Oh, you’re in for a treat! These no-bake peanut butter bars are like your favorite candy bars—but even better because they’re homemade with super simple ingredients! Perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or just when that chocolate and peanut butter craving hits. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a batch of creamy, peanut buttery goodness topped with rich chocolate. Trust me, everyone will be obsessed!
Why You'll Love These Peanut Butter Bars
If you're a fan of the classic chocolate and peanut butter combination, these bars will become your new favorite dessert. Made without turning on the oven, they're incredibly simple to prepare and perfect for hot summer days. The thick, fudgy peanut butter layer is topped with smooth chocolate, creating that loved candy bar taste right in your own kitchen.
These bars have become a reader favorite because they're:
- Ready in just 30 minutes
- Made with pantry staples
- Perfect for making ahead
- Great for gifting
- No baking required!
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Ingredients
For the Peanut Butter Layer:
- 2 cups creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon butter
The quality of your peanut butter matters here - use a creamy, commercial brand like Jif or Skippy for the best results. Natural peanut butter can separate and affect the texture of your bars.
Instructions
Preparing the Pan
- Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal.
Making the Peanut Butter Layer
- Mix melted butter and peanut butter in a large bowl until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar, graham cracker crumbs, vanilla, and salt.
- Stir until well combined - the mixture will be thick.
- Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan.
Creating the Chocolate Topping
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.
- Combine chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
- Pour over the peanut butter layer and spread evenly.
- Step 1: Preparing and Mixing the Peanut Butter Layer:
Mix ingredients in a bowl and prepare a 9x13 inch pan with parchment paper.
- Step 2: Form into ball shape with your hands
Expert Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Bars
- Room temperature ingredients blend more easily
- Press the peanut butter layer firmly for clean cuts
- Use a warm knife for neat slices
- Let the bars sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before cutting
Storage
- Counter: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days
- Refrigerator: Keep fresh for up to 2 weeks
- Freezer: Store for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container
Variations
- Make them gluten-free by using gluten-free graham crackers
- Try dark chocolate for a richer flavor
- Add crushed pretzels for extra crunch
- Sprinkle sea salt on top for a sweet-salty combo
- Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture
Equipment
- 9x13 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Microwave-safe bowl
Top Tip
For perfectly smooth chocolate topping, heat in 30-second microwave bursts and stop just before fully melted - residual heat will complete the melting while stirring.
FAQ
What are the benefits of peanut butter bars?
These peanut butter bars are protein-rich, easy to make, perfect for meal prep, and cheaper than store-bought candy bars.
What ingredient should not be in peanut butter?
Avoid peanut butter containing added oils, excess sugar, or artificial preservatives - stick to brands with minimal ingredients.
How many ways can you use peanut butter?
Peanut butter is versatile - use it in sandwiches, smoothies, baking, sauces, dips, and no-bake desserts like these bars.
How long does homemade peanut butter last?
Homemade peanut butter typically lasts 3-6 months when refrigerated in an airtight container.
Easy No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars – A Chocolate Lover’s Dream!🍫🥜
Looking for the perfect make-ahead dessert? You just found it! These no-bake peanut butter bars are unbelievably easy to make, yet they taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. They’re a game-changer for busy days when you need a foolproof, crowd-pleasing treat. Make them once, and I guarantee they’ll become your new go-to for potlucks, parties, or whenever that chocolate-peanut butter craving hits!
Tried them? Drop a comment below and let me know how they turned out! Or tag us in your photos on social media—I love seeing your delicious creations!
P.S. If you're all about chocolatey treats, don’t miss our Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe for even more chocolate bar goodness! And for something extra indulgent, check out our Sopapilla Cheesecake Recipe—it’s a must-try!
Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars Recipe :
No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars Recipe
Equipment
- 9x13 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Sharp knife
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Layer
- 2 cups creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
Chocolate Topping
- ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoon creamy peanut butter
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Line 9x13" pan with parchment paper
- Mix melted butter and peanut butter until smooth
- Add powdered sugar, graham crumbs, vanilla, salt; stir well
- Press mixture into pan firmly
- Microwave chocolate topping ingredients in 30-second bursts until smooth
- Spread chocolate over peanut butter layer
- Refrigerate 2 hours until set
- Cut into bars
Notes
- Use room temp ingredients
- Cut with warm knife
- Use commercial peanut butter
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