***Edit (2/8/13) Are you here from Pinterest looking for a sugar-free Reese's cup recipe? Click here.***

This recipe has been in our family for years and years but I never make it because of it's rather steep caloric count. Well this Christmas when we were throwing calories "to the wind" I kept craving this decadent treat, but of course my recipe was here at home while I was out in Utah for a month. So guess what was the first treat that I made when I got home, despite my 2 week hiatus from sugar? Yep Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Only Better. The "Only Better" part is because ya know when you are endulging in a real Reese's Peanut Butter Cup and you wish so badly that there was more of the peanut butter filling? Well look no more, here is your recipe. The filling is nice and think and tastes just like a peanut butter cup. If you are one of those people that actually like MORE chocolate and less peanut butter, then just add 1 1/2 or 2 bags of chocolate chips!

Reese's Peanut Butter Cups (Only Better)

By HeatOvenTo350 Published 01/23/2011

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (I buy the store bought crushed but you can always crush your own graham crackers)
• 3 1/4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup salted butter, melted
• 1 bag (12 oz) semi sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons butter*

Instructions

1. Combine the graham cracker crumbs and the powdered sugar in a large bowl.
2. Add the peanut butter and melted butter and mix well.
3. Pour the mixture into a 9x13 pan and freeze for 20 minutes or until firm.
4. While the peanut butter mixture is cooling, you can microwave or use a double boiler to melt your chocolate chips and 1-2 tablespoons of butter. I personally just throw the chips and butter in a microwaveable glass bowl and microwave 30 seconds on high, stir and repeat until they are melted. Works perfectly every time.
5. Pour the chocolate over the peanut butter mixture and spread evenly. Put the bars in the fridge and when the chocolate is set take out and cut yourself a little piece, and then get ready to take a short jaunt to heaven!!

Yield: 1 9x13 pan
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes (cooling time)

*Update (12/8/12) If you are having trouble with the chocolate layer on top being stiff or cracking when the bars are cut, you can add 1/3-1/2 cup warmed creamy peanut butter to the melted chocolate instead of the butter. This uses more peanut butter, but the end result is smoother.