The creamy, rich taste of peanut butter paired with the sweetness of chocolate—these Easy No Bake Peanut Butter Bars have everything you could want in a treat. I still remember the first time I whipped these up on a hot summer day when turning on the oven felt like a crime. They were an instant hit with my family! Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert for a party or a sweet snack to keep on hand, this recipe is going to be your go-to. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.
With just a handful of ingredients and no baking required, these bars are as simple as they are delicious. They’re perfect for busy days, last-minute cravings, and even making with kids. Plus, they’re customizable—you can tweak the sweetness, chocolate thickness, or even make them gluten-free. So grab your mixing bowl, and let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: These peanut butter bars come together in about 15 minutes, and there’s no need to preheat the oven.
- Minimal Ingredients: You only need pantry staples like peanut butter, powdered sugar, butter, and chocolate chips.
- No Bake: Perfect for hot days or when you just don’t feel like turning on the oven.
- Customizable: Swap ingredients to fit dietary needs—whether you’re gluten-free, dairy-free, or looking to cut back on sugar.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves these bars, from kids to adults. They’re a hit at parties, potlucks, and casual gatherings.
- Perfect Texture: Creamy, smooth peanut butter base topped with a layer of rich, glossy chocolate—what’s not to love?
Honestly, these bars are the kind of dessert that makes you feel like a genius. They’re so easy, yet they taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. Plus, they store beautifully, so you can always have a treat on hand!
What Ingredients You Will Need
This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to deliver bold flavor and a satisfying texture without the fuss. Chances are, you already have most of these in your kitchen!
- Peanut Butter: Smooth, creamy peanut butter works best for this recipe. Use natural peanut butter if you prefer less sweetness.
- Unsalted Butter: Softened butter helps create the perfect texture for the base. (You can use vegan butter as a substitute.)
- Powdered Sugar: This sweetens the bars and gives them structure. If you’re looking to reduce sugar, try a powdered sugar alternative.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: These add a little crunch and help bind the mixture. Use gluten-free graham crackers if needed.
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are perfect for the topping, but you can use dark chocolate or milk chocolate depending on your preference.
- Coconut Oil: (Optional) Adding a teaspoon to the melted chocolate makes it smoother and easier to spread.
Everything about these ingredients screams comfort food, and they’re so versatile. You can tweak them to fit your taste or dietary needs without sacrificing flavor!
Equipment Needed
You don’t need much to make these no bake peanut butter bars, which is another reason I love this recipe.
- Mixing Bowl: A large bowl to combine all the ingredients for the peanut butter base.
- Spatula: Perfect for mixing and spreading the chocolate topping evenly.
- 9×13-inch Baking Pan: This size works well, but you can use smaller pans for thicker bars.
- Parchment Paper: Makes it easier to lift the bars out of the pan once they’re set.
- Microwave or Double Boiler: For melting the chocolate chips smoothly.
If you don’t have parchment paper, wax paper is a good alternative. And if you don’t own a baking pan, you can use a casserole dish or even a plastic container in a pinch.
Detailed Preparation Method
- Prepare the Pan: Line your baking pan with parchment paper, letting a little extra hang over the edges for easy removal later.
- Make the Peanut Butter Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup (240g) of smooth peanut butter, 1/2 cup (113g) of softened unsalted butter, and 2 cups (240g) of powdered sugar. Stir until fully combined and smooth.
- Add Graham Cracker Crumbs: Mix in 1 cup (120g) of graham cracker crumbs. The mixture should be thick and hold together when pressed.
- Press Into the Pan: Transfer the peanut butter mixture to the prepared pan and press it evenly into the bottom. Use the back of a spoon or your hands for a smooth surface.
- Melt the Chocolate Chips: In a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler, melt 1 1/2 cups (270g) of semi-sweet chocolate chips. If using a microwave, heat in 20-second intervals, stirring in between. Add 1 teaspoon of coconut oil for a shinier finish.
- Add the Chocolate Topping: Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter base and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Chill: Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate is firm and the bars are set.
- Slice & Serve: Once set, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and slice into squares or rectangles with a sharp knife.
If your chocolate isn’t spreading smoothly, don’t panic—just add a bit more coconut oil and heat briefly. And if your bars seem too crumbly, chill them longer before slicing.
Cooking Tips & Techniques
- Choose the Right Peanut Butter: Stick with smooth peanut butter for the creamiest texture, but avoid overly oily varieties as they can make the bars too soft.
