Candy-topped Creamy Peanut Butter Bars

Total Time: 55 mins Preparation Time: 30 mins Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 24
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 cup salted peanuts
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup miniature m&m's chocolate candies

Recipe

• 1 first layer-cream the shortening and sugars; add the remaining ingredients and mix well. bake in a greased 9x13 pan for 20 minutes at 350 degrees, until light golden brown. cool completely.
• 2 second layer-combine the butter, peanut butter, powdered sugar and milk until smooth. stir in the peanuts and spread over the first layer.
• 3 third layer-melt the chocolate chips and butter in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly. cool 10 minutes, then stir in the cream. carefully spread over the second layer and sprinkle with candies.
• 4 refrigerate about an hour, until chocolate is set, before cutting.