Disneyland Peanut Butter Sandwich Bars

This copycat recipe for Disneyland Peanut Butter Sandwich Bars is a delicious no-bake dessert that lets you make your favorite Disney snack right from home! These bars are perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just a sweet treat after dinner. With creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate, they deliver a delightful combination of flavors that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This no-bake dessert comes together quickly and requires minimal cooking skills.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of creamy peanut butter and semi-sweet chocolate creates an indulgent taste experience.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party, picnic, or movie night, these bars are suitable for any event.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids will enjoy both making and eating these fun dessert bars.
• Customizable: Feel free to add toppings like chopped nuts or sprinkles for extra flair.

Tools and Preparation

To create Disneyland Peanut Butter Sandwich Bars, you’ll need a few essential tools. These items make the process smoother and ensure perfect results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Non-stick spray
• 8 ½ x 11 glass baking dish
• Zip bag
• Rolling pin or meat mallet
• Microwave-safe bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Non-stick spray: Prevents the bars from sticking to the dish, making them easier to cut and serve.
• Glass baking dish: Allows for even cooling and helps achieve the right texture for your bars.
• Rolling pin or meat mallet: Provides an efficient way to crush graham crackers into fine crumbs.

Ingredients

For the Disneyland Peanut Butter Sandwich Bars, gather the following ingredients:

• 14 whole graham cracker sheets (used in 8 ½ x 11 glass dish)
• 2 cups creamy peanut butter
• 8 tbsp softened butter
• 2 tsp vanilla
• ½ tsp salt
• 3½ cups powdered sugar
• 4 tbsp shortening
• 4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

How to Make Disneyland Peanut Butter Sandwich Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Dish

Spray a 2 quart (8 ½ x 11) glass baking dish with non-stick spray. This ensures that your bars won’t stick when it’s time to serve.

Step 2: Crush the Graham Crackers

Place 2 whole sheets of graham cracker in a zip bag. Crush them into crumbs using a rolling pin, meat mallet, or the bottom of a glass. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix the Peanut Butter Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Slowly add in powdered sugar a little at a time until well mixed.

Step 4: Melt the Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the semi-sweet chocolate chips along with shortening. Heat in increments of 30 seconds, stirring between each session until smooth. Be careful not to overcook; you want it silky!

Step 5: Assemble the First Layer

Lay down the first layer of graham crackers (6 whole sheets) in your sprayed baking dish. Pour about 1/3 of the melted chocolate over this layer.

Step 6: Add Peanut Butter Mixture

Using your hands, take fistfuls of the peanut butter mixture and flatten them out. Gently place on top of the chocolate layer without breaking the graham crackers below. Use all of the peanut butter mixture.

Step 7: Repeat Layers

Pour another 1/3 of melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer. Lay down another set of graham crackers (6 whole sheets) before pouring on any remaining chocolate.

Step 8: Finish with Crumbs

Sprinkle crushed graham cracker crumbs on top for added texture and visual appeal.

Step 9: Chill

Let cool in refrigerator for at least one hour. Once set, cut into squares—big or small—according to preference.

Enjoy your homemade Disneyland Peanut Butter Sandwich Bars!

How to Serve Disneyland Peanut Butter Sandwich Bars

These delightful dessert bars are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet night in, there are plenty of ways to serve and enjoy Disneyland Peanut Butter Sandwich Bars.

Classic Dessert Plate

• Serve the bars on a simple dessert plate, garnished with fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast.

Ice Cream Pairing

• Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side to enhance the creamy peanut butter flavor.

Chocolate Drizzle

• Drizzle some melted chocolate over the top for an extra touch of sweetness and elegance.

Coffee Companion

• Pair these bars with a warm cup of coffee or espresso for a delightful afternoon treat.

Party Platter

• Cut the bars into smaller squares and arrange them on a festive platter for easy serving at gatherings.

Kid-Friendly Snack

• Serve them as a fun after-school snack along with some apple slices or carrot sticks.

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How to Perfect Disneyland Peanut Butter Sandwich Bars

To ensure you get the best results when making Disneyland Peanut Butter Sandwich Bars, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter is softened and your peanut butter is at room temperature for easier mixing.

• Don’t Overheat the Chocolate: When melting chocolate, heat it gradually to prevent burning. Stir frequently for smoothness.

• Pack Peanut Butter Mixture Firmly: When layering the peanut butter mixture, press it down firmly to keep the layers intact.

• Chill Before Cutting: Allow the bars to chill in the refrigerator long enough to set properly before cutting into squares.

• Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add chopped nuts or sprinkles on top for added texture and flavor variations.

Best Side Dishes for Disneyland Peanut Butter Sandwich Bars

Pairing sides with your Disneyland Peanut Butter Sandwich Bars can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances out the richness of the bars.

2. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These sweet treats complement the peanut butter flavor beautifully.

3. Vanilla Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy contrast that’s still indulgent.

4. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can offer a savory balance to sweet desserts like these sandwich bars.

5. Nutty Granola: Serve crunchy granola on the side for some texture and additional nutty flavors.

6. Milkshake: A classic vanilla or chocolate milkshake makes a fun pairing that kids will love.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Disneyland Peanut Butter Sandwich Bars can be a delightful experience, but avoiding common mistakes will ensure your dessert turns out perfectly.

• Using stale graham crackers – Always check the freshness of your graham crackers. Stale crackers will result in a less tasty dessert. Opt for fresh, crisp crackers for the best results.
• Overmixing the peanut butter mixture – Overmixing can lead to a dense texture. Mix just until combined for a lighter filling that spreads easily.
• Not crushing graham crackers finely enough – Large chunks won’t blend well and can disrupt the layers. Aim for fine crumbs to ensure a smooth texture.
• Skipping the chilling step – Allowing the bars to chill is essential for proper setting. Don’t rush this step, as it helps firm up the layers before cutting.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately – Baking is precise. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure you get the right amounts for each ingredient, especially powdered sugar and peanut butter.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover bars in an airtight container.
• They can stay fresh in the fridge for up to one week.

Freezing Disneyland Peanut Butter Sandwich Bars

• Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Disneyland Peanut Butter Sandwich Bars

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm bars for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop – Use a non-stick skillet over low heat, warming bars gently while covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Disneyland Peanut Butter Sandwich Bars.

How long do Disneyland Peanut Butter Sandwich Bars last?

These bars can last up to one week when stored properly in the refrigerator.

Can I customize my Disneyland Peanut Butter Sandwich Bars?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, sprinkles, or even different types of chocolate for a unique twist.

What if I don’t have shortening?

If you don’t have shortening, you can use additional butter instead. Just keep in mind it may slightly alter the texture.

Are Disneyland Peanut Butter Sandwich Bars gluten-free?

They are not inherently gluten-free due to graham crackers. However, you can substitute with gluten-free graham crackers.

Final Thoughts

Disneyland Peanut Butter Sandwich Bars are not only delicious but also versatile. They offer room for customization with various mix-ins or toppings. This no-bake dessert is perfect for any occasion and will surely delight friends and family. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a taste of Disney magic at home!