Double Nut Bars

Total Time: 2 hrs 30 mins Preparation Time: 2 hrs 30 mins

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter or 1/2 cup margarine, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups chocolate wafer crumbs
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup butter or 1/4 cup margarine, softened
• 1/3 cup sifted powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup sifted powdered sugar
• 1 -2 tablespoon milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 24 pecan halves
• 1/3 cup milk chocolate pieces
• 1/2 teaspoon shortening

Recipe

• 1 for first layer, in a medium mixing bowl combine 1/2 cup melted butter or margarine and granulated sugar.
• 2 add chocolate wafer crumbs; mix well.
• 3 press mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 8x8x2-inch baking pan; chill about 20 minutes or until firm.
• 4 for second layer, in a large mixing bowl beat cream cheese and 1/4 cup butter or margarine with an electric mixer on medium speed until mixture is fluffy.
• 5 add the 1/3 cup powdered sugar; beat until combined.
• 6 stir in chopped pecans and the 1 teaspoon vanilla.
• 7 spread over crumb layer.
• 8 chill about 30 minutes or until set.
• 9 for third layer, beat peanut butter and half of the 1 cup powdered sugar until combined.
• 10 add 1 tablespoon of the milk and the 1/2 teaspoon vanilla.
• 11 beat until smooth.
• 12 gradually add remaining powdered sugar, beating until smooth.
• 13 add additional milk, if necessary, to make of spreading consistency.
• 14 spread over cream cheese layer.
• 15 drizzle with chocolate drizzle (see recipe below).
• 16 arrange pecan halves on drizzle.
• 17 cover and chill at least 2 hours before serving.
• 18 chocolate drizzle: heat 1/3 cup milk chocolate pieces and 1/2 teaspoon shortening in a small saucepan over low heat until melted, stirring occasionally.
• 19 make-ahead tip: up to 3 days ahead, prepare bars.
• 20 place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.
• 21 makes 24 bars.