Peanut butter bars have been a favorite for decades, cherished for their creamy peanut butter base and rich chocolate topping, reminiscent of Reese’s peanut butter cups! This no-bake version is especially popular because it combines the best parts of traditional baking with the convenience of quick preparation! If you love buckeyes during the holidays then you will definitely appreciate these simple bars that require a lot less effort. No Bake Peanut Butter Bars are the perfect combination of sweet and salty, with a little crunch from the graham cracker crumbs. The chocolate layer adds a decadent touch, making them a hit for both kids and adults. They’re ideal for parties, holidays, or whenever you need a tasty dessert without the fuss of baking! For similar recipes that feature the fusion of chocolate and peanut butter, check out my Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Brownies, Peanut Butter Muddy Buddies Cookies, Amazing Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake, Peanut Butter Cup Cookies, and Peanut Butter Chocolate Pie!
Why We Love This Recipe
The best part of this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients, and it requires no baking! The combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate creates an irresistible treat that will satisfy any sweet craving. These bars can be easily customized with different types of chocolate or added toppings like sea salt or chopped nuts to suit your taste!
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Creamy Peanut Butter – The base of the bars, providing a rich, smooth texture. I don’t recommend using natural peanut butter (the kind where the oil separates and you have to stir it together). Stick with old-fashioned creamy peanut butter like your mom bought when you were growing up. Salted Butter – Adds flavor and helps bind the mixture together. If using unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt. Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the bars and helps achieve the right consistency. It’s best to sift it to avoid lumps. Graham Cracker Crumbs – Adds a slight crunch and structure to the bars. You can crush graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or place them in a plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin. Semisweet Chocolate Chips – Melted for the top layer, providing a rich, chocolatey finish. You can substitute with milk or dark chocolate chips if preferred.
How to Make No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
Tips for Success
Make sure to press the peanut butter mixture firmly and evenly into the baking dish to ensure the bars hold together well. Use a sharp knife to score the chocolate before it fully hardens to make cutting into squares easier. If the mixture is too soft or sticky, refrigerate it for a few minutes before pressing into the pan. For a smoother chocolate topping, melt the chocolate chips slowly over low heat or use a double boiler to prevent burning.
Substitutions and Variations
I don’t really recommend it, but yes, natural peanut butter can be used instead of regular creamy peanut butter. Be sure to mix it well to incorporate any oil separation. If you love a more crunchy texture, use crunchy peanut butter. For a richer taste, substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips. Coconut Oil can be added to the melted chocolate for a shinier finish and smoother texture. Use almond flour instead of graham cracker crumbs for a gluten-free version of these bars. If you prefer a bit more texture, use chunky peanut butter in place of creamy. For a different flavor profile, substitute semisweet chocolate with white chocolate chips.
More No-Bake Dessert Recipes You’ll Love
Easy No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies No Bake Cheesecake with Sour Cream Easy No-Bake Strawberry Tiramisu No-Bake Kool-Aid Pie No-Bake Caramel Apple Eclair Cake Easy No-Bake Blueberry Delight No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake Easy Cannoli Dip
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