No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars are an easy and irresistible treat that requires minimal effort. With a rich, peanut buttery base and a smooth chocolate topping, these bars taste just like peanut butter cups but in a convenient bar form. Perfect for parties, lunchbox treats, or a quick dessert fix!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Oven Required – A great dessert for hot days when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
- Quick and Easy – Only a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Rich and Decadent – The perfect balance of peanut butter and chocolate flavors.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Stores well in the fridge or freezer for later.
- Kid-Friendly – A hit with kids and adults alike!
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Powdered sugar
- Peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
- Unsalted butter
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Vanilla extract
Directions
- Prepare the Pan – Line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Make the Peanut Butter Layer – Mix together melted butter, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and graham cracker crumbs until smooth. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
- Melt the Chocolate Topping – In a microwave or using a double boiler, melt the chocolate chips with a bit of peanut butter until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Assemble the Bars – Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and spread evenly.
- Chill – Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
- Slice and Serve – Use a sharp knife to cut into squares or bars before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 16 bars
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
- Crunchy Texture – Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
- Darker Chocolate – Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Salted Peanut Butter Bars – Sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt over the chocolate layer before chilling.
- Nut-Free Option – Use sunflower seed butter or cookie butter for a peanut-free version.
- Extra Sweetness – Add a drizzle of caramel or white chocolate on top.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration – Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Freezing – Freeze bars in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Let them thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Serving Tip – Allow bars to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before cutting for smoother edges.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but since natural peanut butter is runnier, you may need to adjust the amount of graham cracker crumbs for stability.
How do I keep the chocolate from cracking when cutting?
Let the bars sit at room temperature for a few minutes before slicing with a sharp knife.
Can I make these in a larger pan?
Yes, but they will be thinner if using a 9×13-inch pan.
What type of chocolate is best for the topping?
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate works best for a balanced sweetness.
Can I add mix-ins to the peanut butter layer?
Yes! Chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or crushed pretzels add a great crunch.
Do these need to stay refrigerated?
Yes, they hold their shape best when kept chilled.
Can I use a sugar substitute?
Powdered sugar substitutes like monk fruit sweetener or erythritol can be used, but the texture may vary.
How do I make these dairy-free?
Use dairy-free chocolate chips and swap the butter for coconut oil or vegan butter.
Are these similar to peanut butter cups?
Yes! They have the same flavors but in an easy, no-bake bar form.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just use a larger pan and adjust the chilling time as needed.
Conclusion
No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars are the ultimate combination of chocolate and peanut butter with no baking required. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just want a quick and easy dessert, these bars are sure to be a hit. Give them a try and enjoy this rich, creamy, and delicious treat!
Print
No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Description
These No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars are the ultimate treat for peanut butter and chocolate lovers! With a buttery peanut butter base and a rich chocolate topping, these bars are quick, easy, and require no oven—perfect for a fuss-free dessert or snack.
Ingredients
For the Peanut Butter Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Peanut Butter Base:
- In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, peanut butter, and powdered sugar.
- Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Press the mixture evenly into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make the Chocolate Topping:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the peanut butter base and spread evenly.
- Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.
- Cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- For a crunchier texture, mix in chopped peanuts with the peanut butter base.
- Use dark chocolate for a richer, less sweet version.
Find it online: https://wowrecipesfood.com/chocolate-caramel-bars-recipe/
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