Chunky Peanut Butter Squares

These taste better than Reeses. Because they are homemade! They’re thicker, chunkier, and you can cut yourself a bar and feel like you’re eating something special instead of just buying it off the shelf. I like to use all natural chunky peanut butter- no hydrogenated oils. It comes out tasting the same or better than Jif so might as well make it healthier for you!

These are not as salty as Reeses. The peanut butter taste doesn’t taste roasted, but more natural- though still sweetened. I love semisweet chocolate on these rather than milk chocolate. Bittersweet chocolate is pretty tasty too. The peanut butter is already sweet so a darker chocolate gives it balance. If you blend your graham crackers yourself, don't worry about those stray larger pieces that don’t break up- they’ll act like peanuts and give your taste buds a surprise. I’ve also tried it with creamy peanut butter if you want it smoother and with one cup less graham cracker crumbs and sugar if you want it even smoother. 

Peanut Butter Squares

1 cup butter
1 cup chunky peanut butter (go natural!)
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
2 cups sifted powdered sugar
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons shortening

Place butter and peanut butter in a 2-quart glass bowl. Cover with a paper towel, and microwave at HIGH 1 ½ minutes. Stir in graham cracker crumbs and powdered sugar.

Press into an 11 x 7 x 1 ½ inch OR an 8 x 8 inch baking dish.

Place chocolate and shortening in a 1-cup or 2-cup glass measuring cup. Microwave at medium (50% power) for 2 minutes. Stir well- the chocolate will melt. Spread over peanut butter mixture. Cover and chill until firm, about 45-60 minutes. Let stand at room temperature 10 minutes before serving.