🥜🍫 No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars

These rich, creamy peanut butter bars have a buttery graham cracker base and a smooth chocolate topping. They taste like homemade peanut butter cups but require no oven!

6

⏱️ Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 16 bars

🛒 Ingredients

Peanut Butter Layer

• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups (240 g) graham cracker crumbs
• 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar
• 1½ cups (375 g) creamy peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt (optional)

Chocolate Topping

• 1½ cups (255 g) semisweet chocolate chips
• ¼ cup (60 g) creamy peanut butter

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan

• Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

2. Make the Peanut Butter Layer

• In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, peanut butter, vanilla, and salt.
• Stir until smooth and well combined.
• Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan.

3. Make the Chocolate Topping

• In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and ¼ cup peanut butter.
• Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until completely melted and smooth.

4. Assemble

• Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the peanut butter layer.
• Spread evenly with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon.

5. Chill

• Refrigerate for 2 hours, or until the chocolate is firm.

6. Slice

• Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment.
• Let sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before cutting with a sharp knife for clean slices.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy with a glass of cold milk.
• Serve alongside coffee or hot chocolate.
• Crumble over vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

💡 Tips

• Use creamy, shelf-stable peanut butter (such as Jif or Skippy) for the smoothest texture. Natural peanut butter can make the bars softer and more oily.
• For a sweeter treat, use milk chocolate chips instead of semisweet.
• Sprinkle flaky sea salt or chopped roasted peanuts over the chocolate before chilling for extra flavor and crunch.
• For a thicker batch, use an 8×8-inch pan; for thinner bars, use a 9×9-inch pan.

🧊 Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or enjoy slightly frozen for a firmer texture.

These No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars are creamy, chocolatey, and incredibly easy to make—perfect for parties, holidays, bake sales, or whenever you’re craving a quick homemade dessert!