Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars (No Bake Recipe) Recipe

Meet your next obsession: Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars (No Bake Recipe). These decadent bars combine a buttery, crumbly base with a luscious peanut butter filling, all topped off with a rich chocolate layer. The best part is that there’s no oven required! You’ll fall in love with each bite’s perfect balance of sweet and salty. Whether you need a crowd-pleasing treat for a party or just want a quick homemade dessert, Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars (No Bake Recipe) deliver all the comfort of a peanut butter cup—only better and easier.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars (No Bake Recipe) is their simplicity. Every ingredient plays a key role, blending together for that classic flavor you crave. Gather these pantry staples and get ready to create dessert magic!

• Butter (¾ cup, melted): The base for richness and helps bind the crust, creating that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Graham crackers (2 cups, crushed): These provide a nutty, subtly sweet crunch in every bite.
• Powdered sugar (2 cups): This brings the sweetness and ensures a super-smooth consistency—no gritty grains here!
• Creamy peanut butter (1 ¼ cup for the base, plus 3 tablespoons for the topping): Super creamy peanut butter adds salty-sweet flavor and lots of body to the bars.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips (2 ½ cups): The finishing touch! They melt perfectly for a glossy chocolate layer that sets up beautifully.

How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars (No Bake Recipe)

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

First, line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This little step is a game-changer—it keeps your bars from sticking and makes lifting them out a breeze later on. You’ll be thankful when it’s time to slice and serve!

Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Base

In a large bowl, combine your melted butter, finely crushed graham crackers, and powdered sugar using a stand mixer or a handheld mixer. Once these are well-combined, mix in the 1 ¼ cup of creamy peanut butter just until everything is smooth and evenly incorporated. The result should be a thick, cookie-like dough.

Step 3: Press Into the Pan

Evenly press the peanut butter mixture into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Take your time here to smooth it out nicely—you want an even layer so every bite is as delicious as the last.

Step 4: Make the Chocolate Topping

Grab a heatproof bowl and add your semi-sweet chocolate chips plus the remaining 3 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter. Heat in 30-second bursts in the microwave, stirring after each interval, until it’s melted and silky smooth. The extra peanut butter makes the chocolate topping softer and creamier.

Step 5: Top and Chill

Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the peanut butter layer and spread it evenly with a spatula, making sure every corner is covered. Pop the dish in the fridge and let it chill for at least 1 hour. This sets the bars perfectly so they’re easy to slice.

Step 6: Slice and Enjoy

Let the bars sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before cutting into 16 squares. This little rest makes slicing much easier and gives you those gorgeous, clean layers. Dive in—Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars (No Bake Recipe) were made to be devoured!

How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars (No Bake Recipe)

Garnishes

Dress up your bars with a light dusting of flaky sea salt, a few chopped roasted peanuts, or a drizzle of extra melted chocolate for extra wow factor. These little touches not only look gorgeous but also give a lovely boost of flavor and crunch.

Side Dishes

Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars (No Bake Recipe) pair beautifully with a chilly glass of milk, a creamy latte, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a party, serve alongside a tray of fresh berries or crisp apple slices to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling extra? Stack bars tall on a cake stand for dessert drama, tuck them into cute mini cupcake liners for gifting, or cut them into bite-size pieces and thread onto coffee stirrers for party-ready “bar pops.” The possibilities are as fun as they are delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars (No Bake Recipe) keep beautifully. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and they’ll stay fresh for up to a week. Keep parchment between layers to avoid sticking.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze these bars! Layer them in a freezer-safe container with parchment in between and freeze for up to 3 months. When that peanut butter craving hits, just thaw a square or two in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

These bars are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, but if you like them extra gooey, pop a piece in the microwave for just 5–10 seconds. You’ll get a slightly melty chocolate top and a softer, ultra-creamy center.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! If you love a bit of texture in your Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars (No Bake Recipe), feel free to use crunchy peanut butter. It gives a pleasant bite and extra peanut flavor.

Do I have to use graham crackers?

No graham crackers? No problem. Try crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even pretzels for a salty-sweet twist in your base.

Can I make these bars gluten free?

Yes! Simply swap out the graham crackers for your favorite gluten-free variety. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten free, so everyone can enjoy Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars (No Bake Recipe).

How do I keep the chocolate from cracking when I cut the bars?

Let the bars sit at room temperature for about 10 to 15 minutes before slicing, and use a sharp, warm knife. This helps the chocolate layer soften just enough for clean cuts.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

You bet! Just double all the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan instead. The bars will be a hit at any party or potluck.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an insanely satisfying, endlessly shareable dessert, Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars (No Bake Recipe) hit every mark. They’re easy, crave-worthy, and impossible to resist. Give them a try and see how quickly they disappear—you’ll want to keep this recipe on repeat!

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