Creamy, sweet, and irresistibly peanut-buttery — these Easy No Bake Peanut Butter Bars are comfort food at its finest. They come together in minutes with just a few pantry staples, no oven required, and they satisfy chocolate-and-nut cravings like a dream. Fun fact: no-bake treats became wildly popular during the early 20th century when home cooks looked for quick, stovetop-free desserts. These bars are the kind of recipe you’ll bring to potlucks, pack in lunchboxes, or stash in the fridge for a late-night treat.
This recipe is special because it’s outrageously simple, kid-approved, and ridiculously quick to prepare. If you want more variations or serving ideas, take a look at this Easy No Bake Peanut Butter Bars recipe page for another friendly version. You’ll love how little effort results in big flavor — and that makes these bars a kitchen win for busy weeknights and holidays alike. Ready to make something everyone will ask for seconds of? Let’s get started!
What is Easy No Bake Peanut Butter Bars?
What’s in a name? Easy No Bake Peanut Butter Bars tells you almost everything: they’re effortless, require no oven time, and celebrate peanut butter in bar form. Curious about the origin? Maybe someone once declared, “Why bake when you can press?” and the rest is history. Who wouldn’t be tempted by a dessert that’s as simple as stirring and pressing?
There’s a playful truth here: sometimes the quickest recipes are the most beloved. After all, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” So whether you’re feeding a crowd or sneaking a sweet snack, these bars deliver nostalgia and comfort in every bite. Try them and watch them disappear — you’ll understand why they’re called “easy.”
Why You’ll Love This:
- Creamy, crunchy contrast: The silky peanut butter middle and chocolate topping pair with a slightly crumbly graham base to create an irresistible texture combo that melts in your mouth.
- Budget-friendly baking: Most ingredients are pantry staples — peanut butter, graham crackers, butter, sugar, and chocolate — making this an economical dessert that tastes far more decadent than the cost.
- Crowd-pleasing flavor: Topped with a velvety chocolate layer, these bars hit sweet and salty notes that appeal to kids and adults alike.
If you enjoy other no-bake treats on the blog, you might also like a candy-inspired take like our Reese’s Peanut Butter No-Bake Bars. Try making a batch tonight and make someone’s day — or your own.
How to Make:
Quick Overview
This recipe is easy because there’s minimal mixing, no baking, and the steps are straightforward. You’ll get a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth peanut butter layer topped with shiny milk chocolate. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, plus chilling time of at least 1 hour to set.
Approximate times
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 1 hour
Total time: about 1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients
1 cup butter, melted (unsalted or salted, melted and slightly cooled)
2 cups graham cracker crumbs, finely ground (from about 10 full sheets)
2 cups confectioners’ sugar, powdered sugar, sifted if lumpy
1 cup peanut butter, creamy, room temperature
4 tablespoons peanut butter, reserved for melting with chocolate (smooth)
1.5 cups milk chocolate chips, or chopped milk chocolate
Directions
- Prepare your 9×13 inch pan by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it if you prefer. Set aside so it’s ready when the base is mixed.
- In a medium bowl, pour in 1 cup melted butter. Add 2 cups finely ground graham cracker crumbs and 2 cups confectioners’ sugar.
- Add 1 cup creamy peanut butter to the bowl. Use a sturdy spoon or spatula to mix until everything is evenly combined and the mixture holds together when pressed.
- Transfer the peanut butter mixture into the bottom of the ungreased 9×13 inch pan. Use the back of a flat measuring cup or your hands to press the layer firmly and evenly into the pan.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1.5 cups milk chocolate chips and the remaining 4 tablespoons peanut butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat — stir to finish melting.
- Pour the chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the prepared peanut butter base. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the chocolate into an even layer covering the entire surface.
- Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least one hour, or until the chocolate topping is firm and the bars hold their shape.
- Once set, lift the parchment paper out (if used) and transfer to a cutting board. Cut into squares or bars of your preferred size. Store and serve chilled or at cool room temperature.
What to Serve With:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic warm-and-cold contrast (serve the bar slightly softened).
- Fresh berries or sliced bananas to cut through the richness.
- Coffee, cold brew, or a glass of cold milk for a comforting pairing.
- A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before chilling to enhance the chocolate-peanut butter contrast.
- A simple fruit salad for a lighter dessert course after a heavy meal.
Top Tips for Perfecting:
- Use smooth peanut butter for the creamiest texture; crunchy works too for added bite.
- Press the base firmly and evenly — this helps the bars hold together when cut.
- If chocolate thickens too much while spreading, microwave it briefly (10–15 seconds) and stir to loosen.
- For a firmer set, chill the bars for 2 hours or briefly freeze (20–30 minutes) before cutting.
- Swap milk chocolate for dark chocolate if you prefer less sweetness, or add a teaspoon of vanilla to the base for an extra flavor boost.
- Avoid using hot melted butter; let it cool slightly so it doesn’t partially melt the confectioners’ sugar.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Refrigeration: Store bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Layer parchment between bars to prevent sticking.
Freezing: Wrap bars individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Room temperature serving: Let chilled bars sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving for a softer bite. Do not leave out for extended periods if your kitchen is warm.
Reheating: These are best enjoyed chilled; reheating is not necessary. If you prefer them softer, microwave a single bar for 8–10 seconds on low power.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Yes — crunchy peanut butter adds extra texture and a nutty crunch. The bars will still hold together but will be heartier.
Do I need to line the pan with parchment paper?
No, but it helps lift the bars from the pan easily and makes cutting and cleanup simpler. Greasing works too if you don’t have parchment.
Can I substitute the graham crackers with something else?
Yes, crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers are great substitutes and offer a similar texture and flavor.
Will these bars melt if left out?
If left in a warm environment, the chocolate top can soften or melt. Keep them refrigerated if your kitchen is warm or if you plan to serve later.
Can I use a different chocolate, like dark or semi-sweet?
Absolutely. Dark chocolate adds depth and less sweetness, while semi-sweet works nicely for a balanced flavor.
Conclusion
These Easy No Bake Peanut Butter Bars are proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special: creamy, chocolate-topped squares that are fast to make and impossible to resist. They’re ideal for busy days, potlucks, or whenever you need a quick, family-friendly dessert. If you want more inspiration for no-bake chocolate-peanut butter treats, check out this helpful guide to similar recipes at No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars – Sally’s Baking. Give this recipe a try, share it with loved ones, and enjoy the compliments that follow.
Easy No Bake Peanut Butter Bars
Equipment
- 9x13 inch Pan
- Mixing Bowl
- Microwave-safe Bowl
- Spatula
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup Butter Melted (unsalted or salted, slightly cooled)
- 2 cups Graham cracker crumbs Finely ground (from about 10 full sheets)
- 2 cups Confectioners’ sugar Powdered sugar, sifted if lumpy
- 1 cup Peanut butter Creamy, room temperature
- 4 tablespoons Peanut butter Reserved for melting with chocolate (smooth)
- 1.5 cups Milk chocolate chips Or chopped milk chocolate
Instructions
- Prepare your 9×13 inch pan by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it if you prefer. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, pour in 1 cup melted butter. Add 2 cups finely ground graham cracker crumbs and 2 cups confectioners’ sugar.
- Add 1 cup creamy peanut butter to the bowl. Mix until everything is evenly combined and holds together when pressed.
- Transfer the mixture into the bottom of the pan. Press the layer firmly and evenly into the pan.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1.5 cups milk chocolate chips and the reserved 4 tablespoons peanut butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Pour the chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the peanut butter base. Spread into an even layer.
- Refrigerate for at least one hour, or until the chocolate topping is firm.
- Once set, lift out of the pan and cut into squares or bars. Store and serve chilled or at room temperature.