How to Master Peanut Butter Bliss Bar Technique

Temperature Control Technique

Strategic chilling between layers for structural integrity. This method ensures distinct layers remain separate without blending together.

Ganache Perfection Method

Careful heating and cooling protocol for silky texture. This approach prevents chocolate from seizing or becoming grainy.

Shortbread Base Strategy

Even compacting technique creating stable foundation. This technique ensures the base supports heavier layers without crumbling.

Cutting Precision Approach

Hot knife method with proper timing for clean edges. This method produces professional-looking bars with distinct layers visible.

Baking Tips

For the cleanest cuts, freeze the bars for 15 minutes before slicing with a hot knife

Using commercial peanut butter (not natural) prevents oil separation in the filling

Allow bars to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for the best texture

For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend

If the peanut butter filling is too thick to spread easily, microwave it for 10-15 seconds

Adding a tablespoon of coconut oil to the ganache will make it shinier and easier to cut

For extra crunch, add 1/4 cup of crushed graham crackers or rice cereal to the peanut butter layer

Crunchy peanut butter can be substituted for creamy if you prefer added texture

For a variation, try using dark chocolate (70% cacao) for a less sweet ganache

To enhance the peanut flavor, add 1/4 teaspoon of espresso powder to the chocolate ganache

Store leftovers with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking

For a no-bake option, substitute the shortbread base with a graham cracker or cookie crust

Peanut Butter Bliss Bars

Name: Peanut Butter Bliss Bars
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 3 h
Yield: 16 bars
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the shortbread base:; 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend); 1/3 cup (67g) granulated sugar; 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; For the peanut butter filling:; 1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter (not natural style); 3/4 cup (85g) powdered sugar, sifted; 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; For the chocolate ganache:; 1 cup (175g) semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate; 1/3 cup (80ml) heavy cream; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; For the topping:; 1/4 cup (40g) chopped roasted peanuts (optional); 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt; 2 tablespoons peanut butter chips (optional)

Peanut Butter Bliss Bars feature layers of buttery shortbread crust, creamy peanut butter filling, and rich chocolate ganache, creating an irresistible dessert with the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. This medium-difficulty creation delivers an elevated take on the classic peanut butter cup through carefully controlled temperature techniques and proper layering methods, finished with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt that enhances the complex flavor profile while adding subtle textural contrast to these indulgent treats.

Prep Time

25 Minutes

Cook Time

15 Minutes

Total Time

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the shortbread base:

1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)

1/3 cup (67g) granulated sugar

1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the peanut butter filling:

1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter (not natural style)

3/4 cup (85g) powdered sugar, sifted

4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, melted

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

For the chocolate ganache:

1 cup (175g) semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate

1/3 cup (80ml) heavy cream

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

For the topping:

1/4 cup (40g) chopped roasted peanuts (optional)

1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt

2 tablespoons peanut butter chips (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal.

For the shortbread base: In a food processor, combine flour, sugar, cold butter cubes, salt, and vanilla. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs and begins to come together when pressed.

Press the shortbread mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to ensure it's compact and level.

Bake the shortbread base for 15-18 minutes until lightly golden around the edges. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.

For the peanut butter filling: In a medium bowl, combine peanut butter, sifted powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until smooth and well combined.

When the shortbread base has cooled, spread the peanut butter filling evenly over it using an offset spatula. Place in the refrigerator to chill for 30 minutes until firm.

For the chocolate ganache: Place chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer (do not boil).

Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 2-3 minutes. Add the tablespoon of butter, then whisk until smooth and glossy.

Remove the pan from the refrigerator and pour the ganache over the chilled peanut butter layer, spreading it evenly with an offset spatula.

Immediately sprinkle with chopped peanuts (if using), flaky sea salt, and peanut butter chips (if using) while the ganache is still wet.

Return the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate layer is completely set.

When ready to serve, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Allow to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before cutting.

Using a sharp knife warmed under hot water (and dried), cut into 16 squares. Clean and rewarm the knife between cuts for the cleanest edges.

Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Peanut Butter Bliss Bars

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

How to Master Peanut Butter Bliss Bar Technique

Peanut Butter Bliss Bars

Ingredients

Instructions