I remember the first time I tasted those magical peanut butter bars at Disneyland. It was pure bliss, a perfect combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate. My kids were obsessed, and honestly, so was I. But Disneyland trips aren’t exactly an everyday thing, are they? So, I set out on a mission to recreate that iconic treat in my own kitchen. It took a few tries, let me tell you!
My first attempt was a total disaster – the peanut butter layer was grainy, and the chocolate topping cracked like crazy. But I kept tweaking and testing, armed with every tip and trick I could find, until I finally nailed it. Now, I can whip up a batch of these copycat disneyland peanut butter bars whenever that craving hits, and my family thinks they’re even better than the real deal!
This copycat disneyland peanut butter bars recipe has become a real staple in our house. It’s perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or just a fun weekend treat. I often make them on a Sunday afternoon, while the kids are doing their homework, and the whole house smells amazing. Plus, they’re so easy to make, even the kids can help! I’ve learned a few things along the way. Like, don’t skimp on the quality of the chocolate – it really makes a difference.
And be patient with the chilling time; it’s crucial for getting that perfect, clean cut. The biggest “aha” moment for me was discovering that using a food processor to combine the graham crackers and peanut butter made all the difference in achieving that smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture. This easy disneyland peanut butter bars recipe fits perfectly into my busy life because most of the ingredients are pantry staples.
Trust me, once you try this copycat disneyland peanut butter bars recipe, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these irresistible bars. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything on hand; most of these are pantry staples!
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full sheets)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (I always use a no-stir variety for my copycat disneyland peanut butter bars)
- ⅓ cup milk
- 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Now, let’s talk ingredients. I always use name-brand chocolate chips for the topping; they melt so much smoother and give a richer flavor to the copycat disneyland peanut butter bars. You can find graham crackers at any grocery store, but I’ve noticed the store brand works just as well and saves a little money. I’m all about those cost-saving tips! When making copycat disneyland peanut butter bars, you can find good quality peanut butter at any large supermarket or even warehouse stores like Costco. I usually buy a big jar because we use it for everything!
Ingredient Tips & Tricks
Here’s a copycat disneyland peanut butter bars trick I learned from my mom: lightly spray your measuring cup with cooking spray before measuring the peanut butter. It slides right out! This helps prevent the peanut butter from sticking. For a shortcut, you can buy pre-made graham cracker crumbs, but I prefer to crush my own in the food processor. It’s a little more work, but I think it gives the bars a better texture.
Leftover graham crackers should be stored in an airtight container to prevent them from going stale. And if you have leftover peanut butter, well, you can always make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich! I also like to keep my butter at room temperature before melting it for the graham cracker crust.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get down to business! Here’s how to make these ridiculously good copycat disneyland peanut butter bars, step-by-step. Don’t worry if your first try isn’t perfect; practice makes perfect, and even a slightly imperfect peanut butter bar is still pretty darn delicious!
- Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of an ungreased 9×13 inch baking pan. I use the bottom of a measuring cup to really pack it down tight. You want a nice, even crust for your copycat disneyland peanut butter bars.
- Make the Peanut Butter Layer: In a large bowl, beat together the powdered sugar, peanut butter, and milk until smooth and creamy. This is where a stand mixer comes in handy, but you can definitely use a hand mixer too. Just make sure everything is well combined. Spread this mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust.
- Chill: Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes, or until the peanut butter layer is firm. This chilling time is crucial. It allows the peanut butter layer to set properly, which makes cutting the bars much easier later on. I often chill mine for an hour or even longer.
- Prepare the Chocolate Topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate! It can burn easily. I’ve learned the hard way with copycat disneyland peanut butter bars that patience is key here. I usually give it a stir after each interval and even if it’s not completely melted, the residual heat will usually do the trick.
- Pour the Chocolate: Pour the melted chocolate over the chilled peanut butter layer and spread it evenly. You can use a spatula or even the back of a spoon to smooth it out.
- Chill Again: Return the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate is completely set. This is another important chilling step! The colder the chocolate, the cleaner your cuts will be.
- Cut and Serve: Once the chocolate is firm, remove the pan from the refrigerator and cut the bars into squares. I like to use a sharp knife and run it under hot water between cuts to get those perfect, clean edges. In my kitchen, copycat disneyland peanut butter bars usually takes about 20 minutes to prepare and then a couple of hours to chill. While the copycat disneyland peanut butter bars is chilling, I usually tidy up the kitchen or catch up on a good book!
Your copycat disneyland peanut butter bars should smell like rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter heaven!
Serving Suggestions
Okay, so you’ve made these amazing copycat disneyland peanut butter bars, now what? Well, first things first, grab one and enjoy! But seriously, these bars are so versatile. The kids love our copycat disneyland peanut butter bars when I pack them in their lunchboxes as a special treat. They also disappear quickly when I bring them to potlucks.
