Get ready to experience a mind-blowing dessert that combines the irresistible crunch of Oreo cookies, the creamy richness of peanut butter, and the decadent smoothness of chocolate! These Oreo Peanut Butter Bars are not just a treat – they're a culinary experience that will have your taste buds dancing and your friends begging for the recipe. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or those moments when you need a seriously indulgent pick-me-up, these bars are about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 package Oreo cookies, crushed
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare a 9x9 inch baking pan by lining it completely with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.
- In a large mixing bowl, crush the entire package of Oreo cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing cookies in a sealed plastic bag and crushing with a rolling pin.
- Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop, then pour it over the crushed Oreo crumbs. Mix thoroughly until the crumbs are evenly coated and appear moistened.
- Press the Oreo-butter mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating an even, compact base layer. Use the back of a spoon or a flat measuring cup to ensure a smooth surface.
- In a separate bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar. Mix well until the mixture is smooth and fully integrated, with no powdered sugar lumps remaining.
- Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the Oreo cookie base, using a spatula to create a uniform layer.
- Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds to prevent burning, until completely smooth and glossy.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer, tilting the pan to ensure complete and even coverage.
- Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours or until the chocolate has fully set and the bars are firm.
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the entire dessert out of the pan and place on a cutting board.
- Cut into 16 equal squares using a sharp knife, cleaning the blade between cuts for neat edges.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Allow to sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Tips
- Cookie Crushing Technique: For the most uniform base, use a food processor to crush Oreos. If you don't have one, seal the cookies in a ziplock bag and use a rolling pin, ensuring you create fine, even crumbs.
- Butter Binding: Make sure the melted butter is fully incorporated with the Oreo crumbs to create a solid, compact base that holds together perfectly.
- Smooth Peanut Butter Layer: Sift the powdered sugar before mixing to prevent any lumps in your peanut butter layer.
- Chocolate Melting Hack: Melt chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to prevent burning. You can also use a double boiler for more controlled melting.
- Cutting Trick: For clean, professional-looking bars, use a hot knife (run under hot water and dried) when cutting, and clean the blade between each cut.
- Serving Suggestion: Let the bars sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to achieve the perfect creamy texture.
- Storage Tip: These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week – if they last that long!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 25mg
