Peanut Butter Caramel Mini Bars are the perfect treat for anyone who loves the combination of sweet and salty flavors. With a rich peanut butter base, topped with smooth chocolate and a delightful drizzle of caramel, these mini bars are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. They’re ideal for parties, snacks, or a simple afternoon indulgence. These bars will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire!
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 24 mini bars
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 150
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 90mg
Why Make This Peanut Butter Caramel Mini Bars
These Peanut Butter Caramel Mini Bars are a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. Each bite delivers a chewy, creamy, and crunchy experience, making them a hit among both kids and adults. Not only are they scrumptious, but they also come together in just 20 minutes, allowing you to satisfy your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, they are easily portable, making them a great option for lunchboxes or on-the-go snacks!
How to Make Peanut Butter Caramel Mini Bars
Creating these mini bars is straightforward and fun! The recipe combines simple ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. You will appreciate how quickly they come together, especially when you see how wonderfully they disappear at gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions:
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Step 1: Preparation
In a saucepan, melt the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture reaches a boil and then let it simmer for 2 minutes. This step creates a rich and caramelized flavor that serves as the base for your bars.
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Step 2: Mixing
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the peanut butter until it’s completely smooth. This combination will be thick and fragrant, making your kitchen smell delightful!
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Step 3: Cooking
Next, mix in the graham cracker crumbs and salt until well combined. Make sure there are no dry spots visible; this mixture will become the heart of your mini bars.
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Step 4: Finishing
Press the mixture firmly into a greased mini muffin tin to create a uniform foundation. Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave or over a double boiler, then pour the melted chocolate over the pressed mixture. Drizzle the caramel sauce on top and use a toothpick to swirl it for a beautiful finish. Refrigerate until set, then pop them out of the tin and enjoy!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Caramel Mini Bars
These mini bars are perfect on their own, but you can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a special touch. Consider placing them on a dessert platter at a party for a fun and appealing display. They are perfect for movie nights, birthday celebrations, or any casual gathering.
How to Store Peanut Butter Caramel Mini Bars
Store your Peanut Butter Caramel Mini Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
Expert Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Caramel Mini Bars
- For a creamier texture, use a high-quality peanut butter that is smooth and free from added sugars.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness by using less sugar or opting for sugar alternatives such as coconut sugar or agave.
- Experiment with toppings! Try adding crushed nuts, sprinkles, or even a sprinkle of sea salt atop the chocolate for added flavor.
- If you prefer dark chocolate, substitute the chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips for a more intense taste.
- Ensure the bars are set in the refrigerator for at least an hour before attempting to remove them from the tin to avoid breakage.
Delicious Variations
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped peanuts or other nuts to the graham cracker mixture for a crunchier texture.
- Chocolate Lovers: Swirl in some melted dark chocolate along with the milk chocolate for a deeper chocolate flavor.
- Caramel Swirl: Instead of just drizzling caramel on top, you can mix some caramel into the base for a surprise center of gooey goodness.
- Cookie Crust: Replace graham cracker crumbs with crushed Oreos for a chocolatey twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, natural peanut butter can be used, but ensure it’s well-stirred and doesn’t have any added sugars or oils to maintain texture balance. -
How do I slice the bars?
If you’re not using a muffin tin, allow the bars to cool completely before slicing them. Use a sharp knife, and to make clean cuts, you might run the knife under hot water, drying it between cuts. -
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or substitute with crushed gluten-free cookies. -
What’s the best way to melt chocolate?
You can melt chocolate on the stovetop using a double boiler. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts (about 30 seconds), stirring in between to avoid burning. -
Can I make these vegan?
Yes, substitute the butter with vegan butter, and choose dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan-friendly treat.
Conclusion
These Peanut Butter Caramel Mini Bars are a fantastic treat that will bring smiles to everyone’s faces. With their perfect combination of flavors and ease of preparation, they make a delightful addition to any snack table or dessert platter. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy every delicious bite of these irresistible mini bars! Happy baking!
Print
Peanut Butter Caramel Mini Bars
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious mini bars combining peanut butter, chocolate, and caramel for a sweet and salty treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a saucepan, melt the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar over medium heat. Stir constantly until boiling, then let simmer for 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter until smooth.
- Mix in graham cracker crumbs and salt until well combined.
- Press mixture into a greased mini muffin tin. Melt chocolate chips and pour over the pressed mixture, then drizzle with caramel sauce and swirl with a toothpick.
- Refrigerate until set, then pop them out of the tin and enjoy.
Notes
For a creamier texture, use high-quality peanut butter. Feel free to add toppings like crushed nuts or sprinkles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini bar
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
