WHAT is a PIF?: Here is a candy bar dessert
What is a PIF? anyway...here is a great, great dessert. (Photo at the end)
Caramel-Peanut Butter Bars
Prep Time 50min Total Time 4:50 Hrs:Mins Makes 36 bars
Do you love candy bars? Try this cookie bar, and you'll have 3 dozen delightful indulgences that are like candy bars.
Cookie Base
1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) sugar cookie mix
½ cup butter or margarine, softened
1 egg
15 miniature chocolate-covered peanut butter cup candies, coarsely chopped
Filling
36 caramels (from 14-oz bag), unwrapped
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated)
¼ cup creamy peanut butter
½ cup peanuts
Topping
1 container (1 lb) Rich & Creamy milk chocolate frosting
½ cup peanuts, chopped
1. Heat oven to 350°F. Spray bottom and sides of 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray. In large bowl, stir cookie mix, butter and egg until soft dough forms. Stir in candies. Press dough in bottom of pan. Bake 18 to 20 minutes or until light golden brown.
2. Meanwhile, in 2-quart saucepan, heat caramels and milk over medium heat, stirring constantly, until caramels are melted. Stir in peanut butter. Heat to boiling. Cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat; stir in 1/2 cup peanuts. Spread over warm cookie base. Cool completely, about 2 hours.
3. Spread frosting evenly over filling. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts. Refrigerate about 2 hours or until chilled. For bars, cut 9 rows by 4 rows. Store covered in refrigerator.
Makes 36 bars
Skip the cooking spray, and instead line the pan with quick-release foil for easy cleanup and removal of bars from the pan. Cut bars in half again to make bite-size squares for a dessert buffet.