Name: No Bake Peanut Butter Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 120 min
Ingredients: 1 stick Butter (softened) (113g, separated into two portions); 3 tablespoons Butter (softened) (42g, for chocolate topping); 1.5 cups Creamy or Chunky Peanut Butter (Do not use natural peanut butter); 3 cups Powdered Sugar; 1 bag Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips (12-ounce (340g))

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving something sweet, creamy, and decadently rich but don’t want to turn on the oven, No Bake Peanut Butter Bars are about to become your new favorite treat! These bars blend silky peanut butter and luscious chocolate in a way that’s both nostalgic and impossible to resist. They’re a guaranteed hit at family gatherings, lunchboxes, or whenever you’re in need of a quick, fuss-free dessert. Fun fact: while these bars taste strikingly similar to your favorite peanut butter cup candy, they can be whipped up in less than 20 minutes—no baking required! In our house, they have magically disappeared at every potluck, rivaled only by our much-loved Easy Chocolate Fudge Brownies (be sure to check that recipe out, too). Gather your ingredients, grab a mixing bowl, and get ready for a crowd-pleaser everyone will love!

What is No Bake Peanut Butter Bars?

So, what exactly are No Bake Peanut Butter Bars? Imagine a dessert so easy you hardly need a kitchen, but so irresistible you’ll need to hide a stash for yourself! These bars are named for their simple, oven-free preparation, transforming everyday pantry staples into a rich peanut butter base topped with a crackly layer of chocolate. Why overcomplicate things with baking when you can have the best of both worlds—flavor and ease? It’s the type of treat that reminds us all, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”—although, to be fair, this dessert wins over everyone, not just the men! Ready to see how easy it is? You’ll want to bookmark this one.

Why You’ll Love This

Creamy, chocolaty, and melt-in-your-mouth, these No Bake Peanut Butter Bars are pure happiness in each bite. The main highlight? That dreamy balance between rich peanut butter and decadent chocolate—the two flavors everyone loves, with no need for a mixer or an oven. Making them at home means you’ll save money on store-bought candy while using simple, budget-friendly ingredients you probably already have. Not to mention, these bars can be upgraded with fantastic toppings or flavor twists: add a sprinkle of sea salt, crushed pretzels, or chopped peanuts to make each batch your own. If you’ve tried our No Bake Oreo Balls, you know how much fun homemade treats can be. Don’t miss out—gather your ingredients, and let’s make dessert a breeze!

How to Make

Quick Overview

Get ready to experience the easiest (and most delicious) no bake bars you’ve ever made! With a creamy peanut butter base and a thick chocolate topping, these bars come together in just 20 minutes of prep time—then set in the fridge while you get on with your day. There are no complicated steps or special tools required. Just mix, layer, chill, and slice! Whether you’re making these for a party, a lunchbox treat, or a quick midnight snack, you’ll love how quick and satisfying they are.

Ingredients

1 stick (113g) plus 3 tablespoons (42g) softened butter, separated
1 1/2 cups (375g) creamy or chunky peanut butter (do not use natural peanut butter)
3 cups (375g) powdered sugar
1 12-ounce bag (340g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Step-by-Step

Start by lining an 8×8 or 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang for easy removal later.
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 stick (113g) softened butter and the peanut butter. Mix together until smooth and well combined.
Add the powdered sugar in batches, stirring after each addition, until everything forms a thick dough-like mixture. It should be firm but still easy to press.
Press the peanut butter mixture evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the remaining 3 tablespoons (42g) butter with the chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until completely melted and smooth.
Pour the chocolate mixture over the peanut butter layer. Gently spread it out to cover the surface evenly.
For a little extra flair, sprinkle sea salt, chopped nuts, or mini chocolate chips on top.
Refrigerate the pan for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate is set and the bars are firm.
Lift the bars out using the parchment overhang, slice into squares, and serve!

What to Serve No Bake Peanut Butter Bars With

No Bake Peanut Butter Bars pair perfectly with a cup of cold milk or your favorite coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up. They’re also delightful next to a bowl of fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple, satisfying dessert platter. Hosting a party? Serve these bars alongside fruit kabobs or salty pretzels for a wonderful sweet-and-salty spread. For a celebration, add them to a dessert table with mini cheesecakes or simple sugar cookies for variety and flavor balance.

Top Tips for Perfecting

For the best bars, always use regular creamy or chunky peanut butter—natural peanut butter tends to separate and can make the bars oily or crumbly. If you’re short on powdered sugar, you can make your own by blending granulated sugar with a bit of cornstarch. For easy cutting, let the bars sit at room temperature for a few minutes before slicing; this prevents the chocolate from cracking. You can swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk or dark chocolate to suit your taste, and don’t be afraid to add toppings for crunch and flavor! Finally, don’t skip lining the pan—it makes removal a breeze and keeps cleanup minimal.

Storing and Reheating Tips

No Bake Peanut Butter Bars should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and will stay fresh for up to one week. If you need to keep them longer, freeze the bars (with parchment between the layers to prevent sticking) for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, you can let them thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for 20–30 minutes. Since these bars are best enjoyed chilled, there’s no need to reheat—just slice and serve straight from the fridge or freezer.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter in these bars?
It’s best not to use natural peanut butter, as the texture can be oily and the layers may not set properly. Stick to regular creamy or chunky peanut butter for the best results.

How can I make these bars gluten-free?
These bars are naturally gluten-free as written! Just be sure to check your chocolate chips and peanut butter for any hidden gluten ingredients.

Can I freeze No Bake Peanut Butter Bars?
Absolutely! Slice the bars, then place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.

What if I don’t have powdered sugar?
You can make your own powdered sugar by blending granulated sugar with a little cornstarch until very fine. However, ready-made powdered sugar gives the best texture.

Can I add toppings?
Definitely! Try chopped peanuts, pretzels, sea salt, or even colorful sprinkles for a fun twist. The bars are delicious plain, but toppings make them extra special.

Conclusion

No Bake Peanut Butter Bars are the ideal treat for anyone who loves creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate, but doesn’t have time (or patience!) for complicated desserts. With a quick prep, affordable ingredients, and crowd-pleasing taste, they’ll quickly become a staple in your household. Simple to make yet impressive enough to share, these bars are sure to win over family and friends alike. Give them a try and don’t forget to explore more quick and easy dessert recipes on the blog for your next sweet craving!