Decadent Chocolate Peppermint Crunch Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon mixed spices
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 cups crushed graham crackers
- 1 cup nuts (almonds or walnuts, chopped)
- 1/2 cup M&M candies
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 egg whites
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 3 cups crispy rice cereal
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup fudge sauce
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Base Layer:
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the molasses and 1 cup of creamy peanut butter together until smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in the crushed graham crackers, cocoa powder, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Spread this mixture evenly in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish to form the base layer.
3. Build the Layers:
- In a small bowl, mix 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips with 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips. Sprinkle them over the base layer.
- Combine chopped nuts, shredded coconut, and mini marshmallows and sprinkle this mixture evenly over the chocolate layer.
- Place the pan in the oven and bake for 10 minutes (PT10M).
4. Prepare the Topping:
- Beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. Gradually add granulated sugar and continue whisking until glossy.
- Stir in peppermint extract and vanilla extract.
- Carefully spread the egg white mixture over the baked layers.
- Decoratively drop spoonfuls of strawberry jam over the top and swirl gently with a knife.
5. Bake and Cool:
- Bake in the oven for an additional 15 minutes (PT15M) until the topping is lightly golden.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
6. Finish with Garnishes:
- Melt the milk chocolate chips using a double boiler or microwave in short intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Drizzle the melted milk chocolate, caramel sauce, and fudge sauce over the cooled bars.
- Sprinkle M&M candies and gently press down to secure them.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Total Time
PT35M
35 minutes
Type of Dish
Dessert
Keywords
Chocolate, Peppermint, Crunch Bars, Oven-Baked, Graham Crackers, Layered Dessert, Holiday Treat, Party Dessert, Gourmet Bars, Decadent
Recipe Yield
Feeds 4 adults
Calories
Total of 3200 calories
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