant presentation, cut the squares into smaller bite-sized pieces and serve them on a decorative platter. You can also drizzle melted chocolate on top for an extra touch of sweetness.

Pairing Recommendations

Frosted Peanut Butter Squares pair well with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. They also go well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Frosted Peanut Butter Squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Frosted Peanut Butter Squares contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Frosted Peanut Butter Squares contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Frosted Peanut Butter Squares contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Frosted Peanut Butter Squares contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Frosted Peanut Butter Squares are a good source of iron and calcium.

Alergens

Frosted Peanut Butter Squares contain peanuts, dairy, and wheat.

Summary

Frosted Peanut Butter Squares are a delicious treat that is high in carbohydrates and fats, but also provide a good source of protein, iron, and calcium.

Summary

Frosted Peanut Butter Squares are a delicious and indulgent treat that combines the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate in a convenient square form. With a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can whip up a batch of these tasty squares in no time. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Frosted Peanut Butter Squares. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha at her cozy little cottage in the countryside. We spent the afternoon sipping lemonade on her porch, surrounded by the sweet scent of wildflowers blooming in her garden.

As Martha and I chatted away, she suddenly disappeared into her kitchen and returned with a plate of the most delicious looking squares I had ever seen. They were frosted with a creamy peanut butter topping and sprinkled with chopped peanuts on top. I took one bite and instantly fell in love with the rich, nutty flavor.

"Martha, these are absolutely amazing! Can you please share the recipe with me?" I asked eagerly.

Martha chuckled and explained that the recipe was actually a family secret that had been passed down through generations. However, she agreed to teach me how to make them that very day.

We spent the next few hours in the kitchen, mixing together flour, sugar, and butter to create the perfect crumbly base for the squares. Martha showed me how to press the mixture into a baking pan and bake it until golden brown. While the base cooled, we whipped up a creamy peanut butter frosting using smooth peanut butter, powdered sugar, and a splash of milk.

Once the base had cooled completely, Martha spread the frosting over the top and sprinkled it with a generous handful of chopped peanuts. The squares looked absolutely irresistible, and I couldn't wait to sink my teeth into one.

As I took my first bite, I was transported back to my childhood, when my own grandmother would bake delicious treats for me and my siblings. The taste of the Frosted Peanut Butter Squares brought back memories of lazy summer days spent in her kitchen, surrounded by the comforting scents of freshly baked cookies and pies.

From that day on, Frosted Peanut Butter Squares became a staple in my own kitchen. I would bake them for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions, always receiving rave reviews from friends and loved ones. The recipe quickly became one of my most cherished possessions, a link to the past and a connection to the generations of women who had come before me.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to Martha's original recipe, adding a pinch of salt to the base for extra flavor and experimenting with different toppings such as chocolate drizzle or crushed pretzels. Each time I bake a batch of Frosted Peanut Butter Squares, I am reminded of the strong bond between food and memory, and the joy that comes from sharing a beloved recipe with others.

As I sit here now, reminiscing about that fateful day in Martha's kitchen, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of this delicious recipe. It has brought me closer to my past, connected me to my loved ones, and filled my home with the warmth and love that only homemade treats can provide. Frosted Peanut Butter Squares will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of food to nourish not only our bodies, but also our souls.