Peanut Butter Chocolate Squares

I was introduced to a sample of these decadent little squares by a friend and former neighbour a few years ago. I immediately noted the recipe, but until now haven't been self-disciplined enough to trust myself with more than the memory of this simple but heavenly pairing of chocolate, peanut butter, and yes, butter and sugar. My increased preference for savory over sweet, and a recent occasion to treat some co-workers was sufficient encouragement to make a whole pan. Almost as good as the Peanut Butter Cups I made for my Dad, yet decidedly easier to prepare, you just can't go wrong with peanut butter and chocolate. Bring along some Cocoa Fruit Treats for a diabetic and gluten-free option.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Squares

For the base:

1 1/2 cups of crushed graham crackers
1 cup of smooth peanut butter
1 3/4 cups of icing sugar
1/2 cup of butter, softened

For the topping:

1 cup of chocolate chips (I used a mixture of milk and dark chocolate)
3/4 cup of smooth peanut butter

In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, peanut butter, icing sugar and butter until well combined. Press into a lightly greased 9" X 13" glass pan.

Melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter together in a heavy bottomed pan until smooth. Drizzle over the bottom layer, smoothing evenly with a spatula.

Chill until set and cut into small pieces.

It seems entirely appropriate to contribute this tempting treat to Bookmarked Recipes, a weekly event hosted by Ruth of Ruth's Kitchen Experiments.