Chocolate Peanut Squares

These are seriously good, so good I have to keep them in my highest kitchen cabinet so they are not within arms reach. They are easy to make, you just have to be patient while each layer sets in the refrigerator.


Chocolate Peanut Squares

Layer 1: base
2 teaspoons butter
1 cup semi- sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup butterscotch chips
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

Layer 2: Filling
1/4 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup evaporated milk
1-1/2 cups marshmallow creme
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups chopped salted peanuts

Layer 3: Caramel layer
1 package (14 ounces) caramels
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

Layer 4: Icing:
1 cup cup of semi- sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup butterscotch chips
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

Directions:
Line a 13-in. x 9-in. pan with foil; butter the foil with 2 teaspoons butter and set aside.
In a small saucepan, combine base layer ingredients (chocolate chips, butterscotch chips and peanut butter); stir over low heat until melted and smooth. Spread into prepared pan. Refrigerate until set.

For filling, in a small heavy saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add sugar and milk; bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; boil and stir for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in the marshmallow creme, peanut butter and vanilla. Add peanuts. Spread over first layer. Refrigerate until set.

For caramel layer, in a small heavy saucepan, combine the caramels and cream; stir over low heat until melted and smooth. Cook and stir 4 minutes longer. Spread over the filling. Refrigerate until set.

For icing, in another saucepan, combine chips and peanut butter; stir over low heat until melted and smooth. Pour over the caramel layer. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Remove from the refrigerator 20 minutes before cutting. Remove from pan and cut into 1-in. squares. Store in an airtight container.

This recipe is from Taste of Home, the original recipe calls for milk chocolate, I use semi-sweet.