If you’re anything like me, you’ll need to make a double batch of these no-bake peanut butter bars!
They’re lusciously thick with smooth peanut butter, plenty of chocolate, and a crumbly, buttery base.
Made with just five ingredients and a microwave, they’re the perfect mid-week pick-me-up.
No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars
These no-bake peanut butter bars are dangerous. They’re irresistibly decadent and impossibly easy to make.
They feature an ultra-thick layer of creamy peanut butter mixed with graham crackers, sugar, and butter.
Topped with a mix of melted chocolate and more peanut butter, they’re nutty, creamy, and to die for.
Do yourself a favor and stash some in the freezer. That way, you can save some for later.
Otherwise, you might find it all too tempting to eat the entire tray!
Ingredients
As far as easy, no-bake desserts go, this one is a must-make.
The bars come together in a snap, and they last all week in the fridge. Plus, they’re ideal for snacking on the go.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Melted Butter: Adds richness and acts as a binding agent for the cracker crumbs.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: To hold the soft filling stable.
- Powdered Sugar: To sweeten the bars. It also helps bind the ingredients together.
- Peanut Butter: Use some for the filling and a little extra for the topping. Creamy peanut butter is the best choice, but feel free to use crunchy.
- Semisweet Chocolate Chips: Because chocolate + peanut butter = yum! Just melt it with peanut butter and spread it on top.
How to Make Peanut Butter Bars
You can make these no-bake dessert bars in just a few simple steps. The hard part, though, is the wait.
They need about 1 hour to chill. So, plan ahead if you’re making them for a party.
Either way, here are the steps:
1. Make the base. Mix the melted butter, graham crackers, sugar, and peanut butter. Press it into a parchment paper-lined baking dish.
2. Make the topping. Melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter until smooth. Then, pour the mixture over the base and spread it evenly.
3. Chill, slice, and serve. Refrigerate until the bars are firm, about 1 hour. Then enjoy!
Tips for Success
You don’t have to be a baker to make these peanut butter bars! That’s the beauty of a no-bake treat.
Still, I’m sure you want them to turn out picture-perfect. So follow these tips for the best peanut butter bars ever:
- Make them extra thick. Use a smaller baking dish, like an 8×8 or 9×9-inch square dish. And give them extra time in the fridge to set.
- Avoid oily peanut butter. I recommend brands like Jiffy or Skippy. Natural peanut butter brands that are oily won’t set properly.
- Add more texture. Use crunchy peanut butter, or mix in chopped nuts for crunch. Another great option is to add roughly chopped graham crackers with the crumbs.
- Use other chocolates. I like semisweet, but go ahead and use dark, milk, or a combo. If you want to use white chocolate, I suggest cutting out the extra sugar since it’s already sweet.
- Make nut-free bars. If someone has a nut allergy, try sunflower butter or cookie butter. Just be sure to check the labels.
- Up the decadence. Sprinkle some nuts, M&M’s, sprinkles, mini pretzels, or chopped peanut butter cups over the top while it’s still wet.
- Heat the knife for cleaner cuts. Dip it in hot water, wipe it dry, then slice. It’s such a simple and easy trick to clean slices!
How to Store & Freeze
These peanut butter bars are the perfect nibble for when those sweet cravings strike.
Dessert, after-school snack, mid-morning pick-me-up – you name it!
Just follow these tips for storing:
To Store: Store cold peanut butter bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
To Freeze: Freeze the whole slab or individual portions on a tray until solid. Then, double wrap in plastic and transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.
More Peanut Butter and Chocolate Recipes
Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars
Old-Fashioned Peanut Butter Balls
Homemade Peanut Butter Cups
Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
Soft Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Peanut Butter Bars
24
servings20
minutes1
hour325
kcalSatisfy your sweet tooth with these no-bake peanut butter bars! Made with just five ingredients and a microwave, they’re the perfect mid-week pick-me-up.
Ingredients
- For the Bars:
1 cup butter, melted
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup peanut butter
- For the Topping:
1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
4 tablespoons peanut butter
Instructions
- Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Leave some excess hanging over the edge for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and peanut butter until well combined.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Combine the chocolate chips and peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after every spin, until smooth and melted.
- Spread the chocolate mixture over the peanut butter layer. Then, refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate is firm.
- Lift the firm slab out of the pan with the excess parchment paper. Run a chef’s knife under hot water, wipe it dry with paper towels, and slice the bar into squares. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Make them extra thick. Use a smaller baking dish, such as an 8×8 or 9×9-inch square dish. And give them extra time in the fridge to set.
- Avoid oily peanut butter. Brands like Jiffy or Skippy work best. Natural peanut butter brands that are oily won’t set properly.
