Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your dessert game forever! These White Chocolate Peanut Butter Shortbread Magic Bars are not just a recipe – they're a sensational experience that combines the irresistible richness of peanut butter, the creamy sweetness of white chocolate, and the buttery crunch of graham cracker crumbs. Imagine sinking your teeth into a bar that's simultaneously crispy, chewy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious – this is the dessert that will have everyone begging for your secret recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. This will help prevent sticking and make it easier to cut the bars once they are cooled.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of melted unsalted butter and 1 cup of creamy peanut butter. Use a whisk or a hand mixer to blend them together until smooth and well combined.
- Add 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of packed brown sugar to the butter and peanut butter mixture. Mix until the sugars are fully incorporated and the mixture is creamy.
- Crack in 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and continue to mix until everything is well combined.
- Gradually fold in 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs using a spatula. Ensure that the crumbs are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Once the graham cracker crumbs are incorporated, gently stir in 1 cup of white chocolate chips, 1 cup of sweetened shredded coconut, and if desired, 1/2 cup of chopped nuts. Make sure all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Press down gently to compact the mixture.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. Keep an eye on it to prevent overbaking.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, cut the bars into 16 squares. Serve and enjoy your delicious White Chocolate Peanut Butter Shortbread Magic Bars!
Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and better texture.
- For extra flavor, toast the coconut and chopped nuts before adding them to the mixture.
- Make sure to line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting.
- Don't overbake – the bars should be golden at the edges but still slightly soft in the center.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean, neat squares.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
- For a fun variation, try using different types of chocolate chips or adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 45mg
