Disneyland Peanut Butter Squares Recipe

I am so excited to share with you a treat that brings back so many joyful memories — my Disneyland Peanut Butter Squares Recipe. This dessert has that perfect balance of creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and crunchy graham crackers all layered into one irresistible square. Every bite is a nostalgic trip to one of my favorite places, and I love how easy it is to whip up in my own kitchen. If you’re a fan of nostalgic sweet snacks with a homemade touch, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites too.

Why You’ll Love This Disneyland Peanut Butter Squares Recipe

What really steals my heart about this Disneyland Peanut Butter Squares Recipe is the way the flavors meld together so effortlessly. The creamy peanut butter filling is just the right amount of sweet and salty, perfectly complemented by the smooth, glossy chocolate layers. And the graham crackers add that wonderful crunch that keeps the texture interesting from the very first bite. Every time I make this, I find myself sneaking a square or two while prepping because it’s just that good.

Another reason I love this recipe is how simple and approachable it is to make. The ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly, and the steps are easy to follow. Plus, it doesn’t require any baking, which makes it a perfect last-minute dessert fix or a go-to for parties where you want to impress without stress. Whether I’m serving these at a family gathering or bringing them to a potluck, they always disappear quickly, and I always get asked for the recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an arrangement of seven ingredients on a white marbled surface, each labeled clearly in black text. At the top left, there are 14 light brown graham cracker sheets stacked neatly. To the right, a white square bowl is filled with dark brown semi-sweet chocolate chips. Below the crackers, a small white bowl holds four tablespoons of white shortening. Next to it, a small white round bowl contains a dark brown liquid vanilla extract. Toward the center right, a white square bowl is filled with 3 1/2 cups of white powdered sugar. Below that, an open wrapper reveals 8 tablespoons of pale yellow butter. On the bottom left, a white bowl is full of creamy peanut butter, light brown in color, smooth in texture. A metal measuring spoon holding 1/2 teaspoon of salt rests nearby. The photo has bright, natural lighting, and everything is set on the clean white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

You don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients to make this delightful treat, but each one plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect taste and texture. From the creamy peanut butter to the semi-sweet chocolate chips, each component adds its own magic.

Graham cracker sheets: The sturdy base and layers that add both crunch and structure.
Creamy peanut butter: Gives the filling its luscious, smooth texture and classic peanut flavor.
Butter (softened): Adds richness and helps bind the peanut butter mixture.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the overall taste.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the peanut butter filling to the perfect consistency.
Shortening: Keeps the melted chocolate smooth and shiny without hardening too quickly.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: The rich, melty chocolate that ties everything together beautifully.

Directions

Step 1: Start by spraying a 9×13-inch glass baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent any sticking later on, making cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Take two whole graham cracker sheets and place them in a Ziploc bag. Use a meat mallet or the bottom of a glass to crush them into fine crumbs. Set these crumbs aside; we’ll use them as a topping later.

Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until smooth and well blended.

Step 4: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the peanut butter mixture, stirring little by little, until the filling reaches a thick, spreadable texture.

Step 5: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the semi-sweet chocolate chips together with shortening in 30-second intervals. Stir after each interval until the chocolate is melted and smooth—don’t overheat or it might seize.

Step 6: Lay 6 whole graham cracker sheets neatly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating your first layer.

Step 7: Pour about one-third of the melted chocolate over this graham cracker layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula to create a thin, smooth coat.

Step 8: With clean hands, grab fistfuls of the peanut butter mixture, flatten them slightly, and gently place them over the chocolate layer. Cover as best as you can without breaking the crackers beneath. Use all the peanut butter filling for this layer.

Step 9: Spread another third of the chocolate over the peanut butter layer, then add a second layer of 6 whole graham crackers on top.

Step 10: Pour the remaining chocolate over the graham crackers, spreading it out evenly. Finally, sprinkle the crushed graham cracker crumbs from Step 2 over the top for a beautiful textured finish.

Step 11: Place the dish in the refrigerator and let it cool for at least 1 hour to allow all layers to set firmly.

Step 12: Once chilled, cut into squares of your preferred size and serve. Gather your friends and get ready to enjoy a truly special homemade treat.

Servings and Timing

This Disneyland Peanut Butter Squares Recipe makes about 24 servings, perfect for sharing or for having plenty of treats on hand. Prep time is roughly 25 minutes, mostly mixing and layering, and then it requires about 1 hour of chilling time in the refrigerator. Since there’s no actual baking, the cook time is minimal, but allowing that hour to let everything set is essential for the perfect texture. Overall, you’re looking at just over an hour from start to finish, and trust me, the wait is worth it!

