No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars Recipe
These no-bake chocolate peanut butter bars are a rich and decadent dessert made from just five simple ingredients. They feature a buttery, crumbly base combined with smooth peanut butter and a luscious chocolate topping, creating a perfect treat that requires no oven time and comes together quickly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours, 10 minutes
- Yield: 20-24 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Base Layer
- 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 (280g) creamy peanut butter
Chocolate Topping
- 2 Tablespoons (about 56g) creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup (180g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper to prevent sticking and make it easy to lift the bars out later. Set the pan aside.
- Make the Base Layer: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the melted salted butter, graham cracker crumbs, and confectioners’ sugar. Stir in 1 cup of creamy peanut butter until the mixture is well blended and holds together.
- Press Into Pan: Transfer the peanut butter mixture to the prepared pan and press it evenly into the bottom, forming a compact base layer.
- Melt Chocolate and Peanut Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler on the stove, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips with the remaining 2 tablespoons of peanut butter. Stir continuously until smooth and fully combined.
- Top the Bars: Pour and spread the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture evenly over the pressed base layer in the pan.
- Chill to Set: Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill until the bars are completely firm, at least 2 hours.
- Serve: Before cutting, allow the bars to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften slightly for easier slicing. Cut into 20 to 24 squares and serve chilled. The bars can be left at room temperature for a few hours while serving.
- Storage: Store any leftover bars covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Be sure to fully melt the butter and peanut butter for easier mixing.
- If you don’t have graham crackers, you can substitute with digestive biscuits or similar slightly sweet cookies.
- You can adjust the amount of confectioners’ sugar depending on your preferred sweetness and consistency.
- To make cutting easier, chill the bars well and use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts.
- Allowing the bars to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving improves texture and flavor release.
- Use parchment paper for easier removal and less chance of the foil tearing.
