Chocolate Syrup Cake

Chocolate Syrup Cake- An easy chocolate cake that only needs a handful of simple ingredients and tastes dee-licious! 

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Quick story...my mother-in-law made this cake all the time and my husband loved it quite a bit.  My lovely husband and I were married in 1999.  My mother in law gave this recipe to me in 2001. 

I took the recipe and filed it away.  Then, kids, life and all sorts of stuff happened.  As it does. Fast forward to 2011 and I find it in my recipe files, so, I decided to bake it.  Now, mind you, I didn't bake it for my husband or my family.  I baked it because, I just started food blogging and was looking for inspiration.  Oops. So...am I a bad daughter-in-law or wife? 🤔

I say neither! Because, I now make it a bit more regularly and everybody around here loves it. It's simple, chocolatey and really delicious. 

Ingredients Needed

• Flour + Salt+ Baking soda
• Sugar
• Butter
• Eggs
• Chocolate syrup

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Can I Use Any Brand Chocolate Syrup?

Yes. You will need a 24 ounce bottle.  You could also make it homemade, use dark chocolate, sugar free or a plant based version.  Whichever you prefer. Just keep in mind, a different variety may also be different when it comes to the size of the package. 

What Kind of Frosting Should I Use?

Well, that is up to you too.  You can go with your favorite homemade chocolate buttercream frosting or heck, your favorite store bought brand/variety.   If you wish to opt out of a thick frosting, a dusting of powdered sugar works great on this cake too.

Looking for frosting ideas?  Browse a few right here. 

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Chocolate Syrup Cake

Brown Sugar Toffee Dip

Brown Sugar Toffee Dip- A dreamy dip made with cream cheese, brown sugar and loaded with bits of toffee. 

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I just realized that most of my dip recipes come from my younger sister.  Baking isn't really her thing, but, golly, she loves to whip up a good dip.  This one included!

Ingredients Needed

• Cream cheese
• Sugar- both brown and white
• Vanilla
• Toffee baking bits

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Recipes Notes

• Make sure that cream cheese is softened! This is so important for the creamy consistency of your dip.
• Toffee baking bits can be found in the same section as the chocolate chips in your grocery store. If you can't locate them, see the recipe card to purchase.  You can use the plain toffee version or toffee with the chocolate bits ( that is what I used). Both taste yummy.

Dipping Ideas

• Graham crackers
• Sliced apples
• Pretzels
• Vanilla wafers

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Brown Sugar Toffee Dip

Lofthouse Style Sugar Cookies

Lofthouse Style Sugar Cookies- Soft as a pillow sugar cookies topping with creamy vanilla frosting. Just like the grocery store version!

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Ingredients Needed

• Flour
• Baking soda + Baking powder + Salt
• Butter
• Sugar
• Vanilla
• Sour Cream
• Egg

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Recipe Notes

• Be sure your butter is softened before using. This will give your cookies their creamy texture. Need to soften it quickly?  Here's a tip.
• Do not skip refrigerating your cookie dough.  It is a very soft dough and keeping it in the fridge will make it easy to handle.  Keep it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before baking.  If desired, you can leave it in there longer or overnight, if needed.
• Storage: Keep any leftover cookies in a covered container.  If the weather is hot/humid in your area, put them in your refrigerator. 

Frosting

I simply frosted ours with a basic vanilla frosting (colored with food coloring).  Use your favorite homemade vanilla butter frosting or grab a container of the premade stuff.  Whichever works best for you! 

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Lofthouse Style Sugar Cookies

Fluffy Jell-O

 Fluffy Jell-O- Your new favorite no bake dessert is here! Your favorite Jell-O, whipped topping and sour cream is all you need for this one.  Fluffy and fun. 🎉

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This recipe is from my sister (the dip lover).  It's just three ingredients and is crazy easy to toss together.  Serve this one at your next party and it will be a guaranteed hit. 

Your Three Ingredients

1. Gelatin (ex: Jell-O)
2. Whipped Topping (ex: Cool Whip)
3. Sour Cream

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Can I Use Any Flavor of Jell-O?

Yes. Stick with a 3 oz box.  Do not make the Jell-O! You will only need the gelatin powder.  Also, you do not need to use "Jell-O" brand.  Any brand equivalent will work.  Same goes for a low sugar/sugar free options. 

