Start by gathering all the ingredients. This makes the process smoother and more enjoyable. In a large mixing bowl, combine the first four ingredients: butter, graham cracker crumbs, confectioners’ sugar, and peanut butter. Mix them until the mixture is well-combined and smooth. You should see a creamy texture without any lumps.
Once your mixture is smooth, it’s time to transfer it into a 9×13 baking dish. Spread the mixture evenly across the bottom to create a solid base for your bars. Make sure to press down firmly so that it holds together nicely when cut.
Now, let’s move on to the chocolate topping. In a medium glass bowl, combine the chocolate chips and the additional peanut butter. Melt this mixture in the microwave, heating it for one minute at a time on 80% power. Stir it after each interval until it becomes smooth and creamy.
Once your chocolate and peanut butter mixture is silky, pour it over the peanut butter base in the baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly to cover every corner. The rich chocolate topping will complement the creamy peanut butter base perfectly.
Next, place the baking dish in the freezer for about 15 minutes. This allows the bars to set properly, making them easy to cut into individual servings.
After 15 minutes, remove the dish from the freezer. It should feel firm to the touch but not frozen solid. Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into your desired size. The number of bars will depend on how large or small you want them; you can aim for anywhere between 20 to 36 bars.
Once cut, you can enjoy your Peanut Butter Bars immediately or store them for later. If you’re storing them, be sure to keep them covered to maintain their freshness.