Effortless No Bake Peanut Butter Bars Recipe: Sweet Bliss in Every Bite

Creamy peanut butter bars offer a delightful twist on classic dessert cravings.

Sweet and simple ingredients come together without turning on the oven.

Chocolatey layers promise pure indulgence for anyone who loves quick treats.

No complicated techniques or special skills required to craft these decadent bars.

Rich flavors melt together, creating a smooth and irresistible combination.

Minimal effort delivers maximum satisfaction with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

You will want to bookmark this absolute crowd-pleaser for future snack moments.

No Bake Peanut Butter Bars That Satisfy

• Crush Complexity: No baking skills required, making this recipe perfect for novice cooks who want delicious results without kitchen stress.
• Speedy Sweet Treat: Minimal ingredients and quick preparation mean you can satisfy your dessert craving in no time, with most steps taking just minutes.
• Kid-Friendly Creation: Engaging recipe that allows children to help mix ingredients and spread chocolate, turning dessert-making into a fun family activity.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Combines classic flavors of chocolate and peanut butter that appeal to almost everyone, making it ideal for potlucks, parties, and casual gatherings.

Ingredients for No Bake Peanut Butter Bars

• Peanut Butter: A creamy spread that provides rich flavor and helps bind the bar ingredients together.
• Butter: Melted butter adds richness and helps create a smooth, cohesive mixture.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the bars and helps create a stable, compact texture.
• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Adds structure and a subtle graham cracker flavor to the base.

• Chocolate Chips: Creates a smooth, sweet chocolate layer that complements the peanut butter base.
• Peanut Butter: Adds extra peanut flavor and helps create a smooth chocolate topping.

• Parchment Paper, Aluminum Foil: Helps with easy removal and prevents sticking of the bars.

How to Make No Bake Peanut Butter Bars

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

Line a square baking pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over the sides. This will help you lift out the bars easily when they’re ready.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

Whisk together melted butter and peanut butter in a large mixing bowl until the mixture looks smooth and fully combined. The texture should be completely uniform.

Step 3: Blend Sweet Powder

Gradually sift powdered sugar into the butter mixture. Stir consistently to ensure no lumps remain and the mixture looks silky and well-integrated.

Step 4: Add Crunchy Texture

Fold graham cracker crumbs into the mixture in two separate additions. Mix thoroughly until the dough looks consistent and holds together nicely.

Step 5: Form Solid Foundation

Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan. Press down firmly with your hands or a flat utensil to create an even, compact base layer.

Pay extra attention to the corners and edges.

Step 6: Melt Chocolate Topping

Combine chocolate chips and peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl.

Heat in short 30-second bursts, stirring between each interval, until the mixture becomes completely smooth and glossy.

Step 7: Spread Chocolate Layer

Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the prepared base.

Use a rubber spatula to spread it evenly across the entire surface, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 8: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the pan for at least 1 hour and 30 minutes.

The bars are ready when the chocolate layer feels firm and completely set.

Step 9: Slice and Enjoy

Remove the bars from the pan using the parchment paper edges.

Cut into squares or rectangles of your preferred size. Serve and savor the delicious treat!

Tips to Nail No Bake Peanut Butter Bars

• Boost flavor by using high-quality peanut butter with minimal added sugar for a richer taste profile.
• Ensure graham cracker crumbs are finely ground to create a smooth, uniform texture in the bars.
• Use room temperature ingredients to help them blend more easily and create a consistent mixture.
• Try dark or milk chocolate for the topping to customize the flavor intensity and sweetness.
• For a gluten-free version, replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or ground nuts.

Variations to Refresh Peanut Butter Bars

• Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Bars: Replace graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars: Swap butter with coconut oil, use dairy-free chocolate chips, and select a plant-based peanut butter to create a vegan-friendly treat.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute powdered sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia blend, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining a similar texture and sweetness.
• Nutty Chocolate Variation: Sprinkle chopped roasted almonds or crushed peanuts on top of the chocolate layer for added crunch and nutty flavor profile.

Pairing Ideas for No Bake Peanut Butter Bars

• Pair with a bold Port wine, matching the rich chocolate and peanut butter flavors with its sweet, intense profile that complements the dessert's decadence.
• Choose a chocolate stout or dark ale with roasted malt characteristics, enhancing the nutty and chocolate undertones of the no-bake bars.
• Serve alongside a strong espresso or cold brew coffee, which cuts through the sweetness and provides a robust counterpoint to the creamy peanut butter base.
• Select a Madeira wine with caramel and nutty notes that beautifully harmonize with the graham cracker and peanut butter elements of the bars.

Storage Tips for Peanut Butter Bars

• Refrigerate: Store bars in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 7 days. Keep refrigerated to maintain texture and prevent chocolate from melting.
• Freeze: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Room Temperature: Let bars sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance flavor. Do not leave out longer than 2 hours.
• Quick Reheat: Microwave individual bar for 5-8 seconds to slightly warm chocolate layer. Be cautious to avoid overheating, which can make chocolate grainy or separate.

FAQs

• Can I use natural peanut butter instead of regular peanut butter?

Natural peanut butter can work, but it might make the bars slightly less stable. Opt for a smooth, well-stirred variety with minimal separation for best results.

• How do I prevent the bars from becoming too crumbly?

Make sure to press the base layer firmly and evenly into the pan. Chilling helps set the bars and reduces crumbling when cutting and serving.

• Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or crushed gluten-free cookies to create a similar texture and taste.

• What chocolate works best for the topping?

Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips melt smoothly and provide a classic flavor. You can also use dark chocolate for a richer, less sweet version of the bars.

No Bake Peanut Butter Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Homemade no bake peanut butter bars combine classic graham cracker crust with creamy peanut butter and chocolate layers. Quick dessert crafted in minutes chills perfectly for chocolate lovers seeking simple sweet indulgence.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (237 ml) creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup (227 g) salted butter, melted
• 2 cups (250 g) powdered sugar
• 2 cups (240 g) graham cracker crumbs
• 1 cup (175 g) chocolate chips
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) creamy peanut butter

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9-inch square pan by lining it with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over the sides for easy removal.
2. Melt butter and whisk together with peanut butter until creating a smooth, uniform mixture.
3. Gradually sift powdered sugar into the butter-peanut butter blend, stirring consistently to create a cohesive mixture.
4. Incorporate graham cracker crumbs in two stages, mixing thoroughly to develop a consistent dough-like consistency.
5. Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan, pressing firmly and evenly to create a compact base layer, ensuring complete coverage of the pan’s bottom.
6. Create the chocolate topping by microwaving chocolate chips and peanut butter in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until completely melted and silky.
7. Carefully pour the melted chocolate mixture over the base, using a spatula to distribute evenly across the entire surface.
8. Refrigerate for approximately 90 minutes, or until the chocolate layer becomes completely solid and firm.
9. Remove the dessert from the refrigerator and lift out of the pan using the overhanging parchment paper.
10. Slice into desired bar sizes, serving chilled for optimal texture and flavor.

Notes

• Customize the bars by using dark, milk, or white chocolate for varied flavor profiles and visual appeal.
• Swap regular peanut butter with almond or cashew butter for a unique twist and to accommodate nut allergies.
• Crush gluten-free graham crackers to make the recipe completely gluten-free and suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Enhance texture by sprinkling sea salt, chopped nuts, or mini chocolate chips on top of the chocolate layer for added crunch and depth.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Chilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg