If you’re looking to recreate a touch of theme park magic at home, Disneyland Peanut Butter Squares are about to become your new obsession. These irresistible dessert bars perfectly balance creamy peanut butter, crunchy graham crackers, and a thick, silky chocolate topping. Each bite delivers that nostalgic, sweet-yet-salty flavor combo that captures the essence of a day spent snacking on Main Street, USA. Whether you’re a die-hard Disney fan or simply adore the marriage of chocolate and peanut butter, this recipe is pure, decadent happiness you can whip up in your own kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for Disneyland Peanut Butter Squares are delightfully simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and iconic flavor. With just a handful of pantry staples, you’ll have a treat that tastes truly magical.
- Peanut Butter (1 cup, creamy): The heart and soul of the recipe, creating luscious creaminess in every bite.
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds richness and helps everything hold together beautifully.
- Powdered Sugar (1 3/4 cups): Brings sweetness and a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture—sift for extra silkiness.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs (1 1/2 cups, finely ground): Lend a light crunch and gentle honey flavor, keeping the squares firm yet tender.
- Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors and adds depth to the filling.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (2 cups): Essential for that thick, decadent chocolate layer you know and love.
- Peanut Butter (2 tablespoons, for chocolate topping): Blends into the chocolate for a gorgeously smooth, soft finish on top.
How to Make Disneyland Peanut Butter Squares
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Don’t skip this step—parchment ensures your squares lift out easily and keeps cleanup a breeze! Let a bit of paper hang over the edges for convenient lifting later.
Step 2: Mix the Peanut Butter Base
In a large bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and finely ground graham cracker crumbs. Use an electric mixer or sturdy spatula to blend everything together until the mixture looks smooth and homogenous. This base is irresistible and should feel almost dough-like—soft but not sticky!
Step 3: Press and Set the Base
Transfer the peanut butter mixture to your prepared pan. Use a spatula or your hands to press it firmly and evenly into the bottom, paying special attention to getting all the way into the corners. Aim for a level surface so your chocolate layer goes on smoothly—pressing it down well also helps the bars hold their shape when cut.
Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Topping
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the two cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips with two tablespoons of peanut butter. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring after each interval, until everything is melted and completely smooth. The extra peanut butter flavors the chocolate and prevents it from hardening too much in the fridge!
Step 5: Assemble and Chill
Immediately pour your warm chocolate mixture over the pressed peanut butter base. Spread it evenly with a spatula, swirling gently for a glossy finish. Pop the baking dish into the refrigerator and chill for at least two hours or until the chocolate is set and the bars are firm to the touch.
Step 6: Slice and Enjoy
Once your Disneyland Peanut Butter Squares are fully set, lift the block out of the pan using the parchment edges. Place it on a cutting board and use a sharp knife (wiping it clean between cuts for perfect edges) to slice into 16 luscious squares. Now comes the best part: serve and savor the magic!
How to Serve Disneyland Peanut Butter Squares
Garnishes
Want to take your Disneyland Peanut Butter Squares from delightful to dazzling? Top each square with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a drizzle of melted peanut butter, or a smattering of colorful sprinkles for extra whimsy. Crushed peanuts or a dusting of cocoa powder look beautiful and add a little extra texture and flavor.
Side Dishes
These squares are quite rich, so they pair perfectly with something cool and refreshing. Try serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with fresh berries for a vibrant, fruity contrast. A cold glass of milk or a shot of espresso is a classic combination, setting off the sweetness and chocolatey richness just right.
Creative Ways to Present
Switch up your dessert game by stacking the squares on a tiered cake stand or packaging them in themed gift boxes for a Disney-inspired edible present. For parties, cut them into bite-sized pieces and spear with festive toothpicks, or arrange them in neat rows on colorful platters for maximum visual appeal. However you serve them, Disneyland Peanut Butter Squares always bring out the smiles!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These bars keep beautifully! Place any leftover Disneyland Peanut Butter Squares in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to one week. Be sure to use parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking and preserve that glossy chocolate top.
Freezing
If you want to extend the magic, these squares freeze exceptionally well. Wrap each square individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results—they’ll taste just as dreamy as the day you made them.
Reheating
While they’re wonderful straight from the fridge, if you like your bars a bit softer, let them come to room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving. If you want the chocolate extra melty, a quick five-second zap in the microwave works wonders! Just be careful, as longer heating can melt the layers too much.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a fun, rustic texture and extra peanut crunch to your Disneyland Peanut Butter Squares. The bars will still hold together perfectly and offer a satisfying bite for nut lovers.
Are there any nut-free alternatives for this recipe?
If you need to avoid peanuts, try substituting with sunflower seed butter or almond butter. Make sure whatever alternative you choose is creamy and unsweetened for the best texture and flavor balance.
Do I have to use graham cracker crumbs?
Graham cracker crumbs add a subtle sweetness and help set the squares, but you can also use digestive biscuits or vanilla wafer crumbs if needed. The key is to keep the texture fine so everything binds together well.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Simply double all the ingredients and use a 9×13 baking dish. The chilling time may be a little bit longer, but you’ll have plenty of Disneyland Peanut Butter Squares to go around for parties or family gatherings.
How do I get that perfectly smooth chocolate layer on top?
For that theme-park-perfect look, pour and spread the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture as soon as it’s smooth and glossy. A small offset spatula works wonders for creating a neat, shiny finish. Chilling the bars immediately helps the top set beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Making Disneyland Peanut Butter Squares at home is a pure treat—easy to whip up, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to bring joy to anyone who takes a bite. If you’re searching for a no-fuss dessert that always wows, I encourage you to grab your mixing bowl and recreate this Disney classic today. Let a little theme park magic light up your kitchen!
Print
Disneyland Peanut Butter Squares Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (includes chill time)
- Yield: 16 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the deliciousness of Disneyland Peanut Butter Squares, a no-bake dessert that combines creamy peanut butter with a rich chocolate topping. These homemade treats are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Layer:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (finely ground)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Topping:
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter (for melting with chocolate)
Instructions
- Prepare Peanut Butter Layer: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Mix peanut butter, softened butter, vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and graham cracker crumbs until smooth. Press mixture into the pan.
- Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and peanut butter in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Assemble: Spread melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Serve: Once set, cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- For a smoother texture, sift the powdered sugar before mixing.
- You can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to one week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
