Easy No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars – A Simple Five-Ingredient Delight
If you love chocolate and peanut butter, these no-bake bars are the perfect treat. They combine rich chocolate with creamy peanut butter in a simple recipe that requires just five ingredients. Best of all, there’s no need to use an oven! Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just a quick dessert, these bars will be a hit.
Why These Peanut Butter Bars Are So Popular
A Classic Combination
Chocolate and peanut butter are a perfect match. Their flavors blend together beautifully, making these bars taste like homemade peanut butter cups.
Only Five Ingredients
You only need five basic ingredients to make these bars. This makes them an easy choice for anyone, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker.
Great for Any Occasion
Originally a holiday tradition, these bars are now enjoyed year-round. They’re quick to make and perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just a sweet treat whenever you want.
Why You’ll Love These Bars
- Tastes like peanut butter cups – If you love Reese’s, you’ll love these!
- No baking required – Great for summer or when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
- Quick and easy – You can make them in minutes, with minimal effort.
- Perfect for sharing – You can cut them into different sizes, depending on how many you need.
- Freezer-friendly – Store them for later and enjoy anytime.
- Simple ingredients – Everything is easy to find and already in many kitchens.
What You Need to Make No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars
- Butter – Helps hold everything together. You can use salted or unsalted butter, but if using unsalted, you may want to add a pinch of salt.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs – Creates a slightly crunchy base. You can use regular or gluten-free graham crackers.
- Peanut Butter – The key ingredient that makes these bars creamy and delicious. Processed peanut butter (like Skippy or Jif) works best; natural peanut butter may be too oily.
- Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the bars and binds the ingredients together.
- Chocolate Chips – Melted with peanut butter to create a rich chocolate topping.
How to Make No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars
Step 1: Make the Peanut Butter Layer
- Melt the butter in a microwave or on the stovetop until smooth.
- In a bowl, mix the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and peanut butter until combined.
- Press the mixture into a 9-inch square pan, spreading it evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Topping
- Melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter together in the microwave, stirring until smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the peanut butter layer.
- Spread it evenly to cover the entire surface.
Step 3: Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate the bars until the chocolate sets (about 1-2 hours).
- Once firm, cut into squares and enjoy!
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Line your pan – Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner cuts.
- Chill before cutting – If the bars are too soft, the chocolate may crack when cutting.
- Use smooth peanut butter – Chunky peanut butter will make the bars harder to press into the pan.
- Customize with toppings – Add chopped peanuts, sea salt, or drizzle extra chocolate on top for extra flavor.
- Store properly – Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes, but the texture will be less smooth. If you prefer a crunchy bite, go for it!
Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Absolutely! Dark, milk, or even white chocolate will work.
How long do these bars last?
They stay fresh in the fridge for about a week. You can also freeze them for up to three months.
What if I don’t have graham crackers?
You can substitute crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even Oreos for a different twist.
Can I make them dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free butter and chocolate chips to make them completely dairy-free.
Final Thoughts
These no-bake chocolate peanut butter bars are a must-try. They are easy, delicious, and require no special skills to make. Whether you’re making them for yourself or sharing with friends and family, they will quickly become a favorite!
No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
Description
These no-bake chocolate peanut butter bars are rich, decadent, and made with just five simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) salted butter, melted
- 1 cup (120g) graham cracker crumbs (about 8 full sheet graham crackers)
- 2 cups (240g) confectioners’ sugar
- 1 cup + 2 Tbsp (280g) creamy peanut butter, divided
- 1 cup (180g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
Line an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Set aside.
Mix melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, and confectioners’ sugar in a medium bowl. Stir in 1 cup of peanut butter, then press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of peanut butter with the chocolate chips in the microwave or on the stove. Stir until smooth, then spread over the peanut butter layer.
Chill in the refrigerator until firm, at least 2 hours. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before cutting. Serve chilled. The bars can sit out for a few hours at room temperature if needed.
Store leftover bars tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Notes
- Freezing Instructions: Store bars whole or cut into squares in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Butter: Unsalted butter can be used instead; add 1/4 teaspoon salt with the peanut butter in step 2.
- Peanut Butter: For best texture, use processed creamy peanut butter like Jif or Skippy. Avoid natural or oily peanut butter. Chunky peanut butter can be used, but the bars may be crumbly.
- Graham Crackers: If unavailable, substitute with 120g ground digestive biscuits (about 8 biscuits).
This recipe was updated in 2019 to include more confectioners’ sugar and peanut butter for thicker bars.
