Vanilla Chex Millionaire Bars-12 Days of Easy Sweets

The original version of this recipe has been around for awhile and has had various names such as Millionaire Bars, Heavenly Bars, and Homemade Kit Kat Bars.  Some people consider it a no-bake cookie, some consider it a candy.  No matter which, most people love this treat.

I decided to experiment with crushed Vanilla Chex cereal, using it instead of crushed graham crackers when I made this last.  I also upped the amount of vanilla for better vanilla flavor.

These will fit right in on either a cookie or candy plate.  They are very rich so I cut them small.

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Vanilla Chex Millionaire Bars
72 rectangular crackers such as Club Crackers (this is about half of a box)
1 c. (2 sticks) butter
1/2 c. milk
1 c. firmly packed brown sugar
1/3 c. white sugar
2 c. crushed Vanilla Chex cereal (about 3 1/2 c. uncrushed) or graham cracker crumbs
2 t. vanilla
1 (12 oz.) pkg. semisweet chocolate chips
2/3 c. creamy peanut butter

Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with aluminum foil, letting it extend over the edges.  Grease or spray foil with non-stick spray.  (I use non stick foil.)  Place 24 crackers in the pan, laying them so long edges go across 9-inch width of pan.  Set aside.  Melt butter in a large, heavy saucepan.  Stir in milk, brown sugar, white sugar, and crushed cereal.  Bring mixture to a boil, watching closely and stirring frequently.  Reduce heat and boil 5 minutes, stirring constantly.  Remove from heat and add vanilla.  Mix well.  Pour half of mixture over crackers in prepared pan.  Add a second layer of crackers.  Pour remaining mixture over crackers.  Cover with a final layer of crackers.  Combine chocolate chips and peanut butter in a small saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring frequently, until chips are melted and mixture is smooth.  Spread chocolate mixture over the top layer of crackers.  Cover with foil and chill until firm, about 4 hours.  Lift from pan and cut into 1x1 1/2-inch bars.  Makes about 72