I love a good no-bake dessert, and these No Bake Peanut Butter Bars are at the top of my list. They remind me of the peanut butter cups I used to sneak from my childhood candy stash—but in bar form!
The best part? No oven required. Whether you need a quick treat for a gathering or just a simple homemade dessert, these bars come together in minutes and satisfy every peanut butter and chocolate craving. Let’s get started!
How To Make No Bake Peanut Butter Bars In 10 Minutes!
These no bake peanut butter bars are a rich, creamy, and chocolatey treat that comes together with just a few ingredients. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate creates the perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Yield: 16 bars
- Calories Per Serving: ~250 calories
What You Need For No Bake Peanut Butter Bars
For The Peanut Butter Layer:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup salted butter, melted
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup powdered sugar
For The Chocolate Topping:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
Ingredients Note
- Peanut Butter – Provides a rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture, making the bars smooth and indulgent. Use crunchy peanut butter for extra texture if desired.
- Butter – Helps bind the ingredients together while adding a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
- Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the bars without making them grainy, ensuring a soft, even texture.
- Graham Crackers – Adds structure and a subtle crunch, preventing the bars from being too soft. You can substitute with digestive biscuits if needed.
- Chocolate – Creates a delicious, sweet contrast to the peanut butter base. Use milk, dark, or semi-sweet chocolate depending on your preference.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare The Base Layer
- In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, peanut butter, graham cracker crumbs, and powdered sugar.
- Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Press the peanut butter mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make The Chocolate Topping
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and peanut butter in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate peanut butter mixture over the peanut butter layer, spreading evenly with a spatula.
Step 3: Chill And Set
- Place the baking dish in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate layer is firm.
- Once set, remove from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before slicing into squares.
Video Tutorial:
Fixes & Hacks For Perfect Results
How To Get The Perfect Texture?
- Use graham cracker crumbs for structure and the right balance of crunch and smoothness.
- For a firmer texture, refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting.
Can You Use Natural Peanut Butter?
Yes, but natural peanut butter tends to be oilier and can make the bars softer. Stir it well before using and consider adding a tablespoon more graham cracker crumbs.
Best Peanut Butter For These Bars
Creamy peanut butter works best, but if you love some crunch, crunchy peanut butter is a great alternative!
How To Fix A Crumbly Base?
If your peanut butter mixture is too dry, add a little more melted butter or peanut butter to help it bind together.
How Long Do They Last In The Fridge?
These bars may remain fresh stored in a sealed container in the fridge for as long as a week. However, they can be frozen and still maintain that fresh taste for a period of up to two months.
Serving Tips For Maximum Enjoyment
These no-bake peanut butter bars taste amazing whether you enjoy them chilled or at room temperature. For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle some melted chocolate over the top—it adds a rich, velvety finish that takes them to the next level.
Want to make it the ultimate treat? Pair a bar with a cold glass of milk for a classic combo or sip on a warm cup of coffee to balance the sweetness. No matter how you serve them, these bars are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet cravings!
More Dessert Recipes:
FAQs
Can I Make These Bars Without Graham Crackers?
Yes! You can substitute graham cracker crumbs with digestive biscuits or finely crushed vanilla wafers.
What If I Don’t Have A Microwave For Melting Chocolate?
Melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter using a double boiler over low heat.
Can I Use Dark Chocolate Instead Of Semi-Sweet?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate gives a richer, slightly bitter contrast to the peanut butter layer.
How Do I Cut Clean Squares Without Messing Up The Chocolate Layer?
Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water, then wipe it dry before slicing.
Can I Make These Bars Vegan?
Yes! Use dairy-free butter, vegan chocolate chips, and a plant-based peanut butter to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
These No Bake Peanut Butter Bars are easy, quick, and require no baking. Whether you’re making them for a party or just a late-night snack, they’ll disappear fast! Give them a try and let me know how they turn out. Happy no-baking!
No Bake Peanut Butter Bars – No Oven, No Hassle!
Ingredients
For The Peanut Butter Layer:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup salted butter melted
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup powdered sugar
For The Chocolate Topping:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare The Base Layer
- In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, peanut butter, graham cracker crumbs, and powdered sugar.
- Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Press the peanut butter mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make The Chocolate Topping
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and peanut butter in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate peanut butter mixture over the peanut butter layer, spreading evenly with a spatula.
Step 3: Chill And Set
- Place the baking dish in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate layer is firm.
- Once set, remove from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before slicing into squares.
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