If you have a soft spot for nostalgic treats that bring a sprinkle of magic to any occasion, then the Disneyland Peanut Butter Squares Recipe is calling your name. This delightful dessert combines layers of crunchy graham crackers, rich and creamy peanut butter, and luscious chocolate to create a symphony of flavors that’s simply irresistible. Every bite bursts with that perfect balance of sweet and salty, soft and crunchy, making it an absolute must-make for anyone who loves classic, comforting sweets with a touch of whimsy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple pantry staples, but each plays a vital role in creating the perfect texture and taste of the Disneyland Peanut Butter Squares Recipe. From the crunchy graham crackers to the smooth chocolate layers, every component works harmoniously to bring this dessert to life.
- Graham cracker sheets: Provides a crisp and slightly sweet base and top layers that add structure and crunch.
- Creamy peanut butter: Adds that rich, nutty creaminess that’s the heart of the recipe.
- Butter (softened): Contributes smoothness and helps bind the peanut butter mixture together.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with a subtle sweet warmth.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the peanut butter’s natural flavor.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the peanut butter mixture and creates a smooth, no-bake filling.
- Shortening: Helps the chocolate stay glossy and easy to spread.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Delivers the rich, melty chocolate layers that make this dessert heavenly.
How to Make Disneyland Peanut Butter Squares Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Graham Crackers
Spray a 9×13-inch glass baking dish with a non-stick spray to prevent any sticky situations later. Then, take two whole graham cracker sheets, place them inside a Ziploc bag, and crush them into fine crumbs using a meat mallet or the bottom of a glass. Set these crumbs aside for a finishing touch at the end.
Step 2: Mix the Peanut Butter Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine creamy peanut butter, softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Gradually add powdered sugar, a little at a time, while mixing until the blend transforms into a thick, smooth, and easily moldable peanut butter filling. This mixture is the luscious heart of your Disneyland Peanut Butter Squares Recipe.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate
Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips and shortening in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between, until the chocolate is fully melted and silky smooth. Be careful not to overcook it, as burnt chocolate can quickly ruin this masterpiece.
Step 4: Assemble the First Layers
Lay six whole graham cracker sheets evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour about one-third of the melted chocolate over this layer and spread it thinly and evenly. This creates the perfect rich chocolate foundation beneath the peanut butter filling.
Step 5: Add the Peanut Butter Layer
Using clean hands, grab fistfuls of the peanut butter mixture and flatten them gently before placing them over the chocolate layer. Aim to cover as much of the chocolate as possible without breaking the graham crackers beneath. Every bit of this creamy layer is essential for the signature flavor and texture of the Disneyland Peanut Butter Squares Recipe.
Step 6: Layer Chocolate, Graham Crackers, and More Chocolate
Spread another one-third of the chocolate over the peanut butter layer. Then, lay another six graham cracker sheets on top, creating the second crunchy layer. Finish with the remaining chocolate, spreading it evenly over the top of the graham crackers.
Step 7: Finish with Crushed Graham Crackers and Chill
Sprinkle the reserved crushed graham cracker crumbs generously over the top chocolate layer. This adds a lovely texture contrast and makes the squares look delightfully inviting. Place the entire dish in the refrigerator and let it cool for at least one hour to allow the layers to set properly before cutting.
How to Serve Disneyland Peanut Butter Squares Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, top each square with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate. You could also add a sprinkle of chopped peanuts on top for crunch and an extra peanut buttery punch.
Side Dishes
These peanut butter squares pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee for a balanced contrast. If you’re serving at a party, fresh berries or a simple fruit salad can lighten the richness while adding a fresh burst of flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the squares into fun shapes using cookie cutters for a playful presentation, especially for kids’ parties. Serving them on a colorful platter or alongside other bite-sized treats creates a visually appealing dessert spread that will have guests reaching for more.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Disneyland Peanut Butter Squares Recipe covered tightly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh and delicious for up to five days, making them a fantastic make-ahead dessert or snack.
