A Southern Grace: lovely layers

April 20, 2011

lovely layers

Yum

Undeniable truth #1: Layered creations take more time and effort than more uniform edibles.

Undeniable truth #2: Layered creations are, more often than not, quite a bit more pleasing to both the eye and the palate than more uniform edibles.


Conclusion: Layered creations must be superior to more uniform edibles. Usually.

It's certainly the case here. These bars are yet another tasty treat inspired by one of the gazillion candy bars floating around out there. This time, the confection that caused the light bulb to appear cartoon-style was Reese's Fast Break. [Incidentally, I had no idea it was intended as a breakfast replacement (when I hear 'fast break,' I think of basketball), but hey--I'm all for it!]


What we have here are three separate layers--an oatmeal cookie base, a thin sheet of chocolate filling, and a sweet, smooth peanut butter frosting. Oh. Yeah. One could definitely get away with noshing on a wedge of these bars for breakfast; after all, oatmeal is involved! This is a unique play on the good ol' chocolate-peanut butter combination, which, as far as I'm concerned, is a winner every time.

Triple Threats
Cookie Base:
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1/3 cup peanut butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup oats

Chocolate Layer:
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Peanut Butter Frosting:

2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup peanut butter
3-4 tablespoons milk

Preheat the oven to 325F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until smooth. Beat in the egg, 1/3 cup peanut butter, and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; stir into the peanut butter mixture. Finally, mix in the rolled oats. Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the edges are firm. 

Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips in a single layer over the top. Let stand for 5 minutes, then spread to cover. Allow to cool. 
In a small bowl, beat together the powdered sugar and 1/4 cup peanut butter until smooth. Beat in the milk one tablespoon at a time until a spreadable consistency is reached. Spread over the bars when the chocolate has hardened.

59 comments:

Rosa's Yummy Yums said...

To die for! *drool*

Cheers,

Rosa

Barbara said...

You are so right, Grace. Not only do layers make a more interesting presentation, but layered goodies ALWAYS taste better!
This looks marvelous...and do I see a trace of teeth in that bite? :)

A Plum By Any Other Name said...

Ha! Couldn't agree more. One of my most favorite things on earth is a layer cake. (Note: that is not hyperbole.) And, as usual, your sweets have me craving gooey sweets before 8 am.

Von said...

i agree- layered foods look so much better than non layered ones :D This looks really good! I want one now.....

Heather said...

Yum, yum, yum. I love layers, and I can't wait to try those. Thanks for sharing.

Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...

Oh no, is that drool on the keyboard:D

shaz said...

You said the magic words Grace! Peanut butter frosting. Oh drool. Actually, I'm off to experiment now with a cookie recipe that has peanut butter and choc-chips in it. Perhaps I should make peanut butter frosting too? No such thing as too much peanut butter :)

Lyndas recipe box said...

Oh my, here comes the drool...these are decadent looking bars. So much so that I've bookmarked them. I love each layer...Thanks Grace!

Leslie said...

I COMPLETELY agree! The more layers the better. Looks divine Grace!

Faith said...

Hello Grace! I'm back from vacation and happy to be catching up on my blog reading...those are some lovely layers indeed! :)

Lisa-Marie said...

Layered deserts are ever so pleasing to the eye. Also, you automatically think, mmm, lots of flavours!

Neo said...

never seen such layered dessert. its tasty

TKW said...

These sound divine! Bar cookies are the best--layers of flavor, no pesky rolling out of dough.

Mimi said...

Love the layers.
Mimi

Deborah said...

Yes - layers here are definitely a good thing!

La Bella Cooks said...

Heaven on a plate! The peanut butter frosting sounds fabulous.

Mel said...

Oh yes, chocolate and peanut butter were meant to be together. And must be made even more delicious with an oatmeal layer thrown in there. Love the look of this!

Leslie said...

Grace,
You were a winner in my chips giveaway.
I need your mailing address by Friday please!

La Cuisine d'Helene said...

Drooling over this one, I should bake a batch :)

pam said...

You know what I bet would make you really happy? Box up some of those and send them my way. It's better to give then to receive.

Cara said...

Why oh why am I looking at this during Passover? You're killing me ;)

The Blonde Duck said...

