Description
Welcome to my kitchen, friend! Is there anything more comforting than peanut butter and chocolate melting together? These No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars are the ultimate indulgence: a crumbly, salty-sweet graham cracker base topped with creamy chocolate-peanut butter. They taste like a gourmet peanut butter cup, but better. Best of all, no oven required—just 15 minutes of hands-on kitchen magic.
Ingredients
For the Base:
-
2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or crush your own)
-
2 cups confectioners’ sugar
-
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
-
1 cup creamy peanut butter (standard commercial brands recommended)
For the Topping:
-
1½ cups semisweet chocolate chips (or milk/dark chocolate)
-
4 tbsp peanut butter
Optional Variations:
-
Swap graham crackers for crushed vanilla wafers or Biscoff cookies
-
Add ½ cup crushed pretzels or chopped nuts to the base for texture
-
Use white chocolate chips for a sweeter topping
-
Swirl in your favorite jam for a PB&J twist
Instructions
-
Make the Base:
-
In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and confectioners’ sugar.
-
Add melted butter and 1 cup peanut butter. Mix until fully combined into a moldable dough.
-
Adjust: too dry? add a tbsp more butter. Too wet? add a tbsp more crumbs.
-
-
Press the Base:
-
Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
-
Press the peanut butter mixture evenly into the pan using your hands or the flat bottom of a measuring cup.
-
-
Prepare the Topping:
-
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and 4 tbsp peanut butter.
-
Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth and glossy. (Or use a double boiler.)
-
-
Assemble Bars:
-
Pour the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the base.
-
Spread evenly with a spatula or spoon. Optional: make a swirl pattern with a knife.
-
-
Chill:
-
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (2 hours is better) until firm.
-
-
Slice & Serve:
-
Lift bars out using the parchment sling.
-
Slice into 12 large bars or 24 small squares.
-
Optional: drizzle extra peanut butter or sprinkle flaky sea salt before serving.
-
Notes
-
Base too crumbly? Add more melted butter and press firmly.
-
Chocolate seized? Add a teaspoon of peanut butter or coconut oil and stir until smooth.
-
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Calories: 380 cal Per bar
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 35g