If you’re searching for a quick, dreamy dessert that brings together your love of chocolate and peanut butter, look no further than Peanut Butter Bars. These classic no-bake squares boast irresistibly creamy layers, a crisp chocolate topping, and plenty of nutty goodness in every bite. Whether it’s for after-school snacking, sharing at a potluck, or tucking into with a cup of coffee, these bars check every box for easy, crowd-pleasing treats. Trust me—you’ll want these in your regular dessert rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about Peanut Butter Bars is how the simplest ingredients combine for big impact. Each component brings its own flair, creating that ideal balance of rich, nutty, buttery, and chocolatey layers. Gather these pantry staples and let’s get started!
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, melted): Melting the butter ensures a luscious, cohesive base that holds everything together and offers a wonderful, rich flavor.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs (2 cups): These give the bars just the right amount of texture and a light, toasty crunch.
- Powdered Sugar (2 cups): Adds the perfect sweetness and smooths out the peanut butter base without any graininess.
- Creamy Peanut Butter (1 cup, plus 1/4 cup for topping): The real star! It creates a velvety, nutty layer and also helps make the chocolate topping silky.
- Semisweet Chocolate Chips (1 ½ cups): These melt beautifully and deliver a glossy, delicious topping that complements the filling.
How to Make Peanut Butter Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by lining a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or giving it a light grease. This makes it a breeze to lift the bars out once they’re set, and promises no-fuss cleanup—my favorite kind!
Step 2: Mix Up the Peanut Butter Base
In a large mixing bowl, blend together the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and 1 cup of creamy peanut butter. Stir with gusto until the mixture is thick, smooth, and everything is married together. This is the hearty, melt-in-your-mouth foundation of your Peanut Butter Bars.
Step 3: Press and Level
Scoop the peanut butter mixture into your prepared pan. Using a spatula (or clean hands), press it firmly into an even layer. Spend a few extra seconds here to get those edges nice and straight; it’ll make slicing into bars so much easier later.
Step 4: Make the Chocolate-Peanut Butter Topping
Now, in a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips with the remaining 1/4 cup of peanut butter. Pop the bowl in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring after each, just until glossy and smooth. The bit of peanut butter keeps the chocolate layer soft and sliceable—no hardened chocolate shell here!
Step 5: Pour and Chill
Pour the melted chocolate mixture right over the pressed base and use a spatula to spread it evenly. Refrigerate the whole pan for at least 2 hours, or until everything is perfectly firm and set.
Step 6: Slice and Enjoy
Once set, lift the bars out of the dish using the parchment (if you lined it), then slice into even squares or rectangles. Try not to sneak too many before serving—they’re just that tempting!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Bars
Garnishes
For that extra-special flourish, sprinkle the tops of your Peanut Butter Bars with chopped peanuts for crunch, flaky sea salt for a sweet-and-savory vibe, or even a drizzle of white chocolate. Each option adds a fun twist and makes every bar look a little more gourmet.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a tall glass of cold milk, piping hot coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dreamy dessert plate. If you’re serving at a party, try combining them with a platter of fresh berries or a creamy fruit dip for contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack Peanut Butter Bars neatly on a cake stand, serve them in cupcake liners for grab-and-go snacking, or tuck them into lunchboxes as a midday pick-me-up. For holidays, use themed sprinkles on top, or cut them into shapes with a cookie cutter for a festive treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you manage not to eat them all on day one, stash leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep their fresh flavor and texture for up to a week—great for make-ahead planning!
Freezing
Need to prep ahead? These Peanut Butter Bars freeze beautifully. Just layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll stay delicious for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
There’s no need to actually reheat, but if you like a slightly softer, meltier texture, let your bars sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before digging in—so luscious!
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter gives the bars added texture and a delightful nutty bite. Just know the base will have a bit more chew and a rustic look.
Do I have to use graham cracker crumbs?
Graham cracker crumbs are classic, but you can try crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers for a slightly different flavor. Just keep the ratios the same and you’re set.
How do I keep my chocolate layer from cracking when I cut the bars?
Make sure the chocolate-peanut butter topping is fully chilled but not rock hard. Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water for clean, crack-free slices.
Can I add mix-ins to the base or topping?
Definitely! Chopped peanuts, mini chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of sea salt really jazz up these bars and add an extra layer of personality.
Are these Peanut Butter Bars gluten-free?
As written, they’re not, since graham crackers contain wheat. To make gluten-free bars, use gluten-free graham crackers. The flavor is just as fantastic!
Final Thoughts
Sharing these Peanut Butter Bars brings pure joy every single time. They’re impossibly easy, always a hit, and an adorable treat that everyone adores. Give them a try—these bars might just become your new go-to dessert for every occasion!
Print
Peanut Butter Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including chill time)
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these irresistible Peanut Butter Bars that combine the perfect blend of creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and a buttery graham cracker crust. A no-bake dessert that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy!
Ingredients
For the Bar:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
For the Topping:
- 1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup peanut butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Bar: Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Combine melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and 1 cup peanut butter. Press into the dish.
- Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and ¼ cup peanut butter in intervals. Pour over the peanut butter layer.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm. Cut into bars.
Notes
- Bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or frozen for up to 2 months.
- For added crunch, sprinkle chopped peanuts on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
