No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

I've noticed that almost every day around 11:30am I need that pick-me-up treat.  Do you know what I'm talking about?  When you need that little handful of some kind of sweet goodness to help reward you for the non-stop morning you've had and to help boost you into the afternoon craziness that will occur?   Well, even if you don't experience that on a daily basis... these no-bake chocolate peanut butter bars are still the perfect little "I need to reward myself with just a little something" treat.  Now let me give a little warning: These bars are addictive and not for the peanut butter weaklings.  These are creamy and wonderful and filled with a lot of the perfect combo: Chocolate and Peanut Butter.  Oh, they're good.  

No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

Yield: Makes one 9x13 pan (so depends on how big you cut your bars)

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 cups graham cracker crumbs

2 cups powdered sugar

2 cups creamy peanut butter, divided

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

1 1/2 cups rice crispy cereal

Directions

Spray a 9x13 pan with non-stick cooking spray.  Set aside.

In a mixing bowl beat together the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, 1 cup peanut butter and salt.  Spread into the prepared pan.  Refrigerate at least 15 minutes to firm up a little.

In a microwave safe bowl melt together the chocolate chips and remaining 1 cup peanut butter in the microwave for 30 second intervals, stirring in between each interval until smooth.  Once all is melted and smooth stir in the cereal.  Spread on top of the chilled peanut butter layer.  Refrigerate until chocolate is firm before serving.  Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

*These can soften pretty good if left out of the refrigerator for too long.  I like them on the firmer side so I prefer to keep them chilled.

*This also cuts in half nicely for an 8x8 pan.

Recipe Source: TheGirlWhoAteEverything.com