Layered Peanut Butter and Chocolate Crispy Bars

My husband's birthday was this weekend.  29.  That means we're old.

Anyway, we were abroad last year for all birthdays and holidays, which resulted in somewhat lackluster celebrations.  So we're trying to make up for the it this year.  In other words, I made a lot of desserts and we had some friends over.  I'll post those dessert recipes for the next few days.

The first is this winner.  It's basically a double layer of peanut butter rice kirspie treats cushioned with chocolate.  I think it goes without saying that these babies are good.

Layered Peanut Butter and Chocolate Crispy Bars
(Adapted from Virtual Goody Plate)
Printable Recipe
Makes about 32
(half the recipe for a 8x8 pan)

Ingredients
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
8 cups miniature marshmallows
2/3 cup creamy peanut butter, plus 1/4 cup peanut butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
10 cups puffed rice cereal
2 packages (10 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup chopped, roasted salted peanuts, optional

Directions
1) Grease 13x9 baking dish. In a large pot, combine butter, vanilla, 2/3 cup peanut butter, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until melted. Add cereal and stir to combine.
2) In a medium-sized bowl, add chocolate chips and 1/4 cup peanut butter.  Microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring, until chocolate is melted and combined.
2) With a wooden spoon greased with cooking spray or butter, press half the ceral mixture into dish. Spread half the melted chocolate on top. Repeat with remaining cereal mixture and chocolate; sprinkle with peanuts, if desired. Store in airtight container up to 3 days. Enjoy!