Description
These No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars are a quick dessert made with a buttery graham cracker peanut butter base and a smooth chocolate topping that sets beautifully in the fridge. This easy recipe is perfect for no-bake dessert ideas, party treats, lunchbox sweets, holiday food ideas, and simple homemade snacks when you want rich chocolate peanut butter flavor without using the oven.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon fine salt
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter for the chocolate topping
Instructions
1. Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving extra paper over the sides for easy lifting.
2. In a large mixing bowl, stir together graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, melted butter, peanut butter, vanilla extract, and salt until evenly combined.
3. Press the peanut butter mixture firmly into the prepared pan, smoothing it into an even layer.
4. Add chocolate chips and the remaining peanut butter to a microwave-safe bowl.
5. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
6. Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the peanut butter base and spread it evenly to the edges.
7. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the bars are firm and the chocolate topping is set.
8. Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper, let them sit for a few minutes, then slice into squares.
Notes
Do not skip firmly pressing the peanut butter base into the pan. A loosely packed base can crumble when sliced, while a compact layer gives the bars clean edges and the best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 115mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars, peanut butter bars, chocolate peanut butter dessert, easy no-bake dessert, no-bake bars, quick dessert, party treats, holiday dessert, food ideas