Remember the joy of unwrapping a Clark Bar and sinking your teeth into layers of crunchy peanut butter and rich milk chocolate? This iconic candy bar has been a beloved treat for generations, offering a perfect blend of sweet and salty flavors. While store-bought Clark Bars hold a special place in our hearts, there’s something truly special about recreating them at home. In this blog post, I’ll guide you through the process of making homemade Clark Bars, allowing you to indulge in this nostalgic treat anytime you crave a bit of sweetness. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and embark on a journey to recreate this classic candy bar in your own kitchen!
Ingredients:
For the Peanut Butter Filling:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Crispy Base:
- 2 cups crispy rice cereal
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Chocolate Coating:
- 12 ounces milk chocolate, chopped
- 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
Instructions:
Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
Make the Crispy Base:
In a large mixing bowl, place the crispy rice cereal. Set aside.
In a saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, water, and salt over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
Bring the mixture to a boil and cook without stirring until it reaches 240°F (115°C) on a candy thermometer, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately pour the hot syrup over the crispy rice cereal. Quickly stir until the cereal is evenly coated with the syrup.
Transfer the mixture to a parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking dish. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the dish. Let it cool completely.
Assemble the Bars:
Once the crispy base has cooled, spread the prepared peanut butter filling evenly over the top, pressing down gently to adhere.
Place the baking dish in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the peanut butter filling to set.
Coat with Chocolate:
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chopped milk chocolate and vegetable shortening. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator. Using a spatula, carefully lift the layered mixture out of the dish and place it on a cutting board.
Cut the mixture into individual bars, each about 2 inches wide.
Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each bar into the melted chocolate, coating it completely.
Place the chocolate-coated bars on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for another 30 minutes, or until the chocolate has set.
Enjoy:
Once the chocolate coating has hardened, your homemade Clark Bars are ready to enjoy! Indulge in these sweet and salty treats as a nostalgic snack or share them with friends and family for a delightful treat.
With their crunchy rice cereal base, creamy peanut butter filling, and luscious milk chocolate coating, homemade Clark Bars offer a taste of nostalgia with every bite. Whether enjoyed as a special treat for yourself or shared with loved ones, these homemade candy bars are sure to bring joy and sweetness to any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, channel your inner candy maker, and let’s create some sweet memories together!