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Peanut Butter Crunch Bars

Peanut Butter Crunch Bars

Creamy no-bake Vanilla Custard Squares with graham crust. Make-ahead dessert, easy recipe, includes twist for Peanut Butter Crunch Bars.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 17 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 37 minutes
Servings: 9 pieces
Calories: 210
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ⅓ cup melted butter
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 5 large egg yolks
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract or the seeds from 1 vanilla bean
  • 3 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream, cold
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

  • 9x9-inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Medium saucepan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Rubber spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a medium bowl and mix until the mixture resembles wet sand.
  3. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 10 minutes, then let cool completely.
  4. In a saucepan, heat milk and 1 cup of heavy cream over medium heat until steaming (but not boiling).
  5. In a bowl, whisk together sugar, egg yolks, vanilla, and cornstarch until smooth and pale.
  6. Slowly pour about a cup of the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture while whisking constantly, then return it to the saucepan.
  7. Cook the custard over medium-low heat, whisking constantly, until thickened (about 5-7 minutes) and bubbling.
  8. Pour the hot custard over the cooled crust, smoothing it into an even layer.
  9. Refrigerate the pan for at least 2 hours to allow the custard to set.
  10. Make the whipped cream by beating cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a chilled bowl until firm peaks form.
  11. Spread the whipped cream over the set custard layer and cut into squares.

Nutrition

Calories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 3gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 88mgSodium: 90mgPotassium: 110mgSugar: 15gVitamin A: 450IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 75mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

These squares can be topped with fresh berries or chocolate drizzle for an extra touch. Store in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for best quality. Enjoy!
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