Nut-Licious Peanut Butter Bars |
|
 |
Prep Time: 45 Minutes Cook Time: 15 Minutes |
Ready In: 60 Minutes Servings: 24 |
|
My friends were astonished to find out these bars were not button-busting. We nick named them bamboozled bars! Ingredients:
crust: |
1-1/2 cups reduced-fat graham cracker crumbs (about 10 whole crackers) |
1/3 cup honey |
2 tablespoons butter, melted |
nut topping: |
1/4 cup chopped pecans |
1/4 cup chopped walnuts |
2 tablespoons honey |
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon |
filling: |
12 ounces fat-free cream cheese |
2/3 cup peanut butter |
3 tablespoons butter, softened |
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar |
1/2 cup honey |
1 egg |
1 teaspoon vanilla extract |
1/4 teaspoon maple flavoring |
1/4 cup king arthur unbleached all-purpose flour |
1/4 teaspoon baking powder |
drizzle: |
1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips, melted |
Directions:
1. In a small bowl, combine crust ingredients. Press onto the bottom of a 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 8 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.
2. Meanwhile, combine the nuts, honey and cinnamon. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 5-7 minutes or until toasted and fragrant, stirring occasionally. Cool completely. Crumble mixture and set aside.
3. In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, peanut butter, butter, confectioners' sugar and honey until smooth. Beat in the egg, vanilla and maple flavoring. Combine flour and baking powder; gradually add to creamed mixture. Spread over cooled crust. Bake for 14-16 minutes or until set.
4. Sprinkle nut mixture over warm filling; press in slightly. Drizzle with melted chocolate. Cool completely on a wire rack. Chill for 2 hours or until firm. Cut into bars. Refrigerate leftovers. Yield: 24 servings.
|
|