Homemade "Butterfinger" Candy Squares

Auntie Iris Marie was the inspiration for this recipe.

 She asked if I could make a peanut butter candy 

similar to the type her her mother, Jane used to make.
(This candy tastes even better than a store bought Butterfinger candy bar.)

Ingredients:

1 cup sugar

3/4 cup light corn syrup

2 Tablespoons water

1 Tablespoon butter

1 1/2 cups natural style peanut butter

1 cup roasted peanuts, coarsely chopped

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)

Method:

Line a 9 inch square pan with foil. 

Measure the peanut butter and place in a large glass bowl. add the chopped peanuts and salt. Stir.

In a medium saucepan, stir the sugar, corn syrup and water. Add the butter. Bring to a boil over a high heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Lower heat to a medium high heat. Cook without stirring until the caramel reaches 285*. (about 10 minutes)

While the caramel cooks, heat the peanut butter mixture, in a microwave oven, on high heat, until melted and hot. (about 1 1/2 minutes) Stir well.

In a tiny bowl, whisk together the vanilla and baking soda. As soon as the caramel reaches 285*, stir in the vanilla mixture.

Immediately pour into the peanut butter mixture. With a silicone spatula, or wooden soon, fold together as quickly as possible. The mixture should be combined, but not thoroughly blended. It sets up very quickly.

Very quickly pour into the prepared pan. Press into a flat even layer. If desired, sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top of the candy. After the chocolate softens, spread evenly to cover the peanut butter layer.

Cool completely. Refrigerate. Peel off the foil and cut into small squares. 

Save any remaining crumbles of candy. Use as a topping for ice cream. 

Store in the refrigerator, in an airtight container. Makes about 3 dozen pieces.

Candy without chocolate topping.