- Don’t Skip the Parchment Paper: It makes removing the bars a breeze and saves you from scrubbing the pan later.
- Use a Warm Knife: Dip your knife in warm water and wipe it dry before slicing to get clean, even cuts.
- Let the Bars Chill Fully: Resist the urge to cut them too soon. They need time to firm up in the fridge for the best texture.
- Chocolate Consistency: Adding coconut oil helps the chocolate stay smooth and shiny, but don’t overdo it—too much oil can make it greasy.
These tips will make you look like a pro baker, even though these bars are as easy as can be!
Variations & Adaptations
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for those avoiding gluten.
- Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap out butter for vegan butter and check your chocolate chips for dairy-free certification.
- Lower Sugar Version: Replace powdered sugar with a sugar-free alternative like powdered erythritol.
- Nut-Free Twist: Substitute sunflower seed butter for peanut butter if you have nut allergies.
- Seasonal Add-Ins: Add crushed candy canes during the holidays or mini marshmallows for a fun twist.
Personally, I’ve tried these with almond butter, and they’re equally delicious. You can really make this recipe your own!
Serving & Storage Suggestions
These bars are best served chilled or at room temperature. Pair them with a glass of cold milk, coffee, or even a hot cup of tea for an indulgent treat. For parties, arrange them on a platter lined with parchment paper for easy grab-and-go servings.
To store, place the bars in an airtight container and keep them refrigerated for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to three months—just let them thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. If you need to reheat them slightly, let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
Nutritional Information & Benefits
Each bar provides approximately:
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
Peanut butter is packed with protein and healthy fats, making these bars more satisfying than your average dessert. If you choose dark chocolate, you’ll also get a dose of antioxidants. Just be mindful of portion sizes if you’re watching sugar intake!
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a no-fuss dessert that’s full of flavor, these Easy No Bake Peanut Butter Bars are the answer. They’re simple, versatile, and always a hit. Whether you’re making them for yourself or sharing them with friends, they’re guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Don’t forget to experiment with variations to make them your own—I’d love to hear what creative twists you try! Drop a comment below or share your version on social media. Let’s spread the peanut butter bar love!
Now, go grab your ingredients and get ready to make dessert magic!
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds texture, which some people love. Just ensure it’s not too oily.
How long do these bars need to chill?
At least 2 hours in the fridge. If you’re in a hurry, pop them in the freezer for about 45 minutes.
Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes, use vegan butter and check your chocolate chips for a dairy-free option.
Do I have to use graham cracker crumbs?
No, you can substitute with crushed cookies, oat flour, or even almond flour for a different texture.
How do I prevent the chocolate layer from cracking?
Let the bars sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before slicing to avoid cracks in the chocolate topping.
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Easy No Bake Peanut Butter Bars Recipe You’ll Love
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These creamy, rich peanut butter bars topped with chocolate are a quick, no-bake dessert perfect for any occasion. They’re customizable, easy to make, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240g) smooth peanut butter
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
- 1 cup (120g) graham cracker crumbs
- 1 1/2 cups (270g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil (optional)
Instructions
- Line your baking pan with parchment paper, letting a little extra hang over the edges for easy removal later.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup (240g) of smooth peanut butter, 1/2 cup (113g) of softened unsalted butter, and 2 cups (240g) of powdered sugar. Stir until fully combined and smooth.
- Mix in 1 cup (120g) of graham cracker crumbs. The mixture should be thick and hold together when pressed.
- Transfer the peanut butter mixture to the prepared pan and press it evenly into the bottom. Use the back of a spoon or your hands for a smooth surface.
- In a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler, melt 1 1/2 cups (270g) of semi-sweet chocolate chips. If using a microwave, heat in 20-second intervals, stirring in between. Add 1 teaspoon of coconut oil for a shinier finish.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter base and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate is firm and the bars are set.
- Once set, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and slice into squares or rectangles with a sharp knife.
Notes
[‘Stick with smooth peanut butter for the creamiest texture, but avoid overly oily varieties as they can make the bars too soft.’, ‘Using parchment paper makes removing the bars easier and saves cleanup time.’, ‘Dip your knife in warm water and wipe it dry before slicing for clean, even cuts.’, ‘Let the bars chill fully in the fridge for the best texture.’, ‘Adding coconut oil to the chocolate helps it stay smooth and shiny.’]
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 24
- Protein: 4
Keywords: Peanut Butter Bars, No Bake Dessert, Easy Dessert Recipe, Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars, Gluten-Free Dessert