Whipped Topping?

• AKA "Cool Whip.  Like the gelatin, you can use any brand or variety (low fat/fat free, etc.). Be sure it's thawed well before using. 
• Important:  If your weather is very hot/humid, do not let your whipped topping defrost at room temperature. It can may change the consistency of your whipped topping and it will not work in this recipe.  For hot/humid weather, it is best to let it thaw in your refrigerator. 

Sour Cream?

Yes, I now it sounds weird, but, it works.  If desired, you can use plain Greek yogurt, as a replacement.

Can I Add Fruit to This?

Yes. If needed, drain or pat dry the fruit beforehand.  You don't want to add any additional liquid to it. Once that is done, fold in your fruit when you add the whipped topping. 

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Fluffy Jell-O

Chocolate Chip Pound Cake

Chocolate Chip Pound Cake-A buttery pound cake with the delicious addition of chocolate chips and a smooth chocolate glaze. 

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Ingredients Needed

• Flour + Salt
• Eggs 
• Egg yolks
• Vanilla
• Sugar
• Chocolate chips

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Why Use An Egg and An Egg Yolk?

The whole egg is used as a binding agent. It's going to hold your cake together. The egg yolk will provide more flavor and richness to your cake.  They also will give you a  smoother batter. So, be sure to use both.  If you don't, the cake will still work, however, your texture may be different.

Chocolate Chips

I used semi-sweet chocolate chips for ours.  However, milk chocolate and dark chocolate will also work with the cake. 

Glaze

I love the chocolate glaze on this cake! However, if you aren't big on glazes or simply want to omit it, the cake is just as delicious without it.  Your choice!

Storage

Keep any leftovers in a covered container. No need to refrigerate, unless it's hot/humid in your area. It's best eaten within a week.

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Chocolate Chip Pound Cake

Peanut Butter Swirl Bars

Peanut Butter Swirl Bars- Creamy peanut butter with the added bonus of a chocolate swirl in convenient bar form.  A great option for a weekday dessert! 

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When I was little, my mom was a stay at home mom.  She did work, but, it was once my younger sister was in middle school/high school.

While she was a stay at home mom,  my mom baked nearly every weekday.  Yes, no exaggeration.  It was pretty awesome. We would always have something for dessert after dinner or after school.

These bars were part of the regular dessert rotation.  No wonder! They are easy, delicious and can be made with just a few simple pantry ingredients. 

Ingredients Needed

• Flour + Baking powder + Salt
• Butter
• Peanut butter
• Sugars: both white & brown
• Eggs 
•  Vanilla
• Chocolate chips

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Recipe Notes:

Peanut Butter

I recommend using a "regular" peanut butter as opposed to a natural version. The natural version will work, but, does have a higher oil content.  If you do use it, you may want to add a tablespoon or two extra of flour, to absorb the extra oil.

Baking

Don't over bake your bars.  They will appear soft at first, but, will firm up as they cool. As long as the edges are lightly brown, they are OK. 

Storage

Keep any leftover bars in a covered container. No need to refrigerate, unless it's really hot/humid in your area.

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Peanut Butter Swirl Bars

Banana Buttermilk Cake

Banana Buttermilk Cake- For the banana lover in your life! A soft cake packed full of banana flavor and only requires a few simple ingredients.  

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This recipe actually came from my mother in law.  Who, like my mother,  loved desserts.  This cake is really simple to make and tastes amazing!  You can dress it up with frosting or eat it plain.  Either way, it's quite delicious. 

Ingredients Needed

• Flour + Baking powder + Salt
• Vanilla
• Sugar
• Butter
• Banana
• Eggs
• Buttermilk

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Recipe Notes

Bananas

You will need a cup of mashed bananas.  This should be about 2-3 medium size bananas. Go with ripe bananas for your cake.  They are easier to mash, a little sweeter and will blend better.

Buttermilk

None on hand?  Simply whisk together 1/2 cup milk with a teaspoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then, proceed with the recipe.

Frosting

I frosted ours with peanut butter frosting.  However, this cake will go great with a chocolate frosting, cream cheese or vanilla.  It's even delicious without any frosting at all!  Explore some ideas right here.

Storage

Keep any leftovers in a covered container. No need to refrigerate, unless the weather is really hot/humid in your area. The cake is best eaten within a week.

