If you have a sinful sweet tooth, then do I have the recipe for you!! A super simple recipe for a quick, homemade dessert.

During the years I owned a café and gourmet-to-go, we made these rich, decadent “Sin” bars. The peanut butter base topped with a silky smooth chocolate ganache made these treats extra special.

Don’t be intimidated by the word ganache. It’s just heavy cream and chocolate chips melted together to form the most wonderful sauce. I love it over ice cream or pound cake, too. Whew! It’s truly awesome sauce. I would say this easy to make dessert was among one of the favorites at our restaurant. Lunchtime was not complete without having one of these bars for an afternoon snack.

Remember, eating these bars might be the only time you have permission to “sin”, but you can always ask for forgiveness later!

Making good food with gratitude,

Becky

Sin Bars

Yield:

• 9”x13” pan full of bars

Prep Time:

• 15 minutes

Cook Time:

• 15 minutes

Total Time:

• Approximately 30 minutes, plus chill time

Ingredients:

Base ingredients:

• 1½ cups unsalted butter (3 sticks)

• 2 cups creamy peanut butter

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs

• 4 cups powdered sugar

  Topping ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream (1 pint)

• 24 ounces semi-sweet chocolate

Directions:

In a food processor, crush the graham crackers into crumbs. (You may also use packaged graham cracker crumbs) Measure 2 cups and set aside.

In a medium sauce pan, melt butter and peanut butter together, stirring often.

When melted and smooth, pour into a large mixing bowl.

Add the graham cracker crumbs and powdered sugar. Mix well to incorporate. This mixture will become very thick.

Press this mixture into a parchment lined 9”x13” pan. Make sure the parchment paper is draping over the sides to use as “handles” making it easy to remove the finished bars. Place a layer of plastic wrap on the surface of the peanut butter layer. Use a small cutting board or another baking dish to press down on top of the mixture to make it even on top. Allow the mixture to set in the fridge until firm.

Place the chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl. Pour the cream over the chips and microwave for one minute, stirring to combine. Continue microwaving at 30 second intervals, stirring after each one, just until the chips are completely melted, and the mixture is smooth.

Remove the pan or cutting board and plastic wrap from the peanut butter layer.

Spread the chocolate mixture over the chilled peanut butter base. Let cool and harden in the fridge.

Using the parchment paper lining, lift out the chilled bars and place on a cutting board.

With a sharp knife, slice into 2”x3” squares. (Or whatever size you prefer)

Enjoy these treats anytime. I believe a big glass of milk is the perfect accompaniment to serve with these bars.

Tips and Tricks:

When measuring peanut butter, spray the measuring cup with cooking spray for easy release from the measuring cup. You may alternatively use a 10”x15” pan to make the bars thinner and create more servings.