Peanut Butter Dream Bars

Peanut Butter Dream Bars - Delicious Dessert Recipe from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 34 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Peanut Butter Dream Bars are a delicious and indulgent treat that combines the rich flavors of peanut butter, oats, and sweetened condensed milk. These bars 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 Peanut Butter Dream Bars are unclear, but they have been a popular dessert option for many years. This recipe is a twist on traditional oatmeal bars, adding in the creamy goodness of peanut butter and the sweetness of condensed milk for a truly decadent treat.

Ingredients

2 cups of quick oats, uncooked
1.5 cups of flour
1 cup of chopped peanuts
1 cup of firmly packed brown sugar
1 tsp of soda
0.75 tsp of salt
1 cup of melted butter
1 (14 oz (397 g)) can of sweetened condensed milk
0.33 cup of peanut butter
1 cup of M&M's™ plain candies

How to prepare

Combine oats, flour, peanuts, sugar, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl; mix well.
Add butter to the mixture; mix until the dry ingredients are thoroughly moistened and the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Reserve 1.5 cups of the crumb mixture; press the remaining mixture onto the bottom of a greased 15.5"x10.5" jelly-roll pan.
Bake at 375°F (191°C) for 12 minutes.
In a small bowl, combine condensed milk and peanut butter, mixing until well blended.
Spread the condensed milk and peanut butter mixture over the partially baked crust, leaving a 0.25" border around the edges.
Combine the reserved crumb mixture and candies; sprinkle them evenly over the condensed milk mixture, lightly pressing them in.
Continue baking for 20 – 22 minutes or until golden brown.
Allow the bars to cool thoroughly, then cut them into bars.

Variations

Add chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the crumb mixture for extra flavor and texture.
Drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the bars for a decadent finishing touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to press the crumb mixture firmly into the pan to create a solid base for the bars.

- Be careful not to overbake the bars, as they can become dry and crumbly.

- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares to ensure clean, even cuts.

Serving Suggestions

Peanut Butter Dream Bars are perfect for serving as a dessert at a party or gathering. They can also be enjoyed as a sweet snack with a glass of milk or cup of coffee.

Cooking Techniques

Pressing the crumb mixture firmly into the pan ensures a solid base for the bars.

- Mixing the condensed milk and peanut butter until smooth creates a creamy and delicious filling.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for added texture.

- Swap out the M&M's™ for your favorite candy or chocolate chips.

Make Ahead Tips

Peanut Butter Dream Bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Peanut Butter Dream Bars on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Peanut Butter Dream Bars with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic and delicious dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Peanut Butter Dream Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Peanut Butter Dream Bars contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Peanut Butter Dream Bars contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Peanut Butter Dream Bars contains approximately 18 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Peanut Butter Dream Bars contains approximately 6 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Peanut Butter Dream Bars are a good source of iron, calcium, and vitamin E.

Alergens

Peanut Butter Dream Bars contain peanuts and dairy.

Summary

Peanut Butter Dream Bars are a delicious treat that is high in calories and fats, but also provides a good amount of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Peanut Butter Dream Bars are a decadent and delicious dessert that combines the rich flavors of peanut butter, oats, and sweetened condensed milk. With a crunchy base, creamy filling, and sweet candy topping, these bars are sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them. Enjoy them as a sweet treat or dessert for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Peanut Butter Dream Bars. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my Aunt Mildred in her cozy kitchen. Aunt Mildred was known for her delicious baked goods, and I always marveled at how effortlessly she whipped up mouthwatering treats.

As I sat at the kitchen table, sipping on a glass of iced tea, Aunt Mildred began pulling out ingredients from her well-stocked pantry. She explained that she was going to make a new dessert recipe she had recently come across - Peanut Butter Dream Bars.

I watched intently as she mixed together butter, graham cracker crumbs, and sugar to create the crust for the bars. The sweet aroma of the buttery crust filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

Next, Aunt Mildred combined creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to make the rich and decadent peanut butter filling. The smooth and velvety texture of the peanut butter mixture was mesmerizing, and I couldn't wait to taste it.

After spreading the peanut butter filling over the crust, Aunt Mildred sprinkled chopped peanuts on top for an added crunch. She then popped the pan into the oven and set the timer, filling the kitchen with the tantalizing scent of freshly baked goodness.

As the Peanut Butter Dream Bars baked to golden perfection, Aunt Mildred shared with me the story behind the recipe. She explained that she had gotten the recipe from her dear friend Martha, who had served these bars at a church potluck. The bars were such a hit that Aunt Mildred begged Martha for the recipe, and Martha graciously shared it with her.

I listened with rapt attention as Aunt Mildred recounted how Martha had learned the recipe from her grandmother, who had been a renowned baker in their small town. The recipe had been passed down through generations, each baker adding their own twist to make it their own.

Finally, the timer dinged, signaling that the Peanut Butter Dream Bars were ready. Aunt Mildred carefully removed the pan from the oven and allowed the bars to cool before cutting them into squares. The bars were a beautiful golden brown, with a luscious layer of peanut butter filling peeking out from beneath the crunchy peanut topping.

I eagerly grabbed a square and took a bite, savoring the rich and creamy peanut butter filling, the buttery crust, and the crunchy peanuts. The flavors melded together harmoniously, creating a heavenly dessert that truly lived up to its name - Peanut Butter Dream Bars.

From that moment on, Peanut Butter Dream Bars became a staple in my baking repertoire. I made them for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions, always receiving rave reviews and requests for the recipe. And every time I baked a batch of Peanut Butter Dream Bars, I thought of Aunt Mildred and her friend Martha, grateful for the delicious recipe that had been passed down through generations.

As I sit here now, in my own cozy kitchen, mixing together the ingredients for Peanut Butter Dream Bars, I can't help but smile as I remember that warm summer day with Aunt Mildred. The recipe may have originated from Martha's grandmother, but it has become a cherished part of my own culinary heritage, a reminder of the love and connection that food can bring.

And as I take a bite of a freshly baked Peanut Butter Dream Bar, I am transported back to that kitchen with Aunt Mildred, savoring the memories and flavors that have been passed down through the generations. The recipe for Peanut Butter Dream Bars may have come from a friend, but it has truly become a dream come true for me.