My go-to side dish with these? A tall glass of cold milk! It’s the perfect complement to the richness of the peanut butter and chocolate. This copycat disneyland peanut butter bars recipe is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just a casual get-together with friends. It’s always a crowd-pleaser! For presentation, I like to arrange the cut bars on a pretty platter, maybe with a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a little extra flair.
If you have extra copycat disneyland peanut butter bars (which is rare in my house!), they store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage. I like to wrap them individually in plastic wrap before freezing so I can grab one whenever I need a little pick-me-up. For a seasonal variation, try adding a layer of chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups to the peanut butter layer during Halloween! My friends always ask for this copycat disneyland peanut butter bars recipe; I always tell them that the secret is in the quality of the ingredients and the patience to let them chill properly!
Frequently Asked Questions
Okay, let’s tackle some of the questions I get asked most often about these irresistible copycat disneyland peanut butter bars! I’ve made my share of mistakes, so I’m happy to share my wisdom!
- Why is my peanut butter layer grainy?
Ah, the dreaded grainy peanut butter layer! This usually happens if your powdered sugar isn’t fully incorporated, or if you overmix the peanut butter. You know what I do when my copycat disneyland peanut butter bars has this happen? I make sure the mixer is on low and gradually add the powdered sugar, making sure it’s completely combined before adding the milk. - My chocolate topping keeps cracking when I cut the bars. What am I doing wrong?
Cracked chocolate is a common problem! The key is to make sure the chocolate is completely melted and smooth before pouring it over the peanut butter layer. Also, make sure the peanut butter layer is firm before adding the chocolate. If the peanut butter layer is too soft, it can cause the chocolate to crack when you cut it. - Can I use natural peanut butter?
While you can use natural peanut butter, I don’t recommend it for this recipe. Natural peanut butter tends to be oilier and can make the peanut butter layer too soft. But if you insist on using it, make sure to stir it really well and drain off any excess oil before adding it to the other ingredients. My family prefers the taste and texture of the no-stir peanut butter in these bars. - Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Just use gluten-free graham crackers. There are several brands available now, and they work just as well as regular graham crackers. This is a modification I often make for my gluten-free friends. - My chocolate topping is too thick to spread evenly. What should I do?
If your chocolate topping is too thick, try adding a teaspoon of vegetable oil or shortening to the melted chocolate. This will thin it out and make it easier to spread. Make sure to add it while the chocolate is still melted and stir until well combined. - Can I freeze these bars?
Absolutely! These bars freeze beautifully. Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat them, just thaw them in the refrigerator for a few hours. Feedback about my copycat disneyland peanut butter bars recipe often mentions how well they freeze and how great they are to have on hand for unexpected guests. - Why are my bars too soft?
Too soft bars are usually because the chilling time was not sufficient. The key is to be patient!
Final Thoughts and Pro Tips
This copycat disneyland peanut butter bars recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a taste of pure happiness that I can share with my family. It reminds me of fun vacations and sweet memories, and it’s a recipe that I know I’ll be making for years to come. It’s truly an easy disneyland peanut butter bars recipe.
Pro Tips for Perfection
Here are a few of my copycat disneyland peanut butter bars Pro Tips:
- Use a hot knife for clean cuts: Run your knife under hot water and wipe it dry between each cut. This will help you get those perfect, clean edges.
- Don’t overbake the graham cracker crust: You’re not really baking it, but pressing it in firmly is really important.
- Chill, chill, chill!: The chilling time is crucial for getting the right texture and preventing the chocolate from cracking.
Variations to Try
Here are a few variations we’ve tried:
- Peanut Butter Cup Version: Add a layer of chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups to the peanut butter layer.
- Pretzel Crust: Use crushed pretzels instead of graham crackers for a salty-sweet twist.
- Dark Chocolate Topping: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.
My son loves the pretzel crust version, while my daughter is all about the peanut butter cup addition. No matter how you make them, I hope you enjoy these copycat disneyland peanut butter bars as much as my family does. I hope your cooking experience is filled with laughter, delicious aromas, and maybe just a little bit of magic! These homemade peanut butter bars disneyland will sure be a family favourite!
So go ahead, give this copycat disneyland peanut butter bars recipe a try. You might just find yourself transported back to the happiest place on earth with every bite!
PrintCopycat Disneyland Peanut Butter Bars: A Taste of Magic
These copycat Disneyland peanut butter bars are rich, decadent, and taste just like the real thing! This recipe makes 7 large bars.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 7 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp vegetable shortening
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and peanut butter until smooth.
- Gradually beat in the powdered sugar, then mix in the graham cracker crumbs.
- Press the mixture into an ungreased 9×13 inch pan.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and vegetable shortening together in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and spread evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars.
Notes
For easier cutting, let the bars sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before slicing.