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Banana Buttermilk Cake

Banana Bread

Banana Bread- The classic! Soft banana bread that requires just a few simple ingredients and tastes amazing.

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Not gonna lie, I have eaten way too many of slices of this in my lifetime.  Serve it plain or with a little butter and it is just perfect.

Ingredients Needed

• Flour + Salt + Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Butter
• Bananas

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Recipe Notes

• Don't  over mix your batter. You can simple mix it until there are no longer any dry spots in your batter. Overmixing can give you a dense banana bread. Which is, not that great.
• Butter: Be sure it's soften beforehand. Need it done quickly? A few tips.
• Bananas: You will need 2 cups of mashed bananas. This should be about 3 medium size bananas. The riper the banana, the better.
• Storage: Keep any leftovers in a covered container or storage bag. It's best eaten within a week.  If desired, you can freeze your bread. Let it cool completely, then, freeze it in a freezer-safe, covered container or storage bag.  It will be good for several months. 

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Banana Bread

Cake Batter Fluff Dip

 Cake Batter Fluff Dip-A dreamy dessert dip made with dry cake mix, cream cheese and smooth marshmallow fluff. Grab a cookie and enjoy! 

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Be prepared to eat large quantities of this dip at one time. 🖒

Ingredients Needed

• Dry cake mix
• Butter
• Marshmallow fluff
• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Cream cheese

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Can I Use Any Flavor Cake Mix?

Yes.  Any flavor will work! You will need 1 cup of the dry mix. 

Butter and Cream Cheese

Be sure they are softened beforehand. This will give your dip a creamy consistency.

Marshmallow Fluff

Want to make it homemade?  Find out how right here.

Dipping Ideas

• Graham crackers
• Fruit
• Vanilla wafers

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Cake Batter Fluff Dip

Homemade Chocolate Pudding

Homemade Chocolate Pudding- Creamy, dreamy chocolate pudding made right on your stove top! Serve it warm or cold..your choice!  Don't miss it...it's too good to pass up.

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Childhood memory unlocked with this recipe.♡

When my mom would make this pudding, one person would be designated to stir it.  Stir, stir, and keep stirring.  As a kid, it felt like it took forever to make this, but, it's actually not that bad....about 25 minutes.

Ingredients Needed

• Unsweetened cocoa powder + cornstarch + salt
• Sugar
• Whipping cream
• Egg yolks
• Whole milk
• Chocolate chips
• Vanilla

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Recipe Notes

Chocolate Chips

I like to use dark chocolate chips for baking. However, semi-sweet or milk chocolate will also work for this pudding.  Same goes for the unsweetened cocoa powder. You can use a darker version, if preferred.  It just depends on how you like your chocolate.  ;) 

Stir, Stir, Stir!

Be sure you continually stir your pudding until it is completely done. It can burn pretty quickly if you leave it unattended or sits too long in the saucepan without movement.

Serving & Storage

• If you wish to eat your pudding warm (oh gosh, so good!), let it cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving.
• Want to serve it cold?  Let it cool for 10-15 minutes, then, transfer the pudding to a container. Cover it for 1-2 hours before serving.  
• Your pudding may develop a skin when it is in the refrigerator. If you don't mind it, don't do anything. If you want to avoid it, press a piece of plastic wrap on top of the pudding while it is in the refrigerator. 
• Keep any leftover pudding in a covered container in the refrigerator. It's best eaten within a week. 
• Topping Suggestions: Whipped cream, whipped topping ( aka "cool whip") or vanilla ice cream. 

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Homemade Chocolate Pudding

Cocoa Powder Fudge

Cocoa Powder Fudge- For the chocolate lover in your life, or, just you. 

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My mom's fudge recipe! She would make this with a big batch of popcorn.  Then, we would watch a movie together.  Childhood bliss. ♡

Ingredients

• Powdered sugar
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Salt
• Butter
• Vanilla
• Milk

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Recipe Notes

• Add Ins: If desired, you can stir in a few chopped nuts, top with a sprinkle of coarse salt or chopped nuts, add a swirl of caramel sauce or peanut butter.  Whichever you decide, do it before your fudge sets! 
• Stove Top:  Only let your milk come to a slight boil, then, remove it immediately from the heat.   Be sure to keep a close eye on it, you do not want burnt milk in your fudge.
• Storage: Keep any leftovers in a covered container in your refrigerator. You can also freeze it, if you wish.  Storage in the fridge is good for about 2 weeks.  Storage in your freezer is good for several months. 

