Idle Hand Bars (Sweet & Salty) Recipe

Name: Idle Hand Bars (Sweet & Salty)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: FOR THE CRUST:; 1/2 cups Unsalted Butter; 1/4 cups Sugar; 5 Tablespoons Cocoa; 1 whole Egg, Beaten; 1-1/4 cup Graham Cracker Crumbs; 1/2 cups Pecans, Finely Chopped; 1/4 cups Hazelnuts, Finely Chopped; _____; FOR SECOND LAYER:; 1 cup Smooth, Natural Peanut Butter (no Salt Added); 1/2 cups Unsalted Butter, Melted And Cooled Slightly; 2/3 cups Powdered Sugar; 1/2 teaspoons Salt; 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; _____; FOR TOP LAYER:; 5 ounces, weight Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips; 1 Tablespoon Unsalted Butter; Pink Himalayan Salt

Servings: persons

FOR THE CRUST:
1/2 cups Unsalted Butter
1/4 cups Sugar
5 Tablespoons Cocoa
1 whole Egg, Beaten
1-1/4 cup Graham Cracker Crumbs
1/2 cups Pecans, Finely Chopped
1/4 cups Hazelnuts, Finely Chopped
_____
FOR SECOND LAYER:
1 cup Smooth, Natural Peanut Butter (no Salt Added)
1/2 cups Unsalted Butter, Melted And Cooled Slightly
2/3 cups Powdered Sugar
1/2 teaspoons Salt
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
_____
FOR TOP LAYER:
5 ounces, weight Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
1 Tablespoon Unsalted Butter
Pink Himalayan Salt

1
1. In double boiler (or a bowl resting over a pot of lightly simmering water), melt the butter, sugar and cocoa.
2
2. While still over water, add egg and beat to combine (will thicken quite a bit here). Remove from heat and add graham cracker crumbs and nuts.
3
3. Press into an 8 x 8 cake pan. Set aside.
4
4. Add peanut butter and butter together in small bowl.
5
5. Mix in sugar, salt and vanilla to form a thick paste.
6
6. Dump onto base layer and smooth over, patting down to make a flat, even layer.
7
7. In double boiler (or microwave), melt butter and chocolate chips together. Stir until completely dissolved and smooth.
8
8. Pour over peanut butter layer and spread out evenly.
9
9. Cool in fridge for about 5 minutes (should still be slightly soft on top but not warm).
10
10. Sprinkle, lightly, with Himalayan salt. Return to fridge (or freezer, if you're in a hurry like I was), and let cool completely to become hard.
11
11. Cut into small squares and don't say I didn't warn you. These things are addictive.

1321

kcal

Calories

107

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
Leave out the nuts to make it nut-free, or swap in seeds for a similar crunch.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 20 ingredients. The key ingredients include: FOR THE CRUST:, 1/2 cups Unsalted Butter, 1/4 cups Sugar, 5 Tablespoons Cocoa, and more.

Yes, Idle Hand Bars (Sweet & Salty) falls under the General category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Idle Hand Bars (Sweet & Salty)

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions