These Easy No Bake Peanut Butter Bars are the perfect sweet treat for peanut butter and chocolate lovers. They are rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, yet incredibly simple to make. No oven is needed, making them an ideal dessert for warm weather or when you want a quick and effortless treat.
Why Make This Recipe
Making these no-bake peanut butter bars at home is a great choice because they:
- Require only a few simple ingredients.
- Have no baking involved, making them quick and easy.
- Are rich, creamy, and delicious with the perfect balance of peanut butter and chocolate.
- Can be customized with different variations to suit your taste.
How to Make Easy No Bake Peanut Butter Bars
These bars come together in just a few easy steps. First, mix the peanut butter base and press it into a pan. Then, melt the chocolate topping and spread it evenly. After refrigerating, simply slice and enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (finely ground)
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar)
- 1 cup + 4 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
Directions
- In a medium bowl, mix together the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, confectioners’ sugar, and 1 cup of peanut butter until well combined.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 9×13 inch pan. (For thicker bars, use a 9×9 square pan.)
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips with the remaining 4 tablespoons of peanut butter. Stir every 30 seconds until smooth and fully melted.
- Spread the chocolate mixture evenly over the peanut butter layer.
- Refrigerate for at least one hour before cutting into squares.
How to Serve Easy No Bake Peanut Butter Bars
These bars are best served chilled for a firm texture. Pair them with a glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a hot cup of coffee for an extra indulgent treat.
How to Store Easy No Bake Peanut Butter Bars
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to three months. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating.
Tips to Make Easy No Bake Peanut Butter Bars
- Use smooth peanut butter for the best texture.
- For a crunchier texture, mix in crushed peanuts or use crunchy peanut butter.
- Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- If you prefer dark chocolate, substitute the milk chocolate chips with dark chocolate.
Variation
- Almond Butter Bars: Swap peanut butter for almond butter.
- Oreo Crust: Replace graham cracker crumbs with crushed Oreos.
- Nut-Free Version: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
FAQs
How long do these peanut butter bars last?
They last up to one week in the refrigerator and up to three months in the freezer.
Can I substitute an ingredient?
Yes! You can swap peanut butter for almond butter or even Nutella for a chocolate-hazelnut twist.
What can I serve with these bars?
They pair well with coffee, ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel for extra sweetness.
Enjoy these easy, no-bake peanut butter bars for a delicious homemade treat!
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (finely ground)
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar)
- 1 cup + 4 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, confectioners’ sugar, and 1 cup peanut butter until well combined.
- Press mixture evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 9×13 inch pan (or 9×9 for thicker bars).
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips with remaining 4 tablespoons of peanut butter, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
- Spread the chocolate mixture evenly over the peanut butter layer.
- Refrigerate for at least one hour before cutting into squares.
Notes
Use smooth peanut butter for a creamy texture. For extra crunch, mix in crushed peanuts or use crunchy peanut butter. Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal.