Ingredients:
- 250 g Digestive Biscuits (or Graham Crackers), finely crushed
- 225 g Unsalted Butter, melted (1 cup)
- 375 g Smooth Peanut Butter (1 1/2 cups)
- 250 g Icing Sugar (Confectioners' Sugar), sifted (2 cups)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt
- 250 g Semi-Sweet or Milk Chocolate Chips (1 1/2 cups)
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter or Refined Coconut Oil
Instructions:
- Prep the Pan: Line the 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring there is a generous overhang (a sling) for easy removal later.
- Crush the Biscuits: Place the digestive biscuits into a food processor or a Ziploc bag and crush until they resemble fine crumbs. Transfer the crumbs to a large mixing bowl.
- Melt and Combine Wet Ingredients: Gently melt the butter. Add the melted butter, peanut butter, vanilla, and salt to the bowl with the biscuit crumbs. Stir until just combined.
- Incorporate Sugar: Gradually add the sifted icing sugar to the mixture. Stir vigorously until a thick, uniform dough forms. The mixture should be stiff and moist, easily holding its shape.
- Press the Base: Transfer the peanut butter mixture to the prepared baking pan. Use a flat-bottomed measuring cup or potato masher to press the mixture down very firmly into a compact, even layer.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a separate small, heatproof bowl, combine the chocolate chips and the 2 tablespoons of butter/coconut oil. Melt gently using a double boiler or in 30-second bursts in the microwave, stirring until completely smooth and glossy.
- Spread the Topping: Pour the melted chocolate mixture evenly over the pressed peanut butter base. Use an offset spatula to spread it right to the edges, ensuring the layer is uniform.
- The Essential Chill: Place the pan, uncovered, into the refrigerator. Chill for a minimum of 2 to 3 hours, or until the chocolate topping is completely firm and non-tacky to the touch.
- Remove and Temper: Once fully chilled, use the parchment sling to lift the entire bar out of the pan and onto a cutting board. Allow the slab to sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes before cutting. This prevents the chocolate topping from cracking.
- Cut: Using a long, sharp knife, cut the slab into 16 even squares (4 rows by 4 rows).
- Store: Store squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.