So the real question is do I replace the chocolate with butterscotch or white chocolate?

Joanne said...

I do love a good layer. ALthough they are certainly a tad bit more time consuming than non-layered goods. But when those layers include PB and chocolate? Oh so totally worth it!

kat said...

I would have to hide these from Matt or they'd be gone in a minute

lisa is cooking said...

The mix of chocolate and peanut butter can do no wrong. And, the oatmeal layer sounds great here too. So, yes, I'll take one for breakfast, most definitely!

Not Quite Nigella said...

HoLy heck Grace! What are you doing to me? I'm getting cravings after a huge meal?

Stacey Morris said...

Mmm, Mmm...MMM! Soo much better than candy bars. Lovely Layers from a Lovely, Inspiring Blogger.

Merci Mucho Grace
:)

Katerina said...

Totally decadent and delicious for exactly this reason!

Pam said...

I. Want. One. Now. Please? Pretty please?

Readable Eatables said...

I just found your blog and I love it! Everything looks amazing. Thanks for sharing!

Codee
www.readableeatables.blogspot.com

Julie M. said...

Ok, first off, I had no idea that fast break was intended as a breakfast replacement; sign me up! And second, your bars look really, really, really good! I love layers too. They let you experience all the flavors; it's so much more delicious that way!

Gloria Baker said...

OMG I want a piece please!!! look awesome and tempting! gloria

Betty @ scrambled henfruit said...

Grace, those bars could replace my breakfast anytime! And yes, the layers make them even more irresistible. Each separate layer has a flavor and texture of its own, making them a joy to savor! :)

Robin said...

Oatmeal and peanut butter AND chocolate. I'm in love! This is a good Break Fast! hehe.

tasteofbeirut said...

This is the best-looking layer I have seen today! I am already wondering when I will make it!

Nic said...

Why have one layer when you can have 3 totally gorgeous and delicious layers like this?

Livin Local said...

You did say these are fit for breakfast, right? A perfect compliment to a cup o' joe.

Marjie said...

I love layered creations. I hate to make them. Conclusion? I must be a lazy glutton. *sigh*

tinytearoom said...

I'm loving the triple threat of the chocolate layer. yummy.

The Teacher Cooks said...

Layers of goodness that is for sure! Peanut butter and chocolate is always a hit.

cookies and cups said...

well this sounds just about as good as it gets!

Angie's Recipes said...

The charm of layered treat!

vanillasugarblog said...

pb bars with pb frosting is always a winner winner chicken dinner in my book, house, and plate.
I like easy part best though lol

Xiaolu @ 6 Bittersweets said...

I've never heard of Fast Break and agree with you that my 1st association was not breakfast but this looks so good. I'm so glad that light bulb went off =D.

pigpigscorner said...

Very very lovely indeed!

Leah Wolff-Pellingra said...

I have a t-shirt that says, "Cupcake + Multivitamin = Breakfast of Champions!!"

I wear it proudly. Oatmeal in the cookie base absolutely counts.

The Blonde Duck said...

I hope you had a great Easter!

Lucie said...

Triple threat indeed!! This looks killer :)

marla said...

At first glance I thought that was a cherry jam. Now that I see it is semi sweet chocolate I cannot resist the layers. (well, I was all ready smitten by the jam anyway.) Love!

Nutmeg Nanny said...

Chocolate and peanut butter....I'm in!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Scrumptious bars, love all the layers with the cookie base and the chocolate middle and the pb frosting.

LyB said...

Oh, my, wow! I want! Now!!!

a frog in the cottage said...

a torture !!!!

Carolyn Jung said...

Triple Threats look triple the fun! ;)

Kerstin said...

Mmm, love that PB frosting on top - these look completely addicting!

oneordinaryday said...

Oh, yeah, I could totally get into this tasty treat. Delicious.

Foodhoe said...

I'm with Rosa, to die for!! Didn't know that factoid about fast break. This looks so delicious, I want!

kimberleyblue said...

What a crazy, crazy bar. It looks so dense and sweet and amazing.

The only thing I might me inclined to add would be a jam layer - the more layers, the merrier, right?

Anonymous said...

You had me at peanut butter frosting...