Description
These No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars are a quick and delicious treat combining a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy peanut butter, and a rich chocolate topping. Perfect for when you want a dessert without turning on the oven, these bars chill to a firm, satisfying texture and deliver a classic flavor combination that’s sure to please any sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Scale
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 (250g) creamy peanut butter
Topping
- 2 Tablespoons (30g) creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup (180g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Line an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars after chilling. Set aside.
- Make Base Layer: In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, and confectioners’ sugar. Stir in 1 cup (250g) of creamy peanut butter until the mixture is well blended. Press this mixture evenly into the prepared pan to form the base layer.
- Prepare Chocolate Topping: Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of peanut butter with the semi-sweet chocolate chips either in the microwave or on the stove, stirring frequently until smooth and fully combined.
- Assemble Bars: Spread the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture evenly over the peanut butter base in the pan, creating the top layer of the bars.
- Chill Bars: Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill until completely firm, at least 2 hours. Before cutting, allow the bars to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes for easier slicing. Serve chilled. It’s fine to leave the bars out for a few hours at room temperature when serving.
- Store Leftovers: Cover any leftover bars tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use salted butter to enhance the flavor, but unsalted butter can be substituted if preferred; just add a pinch of salt.
- If you prefer a different nut butter, such as almond or sunflower seed butter, you can substitute it for peanut butter.
- Ensure the peanut butter and butter are melted but not hot to prevent the confectioners’ sugar from clumping.
- Chilling time is crucial to help the bars set firmly for clean slicing.
- These bars do not require baking, so they are perfect for hot days or for quick dessert preparation.
