Candy-Topped Creamy Peanut Butter Bars

My homemade version of a pillsbury recipe given to me by my cousin. A 3 layer bar; it's very rich and decadent but still hard to eat just one.

• Ready In: 55 mins
• Serves: 24

Ingredients

• 1st Layer

• 1⁄2 cup shortening
• 1⁄4 cup granulated sugar
• 1⁄2 cup brown sugar
• 1  egg
• 3⁄4 teaspoon vanilla
• 1  cup flour
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1⁄2 cup  semi-sweet chocolate chips

• 2nd Layer

• 1⁄2 cup butter, softened
• 1⁄2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2  cups powdered sugar
• 2  tablespoons milk
• 1  cup salted peanuts

• 3rd Layer

• 1  cup  semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1⁄4 cup butter
• 1⁄4 cup heavy cream
• 1⁄2 cup  miniature M&M's chocolate candies

Directions

1. First layer-Cream the shortening and sugars; add the remaining ingredients and mix well. Bake in a greased 9x13 pan for 20 minutes at 350 degrees, until light golden brown. Cool completely.
2. Second layer-Combine the butter, peanut butter, powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Stir in the peanuts and spread over the first layer.
3. Third layer-Melt the chocolate chips and butter in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly. Cool 10 minutes, then stir in the cream. Carefully spread over the second layer and sprinkle with candies.
4. Refrigerate about an hour, until chocolate is set, before cutting.