Freezing
If you want to keep these treats longer, wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze beautifully for up to two months without losing their texture or flavor.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen squares, thaw them overnight in the fridge. While this dessert is best served chilled, letting it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving brings out the creamy peanut butter flavor beautifully without becoming overly soft.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
While creamy peanut butter is recommended for a smooth filling, you can substitute crunchy peanut butter if you prefer some extra texture and crunch in your squares. Just be aware that it will change the mouthfeel slightly.
Is there a way to make this recipe nut-free?
Unfortunately, peanut butter is the star of this dish, so making it nut-free would require a complete recipe overhaul. However, you might experiment with sunflower seed butter or other nut butters, but the flavor won’t be quite the same as the original Disneyland Peanut Butter Squares Recipe.
What kind of chocolate is best for this recipe?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips work perfectly, offering a balanced sweetness that complements the peanut butter. Dark chocolate chips can be used for a richer taste, or milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter, creamier chocolate layer.
Can I use a different type of cracker?
The classic flavor and texture come from graham crackers, so substituting might alter the final taste and structure. If needed, digestive biscuits or similar lightly sweetened crackers could work, but graham crackers are the authentic choice for Disneyland Peanut Butter Squares Recipe.
How do I ensure the layers don’t mix while assembling?
Take care to spread each layer evenly and avoid breaking the graham crackers when adding the peanut butter. Chilling the peanut butter slightly before handling can help it hold its shape. Also, allow the chocolate to cool slightly before spreading to prevent melting the layers beneath.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Disneyland Peanut Butter Squares Recipe. It’s the kind of treat that makes you smile with every bite and brings friends and family together around the dessert plate. Whether you’re recreating a favorite childhood memory or discovering it for the first time, this recipe is a keeper. Give it a try and watch how these layers of chocolate, peanut butter, and graham crackers disappear fast — you’ll be making them again and again!
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Disneyland Peanut Butter Squares Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
Delightful and nostalgic Disneyland-inspired Peanut Butter Squares consisting of layers of crunchy graham crackers, creamy peanut butter filling, and rich semi-sweet chocolate, all finished with a sprinkle of crushed graham cracker crumbs. Perfect as a sweet treat for parties or any time you crave a classic peanut butter chocolate dessert.
Ingredients
Base and Topping
- 14 whole graham cracker sheets
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3½ cups powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons shortening
- 4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Peanut Butter Mixture
- 2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 8 tablespoons butter, softened
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spray a 9×13-inch glass baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and ease removal of the finished squares.
- Crush Graham Crackers: Place 2 whole graham cracker sheets inside a Ziploc bag and crush them into fine crumbs using a meat mallet or the bottom of a glass. Set these crumbs aside for topping later.
- Make Peanut Butter Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, softened butter, vanilla, and salt. Gradually add the powdered sugar in small increments, mixing thoroughly to create a thick, spreadable peanut butter mixture.
- Melt Chocolate Layer: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and shortening. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Be careful to avoid overheating.
- Assemble First Layer: Arrange 6 whole graham cracker sheets at the bottom of the prepared baking dish forming an even base layer.
- First Chocolate Layer: Pour about one-third of the melted chocolate evenly over the graham cracker base to create a thin chocolate layer.
- Add Peanut Butter Layer: Using your hands, take fistfuls of the peanut butter mixture and flatten them into rough squares. Carefully arrange this peanut butter layer over the chocolate, covering as much surface as possible without breaking the crackers below. Use all of the peanut butter mixture.
- Second Chocolate Layer and Graham Crackers: Pour another one-third of the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer. Then lay down another 6 graham cracker sheets evenly on top. Finish by pouring the remaining chocolate on top of these crackers.
- Top with Crumbs: Sprinkle the reserved crushed graham cracker crumbs evenly over the final chocolate layer for added texture and decoration.
- Chill and Cut: Refrigerate the dish for at least 1 hour to allow the layers to set firmly. Once chilled, cut into 24 squares of your preferred size and serve.
Notes
- Use creamy peanut butter for the smoothest texture; natural peanut butter may alter consistency.
- Softened butter makes mixing easier; do not melt it.
- Chocolate and shortening mixture helps the chocolate layer stay smooth and glossy.
- Be cautious when melting chocolate in the microwave to prevent burning.
- Store these squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
