No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars Recipe
Delight in these rich, No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars that combine a buttery graham cracker crust with a smooth peanut butter layer topped with luscious semi-sweet chocolate. Ready in just over two hours with minimal effort, they are perfect for an easy dessert or snack that requires no oven time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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 (250g) creamy peanut butter, divided
Topping
- 1 cup (180g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons (30g) creamy peanut butter, reserved
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper to ensure easy removal of bars after chilling. Set aside.
- Make the Base Layer: In a medium bowl, combine the melted salted butter, graham cracker crumbs, and confectioners’ sugar. Stir in 1 cup (250g) of creamy peanut butter until fully incorporated. Press the mixture evenly and firmly into the prepared baking pan to form the base layer.
- Melt Chocolate Topping: In a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips along with the remaining 2 tablespoons (30g) of creamy peanut butter. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Assemble the Bars: Pour and spread the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture evenly over the pressed base layer in the pan.
- Chill and Set: Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours or until the bars are completely firm. Before serving, allow bars to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes for easier cutting. You can also leave them a few hours at room temperature for serving if desired.
- Storage: Cover leftover bars tightly and refrigerate. They will keep well for up to 1 week.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is fully melted before mixing for an even texture.
- Press the base layer firmly to prevent the bars from crumbling when cut.
- Use parchment paper for easier removal of the bars from the pan.
- Bars should be served chilled but can be left at room temperature briefly for a softer texture.
- You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk or dark chocolate chips according to preference.
- For variation, add a pinch of sea salt on top of the chocolate layer before chilling for a salted twist.
