Get ready to fall in love with pure dessert bliss! These No Bake Peanut Butter Bars are the perfect marriage of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate, all set atop a buttery graham cracker base. With no oven required and just a handful of pantry staples, you’ll have a decadent treat that tastes like a homemade Reese’s—only better. They’re the kind of sweet you whip up once and suddenly become everyone’s favorite person.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the magic behind these No Bake Peanut Butter Bars—the ingredients are simple, but each one plays a vital role in creating those crave-worthy layers and utterly perfect texture. This short list of basics comes together to deliver maximum flavor and comfort in every bite.
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, melted): This is the backbone of the base, making the bars rich and giving them that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs (2 cups): Adds a cozy, toasty flavor and just the right amount of crunch for a sturdy foundation.
- Powdered Sugar (2 cups): Sweetens things up and helps everything bind together beautifully without any graininess.
- Creamy Peanut Butter (1 cup + 1/4 cup): Essential for both the bar and the topping, this is what gives these treats their signature, nutty richness.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1 1/2 cups): Brings luscious, glossy chocolate to the party, balancing the peanut butter perfectly.
How to Make No Bake Peanut Butter Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, letting it hang over the sides a little for easy removal later. This little trick means your bars lift right out without any fuss or sticking, making cutting and serving a total breeze.
Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Layer
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and 1 cup of creamy peanut butter. Mix until the ingredients are fully combined, smooth, and evenly textured—it’s okay if you sneak a taste at this point, it’s irresistible.
Step 3: Press and Smooth
Transfer the peanut butter mixture into your prepared pan and press it down firmly and evenly. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon (or even clean hands!) to make sure the surface is flat and compact so the bars hold together well once cut.
Step 4: Melt the Chocolate Topping
Add the chocolate chips and the remaining 1/4 cup peanut butter to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring after each, until the mixture is smooth, silky, and glossy. The peanut butter helps the chocolate set just right, with a creamy bite instead of a hard snap.
Step 5: Top and Chill
Pour the chocolate-peanut butter mixture over your base layer and spread it evenly from edge to edge. Pop the whole pan into the fridge for at least two hours, or until the bars are completely firm and set.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Once fully chilled, use the parchment paper to lift the slab out onto a cutting board. Slice into neat squares using a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for picture-perfect bars. Serve chilled for a firm bite, or let them sit out a few minutes for a slightly softer, meltier experience—delicious either way!
How to Serve No Bake Peanut Butter Bars
No Bake Peanut Butter Bars Garnishes
The finishing touches can make your No Bake Peanut Butter Bars extra special! Try a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a light dusting of cocoa powder, or a few chopped roasted peanuts on top of the chocolate before chilling. Not only will these add extra flavor, but they’ll also give your bars that gorgeous, bakery-style finish.
Side Dishes
These bars are rich, so pair them with something refreshing—think a glass of cold milk, strong brewed coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a dessert platter with variety, serve alongside fresh fruit or a small dish of berries for a burst of tang and color.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Stack the bars in alternating directions on a cake stand for a dramatic effect, or arrange them in cupcake liners for grab-and-go treats at a party. You can even cut them into fun shapes using cookie cutters for a themed dessert table—No Bake Peanut Butter Bars are as flexible as you want them to be!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover bars fresh and delicious by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay perfect for up to 1 week—if you can make them last that long without sneaking a piece every time you open the fridge!
Freezing
No Bake Peanut Butter Bars freeze exceptionally well. Separate layers of bars with parchment paper and seal them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight whenever cravings strike or you need an instant party treat.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat these bars, but if you prefer a softer chocolate topping, let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. This brings out the creamy texture and intensifies the rich peanut butter and chocolate flavors.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter gives the bars extra texture and a delightful nutty bite. It’s a great way to personalize this classic treat and make them truly your own.
What’s the best way to cut No Bake Peanut Butter Bars cleanly?
A sharp knife rinsed under hot water (and wiped dry) between each cut works wonders. This ensures clean, beautiful squares and minimizes chocolate cracking or crumbs.
Can I substitute the graham cracker crumbs?
Yes! You can swap in digestive biscuit crumbs, vanilla wafer crumbs, or even crushed pretzels for a salty twist. Just use the same measurement for best results.
Do I have to use parchment paper?
Parchment paper is highly recommended for easy removal and minimal mess, but you can also lightly grease the pan if you don’t have parchment. The bars might be a bit trickier to lift out, so be extra gentle when slicing.
How should I store them if it’s warm outside?
Keep your No Bake Peanut Butter Bars chilled until right before serving. The chocolate layer can get soft at room temperature, especially in summertime, so store in the fridge or even set on a cold gel pack during picnics or outdoor events.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that’s maximum flavor with minimum fuss, these No Bake Peanut Butter Bars are your golden ticket. Invite your friends, share with family, or keep a secret stash just for yourself—they’re irresistible in any scenario. Whip up a batch soon and see how quickly they find their way into your regular treat rotation!
Print
No Bake Peanut Butter Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delicious No Bake Peanut Butter Bars that combine the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate in a simple, no-fuss dessert.
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
Chocolate Layer:
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
Instructions
- Prepare Peanut Butter Base: Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Combine melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and 1 cup peanut butter. Press into the pan.
- Create Chocolate Layer: Melt chocolate chips and 1/4 cup peanut butter. Spread over the peanut butter layer.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set. Cut into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Crunchy peanut butter can be used for added texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