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Cocoa Powder Fudge

Cake Mix Brownies

Cake Mix Brownies- -Got a cake mix sitting in your kitchen? Make brownies with it! This easy recipe will satisfy your brownie craving in a snap.

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Add to to the list "Where The Heck Did This Recipe Come From?!".  This delight has been in my recipe archives for tooo looonng.   They are really delicious and a snap to make.

Ingredients Needed

• Dry cake mix
• Egg
• Milk
• Butter
• Chocolate chips

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Can I Use Any Brand of Cake Mix?

Yes. Use any brand and variety you wish.  Stick with a standard size box (15-18 oz) for the recipe to work correctly. Pictured:  Red Velvet 💓

Can I Use a Different Size Pan?

Yes.  If desired, you can bake these in an 8 x 8 baking pan.  Use the same ingredients/measurements and increase your baking time just a few minutes.

A Note About These Brownies

Just a heads up! These brownies are definitely more on the cakey side, than, fudgy. 👍

Frosting

Pictured:  Cream Cheese Frosting  Use any flavor you wish or serve them plain, with whipped cream or ice cream. 

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Cake Mix Brownies

Scotcheroos

Scotcheroos- Gooey cereal bars packed full of peanut buttery goodness. They are then topped off with a combination of melted chocolate and butterscotch. Don’t pass these up…they are crazy good!

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Scotcheroos

One Bowl Chocolate Chip Blondies

One Bowl Chocolate Chip Blondies- One bowl + A few basic ingredients = One Delicious Blondie

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This recipe has been in my archives since...forever.  I have a kid who has always loved to bake, so,  I am constantly on the hunt for easy baking recipes that he can do on his own.  He started off making his own microwave cookie and has graduated into making these blondies.

Delicious and quite addicting. You may find yourself wanting to make them all the time. 🖏

Ingredients Needed

• Flour + Salt + Baking powder
• Sugar
• Butter
• Eggs
• Vanilla
• Chocolate chips

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Can I Use Any Flavor Baking Chips?

Of course! If you don't want to use chocolate chips, you can use peanut butter, butterscotch or a combination of your favorite flavors. 

Butter

Your butter will need to be melted.  After melting it, be sure to let it cool for about 5 minutes before using.  If you don't have any butter on hand, a neutral oil can be used as a replacement.

Storage

Keep any leftovers  in a covered container.  No need to Refrigerate, unless the weather is really hot/humid in your area. They are best eaten within a week. 

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One Bowl Chocolate Chip Blondies

Double Chocolate Sour Cream Bundt Cake

Double Chocolate Sour Cream Bundt Cake- A double chocolate delight! A fudgy chocolate bundt cake packed with mini chocolate chips and topped with a sweet glaze.

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During my childhood, this was my "go-to" birthday cake.  I always asked for this one and my Mom always delivered on it, perfectly.

It's a fudgy bundt cake that is really simple to make. Great for a birthday, celebration or a weeknight dessert. 

Ingredients Needed

• Chocolate cake mix
• Milk
• Sour cream
• Eggs
• Powdered sugar

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Can I Use Any Brand of Cake Mix?

Yes. Any brand/chocolate variety will work for this bundt.  Just stick with a standard size box ( 15-18 oz) for the recipe to work. 

Can I Use Dairy Free Milk

Yes.  I have use dairy milk and plant based milks ( cashew, oat, almond, etc.) for this cake and they have all worked great.

No Sour Cream on Hand?

You can replace it with plain Greek Yogurt. 

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Double Chocolate Sour Cream Bundt Cake

Three Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

Three Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies-  The easiest cookies you will ever make! Yep, these delicious cookies only need 3 ingredients and are super quick to whip together. 

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This recipe has been in my recipe archives for so long,  I honestly don't even remember who or where it came from.  I do know though, that it's a serious family favorite around here and not only do I like to bake these cookies, my kids do too.

What Are The Three Ingredients?

