No Bake Peanut Butter Bars are a dreamy dessert that combines the irresistible flavors of chocolate and peanut butter in a rich, no-fuss bar. Perfect for when you crave something sweet but don’t want to turn on the oven, this recipe delivers indulgent satisfaction with minimal effort. Made with pantry staples and requiring just a few simple steps, these bars are great for potlucks, holidays, or an anytime treat. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home baker, you’ll love how quick and easy it is to whip up these classic no bake peanut butter bars.
Why You’ll Love This No Bake Peanut Butter Bars Recipe
These bars are decadently rich, combining creamy peanut butter and smooth chocolate in every bite. There’s no baking involved, making them perfect for hot days or when you’re short on time. With a soft, graham cracker base and a luscious chocolate topping, they taste like a homemade peanut butter cup in bar form. Plus, they store beautifully and can be made ahead of time for convenience.
Ingredients
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened and divided
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
Step-by-Step: How to Make No Bake Peanut Butter Bars
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil, letting the edges hang over for easy removal. Spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- Make the Base: In a large mixing bowl, blend 5 tablespoons of softened butter with graham cracker crumbs and powdered sugar until smooth. Stir in the peanut butter until well combined. Firmly press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, ensuring an even layer.
- Melt the Topping: Place the chocolate chips and remaining 5 tablespoons of butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 1 minute, stir gently, then continue microwaving in 30-second bursts until the mixture is fully melted and smooth.
- Spread the Chocolate: Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and use a spatula to spread it into an even layer.
- Chill the Bars: Refrigerate for a minimum of 3 hours or overnight until completely firm.
- Slice and Serve: Let the bars sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Use a ruler and a sharp knife to cut into uniform squares for a neat presentation.
Helpful Tips
- Soften your butter quickly by microwaving at 10% power in 30-60 second intervals.
- Press the peanut butter base firmly into the pan to create a solid foundation.
- Let the bars warm slightly before slicing to prevent the chocolate from cracking.
- For even bars, use a ruler and a sharp knife to cut uniform pieces.
Substitutions And Variations
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: Substitute crushed digestive biscuits or crushed pretzels for a salty twist.
- Peanut Butter: Swap in almond or cashew butter for a new flavor experience. Avoid using natural peanut butter as it tends to separate.
- Chocolate Chips: Opt for dark chocolate for a more intense flavor, or try white chocolate for a fun twist.
- Mix-ins: Add chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips to the base for extra crunch.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2-3 weeks.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Slice bars and place between layers of parchment paper for easy serving.
- Room Temperature: If it’s cool (below 40°F), you can store them outside the fridge in a sealed container.
Nutritional Information
- Serving Size: 1 bar (2″ x 2″)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 19mg
- Sodium: 181mg
- Sugar: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
Serving Suggestions
- Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
- Perfect on dessert platters for potlucks, parties, or holiday trays.
- Pair with coffee or milk for a comforting treat.
Frequently Asked Questions About No Bake Peanut Butter Bars
Can I use natural peanut butter? It’s best to use store-bought creamy peanut butter like Skippy. Natural varieties often separate and can negatively impact the consistency.
Can I make these bars ahead of time? Absolutely! These bars are perfect for preparing in advance. Just store them in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to enjoy.
What if I don’t have a microwave? No worries. You can melt the chocolate and butter over a double boiler on the stove.
Can I make these gluten-free? Yes, just use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs to make a gluten-free version.
Are these bars very sweet? They are quite rich and sweet. If you prefer a less intense dessert, consider cutting them into smaller pieces.
Conclusion
Thank you so much for stopping by to try this delicious No Bake Peanut Butter Bars recipe! It’s one of my all-time favorites for how easy, flavorful, and versatile it is. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, these bars are sure to bring smiles to everyone who tries them. I hope they become a new staple in your dessert repertoire. Happy no-baking, and I appreciate you being part of this sweet community!
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No Bake Peanut Butter Bars
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
Description
No Bake Peanut Butter Bars are an easy, rich dessert with layers of creamy peanut butter and chocolate. Made with pantry staples and no oven required!
Ingredients
10 tbsp unsalted butter, softened and divided
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
1 cup semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
Instructions
Line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch square baking pan with foil and coat with nonstick spray.
Mix 5 tbsp butter, graham cracker crumbs, and powdered sugar. Stir in peanut butter and press into the pan.
Melt chocolate chips with remaining 5 tbsp butter in the microwave. Stir until smooth.
Spread chocolate over peanut butter layer.
Chill for at least 3 hours or overnight. Let sit 10 minutes before slicing
Notes
Use store-bought creamy peanut butter for best results.
For a firmer base, press mixture down well.
Can substitute with almond or cashew butter.
Bars freeze well up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (2" x 2")
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 39g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Protein: 7g