These Peanut Butter Passion Bars were the highlight of my holiday baking! I made about 100 dozen cookies, and these bars were everyone’s absolute favorite. They’re rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying. Plus, they freeze well—just thaw for 10 minutes before serving for a perfect treat anytime!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers
- ½ cup melted butter
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
For the Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Peanut Butter Layer:
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp melted butter
For the Topping (Optional):
- ½ cup chopped peanuts
- ¼ cup melted chocolate for drizzling
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press into the bottom of the dish and bake for 8 minutes. Let cool slightly.
3. Make the filling: Beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth. Spread over the crust.
4. Peanut butter layer: Mix peanut butter, powdered sugar, and melted butter until smooth. Spread over the cream cheese layer.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
6. Cool completely, then sprinkle with chopped peanuts and drizzle with melted chocolate if desired.
7. Chill for at least 1 hour before cutting into bars.
These bars are creamy, nutty, and irresistible—the perfect make-ahead dessert. Enjoy them fresh or freeze them for later!
Would you like more variations, like a chocolate peanut butter swirl version?