Chewy Peanut-Marshmallow Bars

     These yummy bars are so easy to make and are great treat.  I got the recipe from  The Pampered Chef Simply Sweet Cookbook, one of my favorites to bake from.  I brought some over to a Spouse's Club get together and they were a hit!  Enjoy!

Ingredients:

Crust:

3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) Butter

1/4 cup Creamy Peanut Butter

1 package (18.25oz) Yellow Cake Mix

Filling & Topping:

3/4 cup Creamy Peanut Butter

2/3 cup Light Corn Syrup

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) Butter

3 cups Miniature Marshmallows

2 cups Crisp Rice Cereal

2 cups Dry-Roasted Peanuts

Preparations:

Crust:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Place butter and peanut butter in a microwavable bowl, microwave uncovered on HIGH 1 minute or until butter is melted.  Stir until well blended.  Place cake mix into bowl and whisk to break up the lumps.  Add peanut butter mixture, stir until a thick dough forms.

Break apart dough and distribute over bottom of an ungreased large sheet pan.  Pat dough into the pan, spread evenly.  Bake 15-17 minutes or until crust is set and golden brown.  Remove pan from oven, let crust stand for 2 minutes to cool slightly.

Filling:
Meanwhile, combine peanut butter, corn syrup, and butter in a saucepan.  Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until mixture is smooth.  Spoon 1/2 cup of peanut butter mixture over hot crust, spread evenly and immediately sprinkle with marshmallows.  Return to oven, bake an additional 1-2 minutes or just until marshmallows begin to puff. Remove pan from oven to cool.

Topping:
Add cereal and peanuts to remaining peanut butter mixture.  Spoon over marshmallows and spread gently in an even layer.  Cool completely or until topping is set.  Cut into bars.

Option:
Drizzle some melted chocolate on top for an extra special treat!