If you’re ever craving the irresistible combo of chocolate and peanut butter, these No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars are about to become your new obsession. With just a handful of pantry staples and zero oven time, they transform into the kind of rich, fudgy treat that disappears from the dessert table in record time. Whether you’re looking for a speedy potluck contribution or a sweet fix to stash in the fridge, these bars have your back—and promise pure, peanut buttery bliss with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts of No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars is that the ingredient list is short but mighty. Every component plays a key role in delivering the signature flavor and dreamy texture, from crunch to creaminess and that bakery-perfect layer of chocolate.
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, melted): Adds rich flavor and helps bind the crust together for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs (2 cups): Lends a soft, cookie-like base with just the right amount of crunch and subtle sweetness.
- Powdered Sugar (2 cups): Sweetens each bite and keeps the layers perfectly smooth.
- Creamy Peanut Butter (1 cup + 1/4 cup divided): Delivers that classic peanutty flavor and creamy consistency; use the extra 1/4 cup for the luscious chocolate topping.
- Semisweet Chocolate Chips (1 1/2 cups): Balances the sweetness and melts into a decadent chocolate layer.
How to Make No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars
Step 1: Create the Peanut Butter Crust
Grab a large mixing bowl and stir together your melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and 1 cup creamy peanut butter. Mix until everything’s fully combined and the mixture looks cohesive and glossy. This is your base—think of it as a cross between peanut butter fudge and a classic cookie crust.
Step 2: Press into Pan
Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment or give it a light coating of nonstick spray. Scoop the peanut butter mixture into the pan and firmly press it down with the back of a spatula or clean hands. Make sure the surface is as even as possible for that perfect bite in every bar.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate Topping
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine your chocolate chips and the remaining 1/4 cup peanut butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is silky smooth. The peanut butter blends right in, making the chocolate topping extra luscious and easy to slice.
Step 4: Spread and Chill
Pour the warm chocolate mixture over the peanut butter base and gently spread it all the way to the edges. Try to get a smooth, even layer—this is what everyone will see first! Pop the pan in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to let the layers firm up and the flavors mingle.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Once chilled and set, lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper (if you lined it). Slice them into squares or rectangles—whatever you’re feeling. Serve chilled for clean, sharp edges, or let them come to room temp for a slightly softer, fudgier bite.
How to Serve No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars
Garnishes
Dress up your No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars by sprinkling flaky sea salt on top of the chocolate, drizzling with extra melted peanut butter, or even adding a dusting of cocoa powder for a bakery-style finish. If you want to get fancy, a handful of chopped roasted peanuts gives a satisfying crunch and pretty presentation.
Side Dishes
These bars are rich and filling, so pair them with something light! Fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla frozen yogurt, or even a cup of hot coffee balances out their sweetness and lets the peanut butter flavor really pop.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your bars into mini squares for a party platter, layer them in mason jars with whipped cream for a fun dessert parfait, or stack them up and wrap them with parchment and string for a delightful homemade gift. They also look adorable on a tiered cake stand for special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. The bars stay perfectly firm and the layers remain distinct, making them an easy grab-and-go treat whenever you need a quick sweet bite.
Freezing
If you want to make a batch ahead or save some for later, simply freeze the bars in a single layer (or with parchment separating stacked layers) for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before serving—no gourmet skills required!
Reheating
These bars are meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no real need for reheating. If they’ve been in the freezer, let them soften on the counter for 15-20 minutes for that ideal creamy-chewy texture.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds texture and a little extra bite. It’s a fun twist that peanut lovers enjoy—just substitute it 1:1 for the creamy version.
Is there a gluten-free option for the graham cracker crumbs?
Yes! Swap in your favorite gluten-free graham crackers or even crushed gluten-free cookies. The taste and structure are still fantastic, so everyone can enjoy No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars.
Can I swap out semisweet chocolate chips for dark or milk chocolate?
You sure can. Dark chocolate adds extra sophistication, while milk chocolate brings more sweetness. It’s all up to your chocolate preference—no wrong answers here!
What’s the best way to cut the bars neatly?
Let the bars chill thoroughly, then use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts. This helps ensure crisp, clean edges (and major wow factor for your No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars).
Do these bars need to stay refrigerated?
Yes, keeping them chilled helps the bars maintain their structure—especially in warm weather. If you want a softer, fudge-like texture, simply let them sit at room temp for about 10 minutes before serving.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend these No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars enough if you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, hassle-free treat that brings smiles with every square. Give them a try and see how quickly they disappear—don’t be surprised if they become a go-to favorite in your own kitchen!
Print
No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of these no-bake peanut butter bars. With layers of buttery graham cracker crust, luscious peanut butter filling, and a decadent chocolate topping, these bars are a perfect blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
Chocolate Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust: In a large bowl, mix melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and 1 cup peanut butter until smooth and fully combined.
- Press Into Pan: Press the mixture evenly into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch pan.
- Make Chocolate Topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and remaining 1/4 cup peanut butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until melted and smooth.
- Add Topping: Pour the chocolate mixture over the peanut butter layer and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.
- Serve: Once set, slice into bars and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture if desired.
- Bars can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 week or frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
