If you have a sweet spot for nostalgic treats, you’re going to absolutely fall in love with the Disneyland Peanut Butter Squares Recipe. These no-bake peanut butter chocolate bars are a perfect combination of creamy peanut butter, crunchy graham cracker crumbs, and rich milk chocolate, all coming together in a delightful square that feels like a little bite of theme park magic at home. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, this recipe captures that classic indulgent flavor that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re making a batch for family, friends, or just your own sweet cravings, these squares will quickly become your go-to dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Disneyland Peanut Butter Squares Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role, adding texture, flavor, and richness without requiring fancy pantry staples.
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs: Provides the perfect crunchy base with a subtle honeyed flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and helps bind the peanut butter and crumbs together smoothly.
- 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient offering creamy richness and that classic nutty taste.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds moisture and buttery richness, ensuring the bars hold together perfectly.
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips: Delivers a luscious chocolate layer that melts beautifully over the peanut butter mix.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or shortening: Keeps the melted chocolate glossy and silky for easy spreading.
How to Make Disneyland Peanut Butter Squares Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by lining a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This overhang acts like handles so you can easily lift out the finished squares for cutting and serving. It’s a little trick that makes removal hassle-free and keeps your squares intact.
Step 2: Mix the Peanut Butter Layer
In a large bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, creamy peanut butter, and melted butter. Stir everything well until the mixture becomes thick and fully combined. This blend forms the dense, slightly crumbly base that’s rich with peanut buttery goodness.
Step 3: Press the Mixture Into the Pan
Transfer the peanut butter mixture into your prepared pan and press it down evenly. Use a spatula or your hands to smooth out the top so it’s level — this will create that signature flat base that the chocolate layer can sit on beautifully.
Step 4: Melt and Spread the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk chocolate chips and vegetable oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each session, until the chocolate is completely melted and silky smooth. Pour this luscious chocolate over the peanut butter layer and spread it evenly with a spatula to create a gorgeous, glossy topping.
Step 5: Chill and Set
Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least two hours until the chocolate is set and firm. This step is crucial because it helps the bars hold their shape when cut.
Step 6: Cut and Serve
Once fully chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire block out of the pan. For the cleanest cuts, let the bars sit at room temperature for about five minutes before slicing into squares. Then dive into the magic of these Disneyland Peanut Butter Squares.
How to Serve Disneyland Peanut Butter Squares Recipe
Garnishes
These squares are delicious on their own, but you can dress them up with some sprinkles of crushed peanuts for extra crunch or a light dusting of powdered sugar for a pretty finish. A drizzle of white chocolate over the top adds a festive touch and a pop of contrast.
Side Dishes
Pairing these peanut butter squares with a cold glass of milk or a cup of freshly brewed coffee enhances the flavor balance. They’re also fantastic alongside some fresh fruit for a refreshing bite between sweet squares.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Arrange the squares on a decorative platter with colorful napkins and serving utensils. You can also cut them into bite-sized pieces and serve on toothpicks for an easy party snack that invites everyone to dig in and enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Disneyland Peanut Butter Squares can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Keeping them chilled ensures the chocolate stays firm and the peanut butter layer remains delectably creamy.
Freezing
If you want to save these squares for later, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. They keep well for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating
These bars are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t usually necessary. If you prefer, let them sit out of the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes to soften slightly before serving for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter adds a fun texture contrast to these bars, but keep in mind it may change the consistency slightly, making the mixture a bit less smooth.
Is it possible to substitute the graham cracker crumbs with something else?
You can swap graham cracker crumbs for crushed digestive biscuits or even vanilla wafers. Just be sure to maintain the same quantity to keep the right texture and balance.
Can I make these squares vegan or dairy-free?
Yes, you can! Use a dairy-free butter substitute and vegan chocolate chips to make this recipe suitable for vegan diets. Make sure the peanut butter is free from added dairy ingredients as well.
How long do these squares last at room temperature?
Because of the butter and chocolate, it’s best to keep them refrigerated. At room temperature, they may soften and become a bit messy within a few hours, especially in warm conditions.
What’s the best way to get clean cuts when slicing?
For neat squares, let them sit at room temperature for about five minutes after chilling. Use a sharp knife warmed slightly under hot water, then wiped dry before cutting each slice to minimize crumbling.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about the Disneyland Peanut Butter Squares Recipe that brings a touch of magic and comfort right to your kitchen. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal effort, you create blissfully rich, nostalgic treats that everyone will adore. Whether you’re making them for a picnic, party, or a cozy night in, these squares hit all the right notes between peanut butter and chocolate. Give this recipe a try and watch them become an instant favorite in your dessert rotation!
Print
Disneyland Peanut Butter Squares Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 squares 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Disneyland Peanut Butter Squares are a rich and creamy no-bake dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker base mixed with peanut butter and powdered sugar, topped with a smooth layer of melted chocolate. Easy to prepare and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, these bars capture the nostalgic flavors of a classic theme park treat.
Ingredients
Base Layer
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Chocolate Topping
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or shortening
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to make it easier to lift the squares out later.
- Mix Base Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, creamy peanut butter, and melted butter. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is thick and fully combined.
- Press Base: Evenly press the peanut butter mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top to create an even layer.
- Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk chocolate chips and vegetable oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each to ensure the chocolate melts smoothly without burning.
- Pour Chocolate Layer: Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the peanut butter base and spread evenly with a spatula to cover the entire surface.
- Chill: Refrigerate the entire pan for at least 2 hours or until the chocolate topping is fully set and firm to the touch.
- Serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the set bars from the pan and cut into 24 squares before serving.
Notes
- For clean and neat cuts, let the squares sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before slicing.
- These bars can be stored in the freezer for longer storage and thawed slightly before serving to maintain their texture and flavor.
