No Bake Peanut Butter Bars are a delicious and easy treat that can be made in no time! With a soft peanut butter and graham cracker base and a rich chocolate topping, these bars are sure to be a hit with everyone.
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Peanut Butter Bars
- These bars do not require an oven and come together in just a few simple steps, making them perfect for busy days or last-minute desserts.
- With just a handful of simple ingredients like peanut butter, graham crackers, chocolate, and powdered sugar, you probably already have everything you need!
- Whether you're making them for a party, a family gathering, or just as a sweet treat for yourself, these bars are always a favorite.
Do you love Reese's peanut butter cups? If so, these no-bake chocolate peanut butter bars are for you! The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is an excellent match and will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients you'll need
Note: This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.
Ingredient notes
- Butter - When making desserts, I like to use unsalted butter because it allows me to control the amount of salt in my dishes.
- Peanut butter - Creamy peanut butter works best for this recipe, but crunchy peanut butter would also work well.
- Graham cracker crumbs - You can use regular or honey-flavored graham crackers. Both work well.
- Confectioner's sugar - Powdered sugar helps to hold the bars together and adds a touch of sweetness.
- Milk chocolate chips - You can use semisweet chocolate chips if you prefer a slightly less sweet topping.
- Flaky sea salt - This is optional, but I highly recommend adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top for the perfect sweet and salty balance.
No Bake Peanut Butter Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter melted
- 2 cups peanut butter divided
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs approx. 16 sheets
- 2 cups confectioners sugar
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips
- Flaky sea salt optional
Instructions
- Combine the butter, 1 ½ cups peanut butter, graham cracker crumbs and the confectioners sugar.
- Line a 9x9-inch pan with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.
- Press the peanut butter mixture evenly in the pan.
- Place the chocolate chips and remaining peanut butter in a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 20 seconds, remove and stir and reheat in 15 second increments until the chocolate is melted and is stirred until smooth.
- Spread over the peanut butter layer.
- Cool for 20 minutes, then sprinkle with sea salt if you wish.
- Cool for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars.
Nutrition
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Adaptable recipe – make it your own!
- If you have allergies or want to try something different, swap out the peanut butter for almond butter or sunflower seed butter.
- Use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for a less sweet flavor. I like the balance of flavors, but my children prefer the sweeter milk chocolate.
- Add a layer of crushed pretzels on top for extra crunch and a salty twist.
- Mix in mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut into the peanut butter layer for added texture and flavor.
Step by step: instructions
Note: This is an overview of the instructions. The detailed instructions are in the recipe card below.
- Combine the butter, 1 ½ cups peanut butter, graham cracker crumbs, and the confectioner's sugar.
- Line a 9x9-inch pan with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.
- Press the peanut butter mixture evenly in the pan.
- Place the chocolate chips and remaining peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 20 seconds, remove and stir, and reheat in 15-second increments until the chocolate is melted and is stirred until smooth.
- Spread over the peanut butter layer.
- Cool for 20 minutes, then sprinkle with sea salt if you wish.
- Cool for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars.
Your questions answered: FAQs
No worries! You can substitute crushed shortbread cookies and a pinch of salt. It’ll give a slightly different texture but still taste delicious.
If your chocolate is not smooth when melted, try adding some shortening or coconut oil to give it a smoother finish.
To get even and clean slices, use a sharp knife and heat it in hot water before each cut. This will help prevent the chocolate layer from cracking and make for a cleaner cut.
My notes
- I used a food processor to crush my own graham cracker crumbs, but if you want to save time, you can also use store-bought crumbs.
- If you are crushing your own graham crackers make sure that they are in fine crumbs so that you get a smooth peanut butter layer for this easy recipe.
- Don't skip the parchment paper step! It makes clean-up so much easier.
- Press the peanut butter mixture firmly into the pan so the bars hold their shape when cut. To make this step easier, use the back of a spoon or a flat spatula!
- These bars are very sweet, so I recommend that you cut them into smaller pieces for serving.
Storage and reheating
Refrigerate - These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To prevent sticking, separate the layers with parchment paper or wax paper.
Freeze - If you want to make these bars ahead of time, they can be stored in the freezer for up to one month. Just thaw them out in the refrigerator before serving.
Make Ahead
Making these bars ahead of time is a fantastic idea! You can prepare them up to three days in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Follow the instructions as usual, allow them to cool completely, and then cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
Perfect pairings: what to serve with
Serve these bars with a cup of Tea with Milk or your favorite coffee. They are also great with a dollop of Chantilly Cream on top.
You'll also like
Peanut butter and chocolate are classic flavor combinations that never get old. If you love these bars, be sure to try out some of my other peanut butter and chocolate recipes as well. You can never go wrong with Peanut Butter Brownies Cookies or these Buckeye Balls.
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Penelope
I was looking for an easy dessert to serve to my family and this popped in my email. So good and everyone enjoyed them. Thank you.