BEST-LOVED CHOCOLATE BARS

Best-Loved Chocolate Bars image

Whenever I'm invited to a potluck with family and friends, it's understood these scrumptious bars will come with me. Our grandchildren request them when they visit. Usually, I wait until they arrive, so we can make the treats together.-Paula Marchesi, Lenhartsville, Pennsylvania

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 40m

Yield 2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

1 package chocolate cake mix (regular size)
1 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 16 squares)
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 large egg, room temperature
3 tablespoons half-and-half cream
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 jar (11-3/4 ounces) hot fudge ice cream topping
1 package (11-1/2 ounces) milk chocolate chips
1 cup salted peanuts

Steps:

In a large bowl, combine the cake mix and cracker crumbs. Cut in peanut butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a small bowl, whisk egg and cream. Add to the crumb mixture just until moistened. Set aside 3/4 cup for topping. Press the remaining crumb mixture into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan., In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Beat in ice cream topping until smooth. Spread over the crust. Sprinkle with the chocolate chips, peanuts and reserved crumb mixture. , Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until set. Cool on a wire rack. Cover; refrigerate at least 4 hours. Cut into bars. Refrigerate leftovers.,

Nutrition Facts : Calories 326 calories, Fat 17g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 23mg cholesterol, Sodium 268mg sodium, Carbohydrate 39g carbohydrate (24g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 7g protein.