• Peanut butter
• Sugar
• Egg

Peanut Butter:

• I recommend using a "regular" peanut butter for these cookies, as opposed to the "natural" variety. I love the natural variety, but, it does have a higher oil content, which could alter the outcome of your cookie.  Now, if  all you have in your pantry is the natural peanut butter, use it! You can simply add a tablespoon or two of flour to absorb the extra oil.
• You can also use crunchy peanut butter for these.  The same instance with the regular/natural varieties apply.

Sugar:

• I use brown sugar for these cookies.  However, you can use a regular white sugar, coconut palm sugar or a date sugar. 

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Three Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

Sour Cream Cheesecake

Sour Cream Cheesecake- A creamy (and simple!) cheesecake with a graham cracker crust and sour cream topping. 

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My dad's birthday was just last week.  He would have been 90 years old! 🥳 All through my childhood, my mom made this cheesecake for his birthday.  She made it in a giant sheet pan (there were 7 of us eating it).  I cut it back and make it in my 9 x 9 pan.   It's still just as yummy!

Ingredients Needed

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Sugar (both white and brown)
• Butter
• Eggs
• Vanilla
• Cream cheese
• Sour cream

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Can I Use Low Fat Cream Cheese Instead?

Yes.  If desired, you can use a low fat (Neufchatel) version or even, a fat free version cream cheese for this.  

What About a Dairy Free or Plant Based Cream Cheese?

Honestly, I don't know.  I have eaten dairy free cream cheese on my bagels, but, have never tried it with a baked cheesecake.  Although, I made no bake mini cheesecakes and it worked great.  So, I am assuming it will work, but, don't want to say for certain.  If you try it, please let me know your results!

Can I Use Low Fat Sour Cream or Plain Greek Yogurt?

Yes.  I have used both on this cheesecake and they both worked. 

Storage

Keep any leftover cheesecake in a covered dish in the refrigerator.  It is best eaten with a week. 

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Sour Cream Cheesecake

Potato Chip Cookies

Potato Chip Cookies- The best of both worlds...sweet and salty! Delicious cookies loaded with chocolate chips and crunchy potato chips.  They are crunchy on the edges and chewy in the middle. YUM!

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My mom's potato chip cookie recipe never included chocolate chips. She would top them off with a maraschino cherry.  They were yummy, but,  honestly, I never ate the cherry.  I would pull it off and simply eat the cookie. 

When I started making these for my own family, I added the chocolate chips instead.  They are a perfect combination of sweet and salty. 👌

Ingredients Needed

• Flour
• Sugar (both white and brown)
• Egg
• Vanilla
• Butter
• Milk
• Potato chips
• Chocolate chips

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Recipe Notes

Butter

Make sure it's softened! This is so important for the texture of your cookies. You will need 2 whole sticks for these!

Potato Chips

I use a standard, regular potato chip for these. Go with your favorite brand or salt level.  Be sure they are finely crushed. 

Storage

Keep any leftover cookies in a covered container. Don't worry about refrigerating them, unless it's really hot in your area. 

Can I Freeze These?

Yep.  Bake according to the recipes, then, let them cool completely.  Store them in a covered, freezer safe container /storage bag. They will be good for several months. 

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Potato Chip Cookies

No Bake Peanut Butter Bars

No Bake Peanut Butter Bars- What’s a better combination than chocolate and peanut butter?! These easy bars combine those great tastes in one easy bar. They are delicious, require a short ingredients list and require zero baking. The perfect bar!

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I LOVE these bars. My mom made these all the time when I was growing up. When I got older, she passed this recipe on to me.  

In turn, my kids are crazy, insane,  in love with these bars.  They request them for nearly every holiday, special occasion, or simply when the ingredients can be found in the pantry. 

Ingredients Needed

• Peanut butter
• Graham cracker crumbs
• Powdered sugar
• Butter
• Chocolate chips

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A Few Recipe Notes:

• This recipe can easily be cut int half and made with an 8 x 8 size baking dish.
• With that said, you can also use the full recipe for a 9 x 9 size baking dish or a 12 count muffin/cupcake pan for individual cups.
• Store any leftover bars in the refrigerator. 
• Freezing?  These bars are ok to freeze! Store them in a covered, freezer safe container or storage bag. They will be good for a couple of months.
• Peanut Butter: The creamy variety works best. I have used "regular" peanut butter and the natural version for these. Both work great.
• Butter: Margarine, real butter or plant based butter all work for these.

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No Bake Peanut Butter Bars