Easy No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars

Easy No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars are a deliciously simple treat that combines the classic flavors of peanut butter and chocolate with a buttery graham cracker base. These bars are perfect for when you’re short on time but want to satisfy your sweet tooth with minimal effort. They require no baking, making them an excellent option for busy days or when you want a quick dessert for a party or get-together.

Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Bars

1. No Bake Needed: Perfect for warm days when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
2. Rich and Creamy: The combination of peanut butter, butter, and confectioners’ sugar creates a smooth, decadent filling.
3. Chocolate Peanut Butter Heaven: The peanut butter and chocolate topping makes these bars a dream for chocolate and peanut butter lovers.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, melted
  Adds richness and helps bind the base together.
• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  Gives the base a crunchy, slightly sweet texture. You can use pre-ground crumbs or grind your own in a food processor.
• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar)
  Sweetens the base and adds a smooth texture.
• 1 cup + 4 tablespoons peanut butter
  The star of the show, adding creaminess and that classic peanut butter flavor.
• 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
  Melted with peanut butter for the smooth and irresistible topping.

Directions:

Step 1: Make the Peanut Butter Base

1. In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, confectioners’ sugar, and 1 cup peanut butter until well combined. You want the mixture to be evenly blended and smooth.
2. Once fully mixed, press the peanut butter mixture evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 9×13 inch pan. If you prefer thicker bars, you can use a 9×9 inch pan as suggested.

Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Peanut Butter Topping

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk chocolate chips and the remaining 4 tablespoons of peanut butter.
2. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate chips are fully melted and the mixture is smooth. This should take about 1-2 minutes depending on your microwave.

Step 3: Assemble the Bars

1. Once the chocolate peanut butter mixture is melted and smooth, spread it evenly over the peanut butter base layer. Use a spatula or spoon to get a smooth, even layer.
2. Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour to allow the layers to firm up and set.

Step 4: Cut and Serve

1. Once the bars have chilled, remove them from the fridge and cut them into squares. You can make them as large or small as you like.
2. Serve immediately or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to enjoy.

Tips for Success

• Smooth Peanut Butter: For the creamiest results, use smooth peanut butter rather than chunky. If you’re a fan of texture, feel free to experiment with chunky peanut butter, but the final bars will have a different consistency.
• Easily Cut Bars: If the bars are too firm to cut right out of the fridge, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before slicing.
• Substitute the Chocolate Chips: If you prefer, you can use semi-sweet chocolate chips or dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for a less sweet topping.

Variations

• Add a Layer of Crunch: Mix in chopped peanuts or pretzel pieces to the peanut butter base for an added crunch.
• Use White Chocolate: For a twist, swap out the milk chocolate chips for white chocolate chips.
• Drizzle with Chocolate: Instead of a full chocolate layer, try drizzling the chocolate over the top for a lighter version.

Storage

• Fridge: Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
• Freezer: You can also freeze these bars for longer storage. Just cut them into squares, place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Final Thoughts

These Easy No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars are the ultimate treat for peanut butter and chocolate lovers. With their buttery, sweet graham cracker base and creamy, rich chocolate peanut butter topping, they’re an irresistible dessert that takes minimal effort to prepare. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a potluck or just treating yourself at home, these bars are guaranteed to hit the spot!

Recipe Card

Easy No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars

**Easy No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars** are a deliciously simple treat that combines the classic flavors of peanut butter and chocolate with a buttery graham cracker base. These bars are perfect for when you’re short on time but want to satisfy your sweet tooth with minimal effort. They require no baking, making them an excellent option for busy days or when you want a quick dessert for a party or get-together.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

• – **1 cup butter melted**
• Adds richness and helps bind the base together.
• – **2 cups graham cracker crumbs**
• Gives the base a crunchy slightly sweet texture. You can use pre-ground crumbs or grind your own in a food processor.
• – **2 cups confectioners’ sugar powdered sugar**
• Sweetens the base and adds a smooth texture.
• – **1 cup + 4 tablespoons peanut butter**
• The star of the show adding creaminess and that classic peanut butter flavor.
• – **1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips**
• Melted with peanut butter for the smooth and irresistible topping.

Instructions

 

Step 1: Make the Peanut Butter Base

• In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the **melted butter**, **graham cracker crumbs**, **confectioners’ sugar**, and **1 cup peanut butter** until well combined. You want the mixture to be evenly blended and smooth.
• Once fully mixed, press the peanut butter mixture evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 9×13 inch pan. If you prefer thicker bars, you can use a 9×9 inch pan as suggested.

Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Peanut Butter Topping

• In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the **milk chocolate chips** and the remaining **4 tablespoons of peanut butter**.
• Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate chips are fully melted and the mixture is smooth. This should take about 1-2 minutes depending on your microwave.

Step 3: Assemble the Bars

• Once the chocolate peanut butter mixture is melted and smooth, spread it evenly over the peanut butter base layer. Use a spatula or spoon to get a smooth, even layer.
• Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least **1 hour** to allow the layers to firm up and set.

Step 4: Cut and Serve

• Once the bars have chilled, remove them from the fridge and cut them into squares. You can make them as large or small as you like.
• Serve immediately or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to enjoy.

Keyword Easy No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars