Peanutty Caramel Bars

Made in the microwave, these sweet and chewy bars can be stirred by very quickly. Loaded with caramel, chocolate, peanuts and peanut butter, they remind some folks of a candy bar. Kids of all ages love them. Charlene Bennett
Clearville, Pennsylvania
36 ServingsPrep: 10 min. + chilling
Ingredients
- 1 package (14 ounces) caramels
- 1/4 cup water
- 3/4 cup peanut butter, divided
- 4 cups Cheerios
- 1 cup salted peanuts
- 1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips or 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
Directions
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, microwave caramels, water and 1/2 cup
- peanut butter on high for 45 seconds; stir. Microwave 1 to 1-1/2
- minutes longer or until melted. Add cereal and peanuts; toss to
- coat. Spread into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. pan; set aside.
- In another microwave-safe bowl, melt chips, butter and remaining
- peanut butter on high for 20-50 seconds; stir until smooth. Spread
- over cereal mixture. Refrigerate before cutting. Yield: about 3
- dozen.
Editor's Note: This recipe was tested with an 1100-watt microwave. Reduced-fat or generic brands of peanut butter are not recommended for this recipe.
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (1 each) equals 154 calories, 10 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 8 mg cholesterol, 126 mg sodium,