Life Stuff...: Peanut Butter Caramel Bars

I am always on the lookout for quick, easy, and tasty treats to take along to games, cookouts, parties and meetings. Here is a recipe that combines soooo many of my favorites! #chocolate #caramel #peanuts #peanutbutter #marshmallows #gluten free #sugarinmoderation

Peanut Butter Caramel Bars

Ingredients:

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup corn syrup

1/2 cup + 2 Tablespoons NATURAL peanut butter

2 Tablespoons softened butter

3 cups rice cereal (Rice Krispies or Special K's work great)

Marshmallows (about 2 cups)

1 cup peanuts

8 ounces caramels

1 & 1/2 Tablespoons heavy cream

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions:

First Layer

1. Prepare an eight inch square glass baking dish by buttering or spraying the bottom and sides.

2. In a microwave safe bowl combine the granulated sugar and corn syrup. Cook for about one minute and 30 seconds, or just until mixture starts to boil. (Stop microwave every 30 seconds and stir.) Be careful not to over cook, (if you do the bars will turn out dry and hard.) Or heat on the stove top stirring constantly, just until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture starts to boil.

3. Add the peanut butter and butter and stir until well combined.

4. Stir in the cereal.

5. Spread evenly in the prepared pan.

Second Layer

6. Cut the marshmallows into thirds and place a layer over the cereal layer. (You can use miniature marshmallows, but I like the big ones better.)

7. Microwave for 30 seconds--just until marshmallows slightly puff up.

Third Layer

8. Sprinkle with 1 cup peanuts.

Fourth Layer

9. Combine the caramels and cream in a microwave safe bowl and heat for 30 seconds. Stir. Heat for another 30 seconds and stir. If needed, heat for another 30 seconds and then stir until smooth.