How to Serve This Disneyland Peanut Butter Squares Recipe

The image shows a glass baking dish filled with a dessert that is divided into nine square pieces. The dessert has a rough textured top layer covered with small chunks of nuts or crumbs, which are light brown and beige in color. The pieces appear soft and moist under the nut topping. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, with a light-colored cloth partially visible around it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving these squares chilled straight from the refrigerator because the chocolate is perfectly set, but not too hard, and the peanut butter layer is creamy and dreamy. They make a fantastic treat alongside a cold glass of milk for a nostalgic snack that everyone loves. For a party, I like arranging them neatly on a decorative platter and sprinkling a little extra crushed graham cracker or even a pinch of flaky sea salt on top to elevate the presentation.

If you want to get a little fancy, these squares are excellent with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce, turning a simple dessert into a decadent experience. I’ve also found that pairing them with a hot cup of coffee or rich hot chocolate creates such a cozy cozy vibe, especially during the cooler months. They’re ideal for birthday celebrations, holiday gatherings, or just a playful treat on a weeknight when you want something sweet but homemade.

Portion-wise, I usually keep the squares on the smaller size because they’re so rich — just one or two pieces per person feel like the perfect indulgent bite. These are also fantastic served at room temperature if you’re taking them somewhere, but chilling right before serving always yields the best texture and flavor.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Disneyland Peanut Butter Squares Recipe to suit different tastes and dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, just swap out the graham crackers for a certified gluten-free variety and you’re good to go. I’ve also tried vegan substitutions by using dairy-free butter alternatives, vegan peanut butter, and dairy-free chocolate chips, and the results were deliciously satisfying with no compromise on texture.

If you’re a fan of bold flavors, try swapping the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate or even white chocolate for a different twist. Adding a sprinkle of chopped peanuts between layers can amp up the crunch and add more peanut flavor, which I am totally guilty of doing. If you want to change up the method, you could even make individual servings in small ramekins or muffin tins for easy grab-and-go snacks.

For a lighter alternative, you can reduce the powdered sugar slightly or mix in some natural peanut butter that is less sweet, but remember that the sweetness balances the salty peanut butter so well—it’s all about finding your perfect balance. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s very adaptable, yet the classic version always feels like the best place to start.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

After making these peanut butter squares, I store any leftovers in an airtight container lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They keep wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The chocolate stays firm, and the peanut butter layer remains creamy but not runny. I recommend keeping them chilled until just before serving to maintain that fresh, just-made texture.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze these squares if you want to save some for later. Wrap the entire baking dish tightly with plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn. Alternatively, cut them into squares, separate each piece with parchment paper, and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Since this recipe is best served chilled or at room temperature, I don’t recommend reheating in the microwave or oven as it changes the texture of the peanut butter and chocolate. If you want to bring them to room temp for softer bites, simply take them out of the fridge 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the chocolate to slightly soften without losing that satisfying firmness.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy in the Disneyland Peanut Butter Squares Recipe?

While creamy peanut butter is recommended for smooth texture, you can certainly use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer a bit of extra crunch inside the filling. Just keep in mind the texture will be a little different, but delicious nonetheless.

Is it necessary to use shortening when melting the chocolate?

Shortening helps keep the melted chocolate smooth and shiny and prevents it from hardening too quickly. If you don’t have shortening, you can use a small amount of coconut oil or just melt the chocolate gently on its own, but the texture might be slightly less glossy.

Can I make these squares ahead of time?

Absolutely! One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it benefits from some chill time. You can make it a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Just cut right before serving for the cleanest slices.

What can I substitute for graham crackers if I don’t have any?

If you don’t have graham crackers, digestive biscuits or similar lightly sweetened crackers work well as a substitute and keep the layered texture intact.

Do I have to crush the graham crackers for the topping?

The crushed graham cracker crumbs on top add a lovely finishing touch with texture and a little extra flavor. If you prefer, you can skip this step, but I personally wouldn’t because it makes the squares look more inviting and professional.

Conclusion

Making the Disneyland Peanut Butter Squares Recipe always brings me so much joy, and I hope it does the same for you. It’s a nostalgic, easy-to-make treat that combines some of my favorite flavors in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a party, family dessert, or a cozy night in, it’s sure to delight. Give it a try and get ready to fall in love with this delicious layered classic—your taste buds will thank you!