No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars are the ultimate quick-fix dessert, packed with creamy peanut butter and rich chocolatey goodness. With no oven required and just five pantry staples, this recipe delivers indulgent, peanut butter cup-like bars that come together in just 25 minutes of prep. These bars are perfect whether you’re bringing a dish to a potluck or just craving a sweet, no-fuss treat to have on hand in the fridge. This cherished family recipe has been handed down through generations, and once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a perennial favorite!
Why You’ll Love This No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars Recipe
These bars are a dream for peanut butter lovers and chocolate fans alike. They’re rich, creamy, and perfectly sweet without being overwhelming. What makes this recipe so lovable is how easy it is to make—no baking, no fancy equipment, and minimal cleanup. Plus, the ingredients are simple and typically already in your pantry. Ideal for summer when you don’t want to turn on the oven, and perfect for holiday platters, these bars are versatile, reliable, and always devoured quickly.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 3 cups powdered sugar, measured correctly by spooning and leveling
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 (12-ounce) bag semisweet chocolate chips
Step-by-Step: How to Make No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars
- Mix the base: In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, blend together the softened butter and peanut butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add dry ingredients: Gradually mix in the powdered sugar and graham cracker crumbs. Beat until everything is well combined and forms a thick, uniform dough.
- Prepare the pan: Line a 13×9-inch baking pan or quarter sheet pan with wax paper, allowing extra to hang over the sides for easy lifting later.
- Press and smooth: Spread the peanut butter mixture into the prepared pan using an offset spatula sprayed lightly with cooking spray. Press into an even layer.
- Melt chocolate: In a microwave or double boiler, melt the chocolate chips until smooth, stirring frequently.
- Top the bars: Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and spread evenly with a clean spatula.
- Initial chill and cut: Refrigerate for about 10 minutes, just until the chocolate is slightly set. Remove and cut into 1-inch squares.
- Final chill: Return the bars to the fridge and chill for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best texture.
Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature butter to ensure it blends smoothly with the peanut butter.
- For clean slices, use a warm knife when cutting the chilled bars.
- Add a pinch of salt to the peanut butter base if using unsalted butter and natural peanut butter.
- Coat your spatula with cooking spray to easily spread the sticky mixture.
Substitutions And Variations
- Nut butters: You can replace the peanut butter with almond or cashew butter to introduce a unique and delicious twist.
- Crumbs: Graham cracker crumbs can be replaced with crushed digestive biscuits or pretzels for added crunch.
- Chocolate: Use milk or dark chocolate chips based on how sweet or rich you’d like the final bars to be.
- Toppings: Sprinkle sea salt, chopped peanuts, or mini chocolate chips on top before chilling for extra texture.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store bars in an airtight container for up to one week. Separate layers with parchment paper.
- Freezer: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Serving from freezer: Bars can be enjoyed directly from the freezer or thawed overnight in the fridge for a softer texture.
Nutritional Information
Each 1-inch square contains approximately:
- Calories: 35 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fat: 1 g
- Sodium: 21 mg
- Sugar: 3 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
Keep in mind that these nutritional values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and measurements of ingredients used.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these bars chilled for a refreshing, firm texture.
- Pair with coffee or milk for an afternoon pick-me-up.
- Add to a dessert platter for parties or holiday gatherings.
- Crumble over ice cream for a delicious topping.
Frequently Asked Questions About No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars
Can I use natural peanut butter? Yes, but make sure it’s well-stirred and not too oily, as it can affect the texture.
Can I make these gluten-free? Absolutely! Just use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs.
How long do they last in the fridge? Up to one week when stored in an airtight container.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, just use a larger pan or two standard pans to accommodate the increased volume.
Why cut the bars before the chocolate fully hardens? This helps prevent the chocolate from cracking and ensures neat, clean edges.
Conclusion
Thank you for trying out my family’s beloved No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars Recipe! These creamy, chocolatey bites are a joy to make and even more delightful to eat. Their simplicity, rich flavor, and no-bake ease make them a go-to treat all year round. Whether you’re whipping up a quick snack or planning your next potluck contribution, these bars are sure to impress. I’m so glad you’re here sharing this food journey with me—happy no-baking, and here’s to many sweet moments in your kitchen!
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No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 120 1-inch bars 1x
Description
No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars combine chocolate and creamy peanut butter in a quick, no-bake treat. Only 5 ingredients—ready to try?
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temp
1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
3 cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 (12 oz.) bag semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Mix the base: In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, blend together the softened butter and peanut butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add dry ingredients: Gradually mix in the powdered sugar and graham cracker crumbs. Beat until everything is well combined and forms a thick, uniform dough.
- Prepare the pan: Line a 13×9-inch baking pan or quarter sheet pan with wax paper, allowing extra to hang over the sides for easy lifting later.
- Press and smooth: Spread the peanut butter mixture into the prepared pan using an offset spatula sprayed lightly with cooking spray. Press into an even layer.
- Melt chocolate: In a microwave or double boiler, melt the chocolate chips until smooth, stirring frequently.
- Top the bars: Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and spread evenly with a clean spatula.
- Initial chill and cut: Refrigerate for about 10 minutes, just until the chocolate is slightly set. Remove and cut into 1-inch squares.
- Final chill: Return the bars to the fridge and chill for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best texture.
Notes
Use room temp butter for smoother mixing.
Use cooking spray on spatula to spread base easily.
For clean cuts, slice bars before chocolate fully hardens.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes + Time (Chill): 2 hours
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 35
- Sugar: 3
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Protein: 0.5g