Chocolate Carnutty Bars
(from mlynmac’s recipe box)
Chocolate, peanut butter, and a gooey middle layer make these bars favorites of all p.b. and chocolate fans. They would be great for a tailgate, potluck, or picnic as they’re easy to transport and can be eaten out of hand.
Source: Better Homes and Gardens
Categories: Cookies
Ingredients
- * Nonstick cooking spray
- * 1 package 2-layer-size white cake mix
- * 1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
- * 1/2 cup peanut butter
- * 1 egg
- * 2 tablespoons milk
- * 1 8-ounce package reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchatel)
- * 1 12 1/4-ounce jar caramel ice cream topping
- * 1 11-1/2-ounce package milk chocolate pieces
- * 1 cup cocktail peanuts
Directions
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Preheat oven to 350 degree F. Coat a 13×9×2-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside. For crumb mixture, in a large mixing bowl combine cake mix and oats. Using a pastry blender, cut in peanut butter until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Beat egg with milk; add to crumb mixture, stirring until well mixed. Reserve 3/4 cup of the mixture. Press remaining mixture into bottom of prepared pan.
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For filling, beat cream cheese with a mixer until smooth. Add caramel topping and beat until mixed. Spread on top of crumb mixture. Sprinkle chocolate pieces on top, then add the peanuts to cover. Sprinkle evenly with reserved crumb mixture. Bake for 30 minutes. Let cool completely on a wire rack. Cut into 24 bars. Store, covered, in the refrigerator. Makes 24 bars.