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In a medium mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and 1 cup of smooth peanut butter. Stir thoroughly until every ingredient is well incorporated into a thick, crumbly mixture.
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Press this mixture evenly and firmly into the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, creating a solid base layer. Using the back of a spoon or your hands (clean, of course!) helps to pack it tightly for the best texture.
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In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips with the ¼ cup of smooth peanut butter. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each session, until the mixture is completely melted, smooth, and glossy.
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Pour and spread the chocolate mixture evenly over the peanut butter base, smoothing it out to cover the entire surface.
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Place the baking dish in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate topping has fully set and hardened. This step is key for achieving perfect, clean slices.
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Once firm, cut into squares or rectangles and serve.
Variations & Tips to Make It Your Own
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Add a Crunch: For an extra layer of texture and flavor, stir in ½ cup of chopped roasted peanuts into the peanut butter base before pressing it into the pan.
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Richer Chocolate: If you prefer a deeper chocolate flavor, substitute the semisweet chips for dark chocolate chips or chunks. The bittersweet notes complement the peanut butter beautifully.
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Try Different Nut Butters: Feel like experimenting? Almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter work wonderfully in place of peanut butter to offer a new flavor profile.
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Festive Flair: For holiday gatherings, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt, crushed peppermint candy canes, or colored sprinkles on top of the chocolate before it sets. It adds both a festive look and a surprising burst of flavor.
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Make It Vegan: Use a plant-based butter substitute and dairy-free chocolate chips to enjoy a vegan-friendly treat.