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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare a 9-inch square pan by lining it with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- Melt butter and whisk together with peanut butter until creating a smooth, uniform mixture.
- Gradually sift powdered sugar into the butter-peanut butter blend, stirring consistently to create a cohesive mixture.
- Incorporate graham cracker crumbs in two stages, mixing thoroughly to develop a consistent dough-like consistency.
- 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.
- Create the chocolate topping by microwaving chocolate chips and peanut butter in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until completely melted and silky.
- Carefully pour the melted chocolate mixture over the base, using a spatula to distribute evenly across the entire surface.
- Refrigerate for approximately 90 minutes, or until the chocolate layer becomes completely solid and firm.
- Remove the dessert from the refrigerator and lift out of the pan using the overhanging parchment paper.
- 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