My no bake peanut butter bars are a quick and satisfying treat that hits all the right notes: sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy. Made with pantry staples like graham cracker crumbs, peanut butter, and chocolate chips, they come together in minutes with zero oven time required. Whether I’m whipping up an after-school snack or prepping an easy dessert for a crowd, these chocolate peanut butter bars are always a hit.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
This peanut butter bar recipe is my go-to when I want something easy and nostalgic. Crushed graham crackers give these bars structure and a light crunch, while a mix of creamy and crunchy peanut butter adds richness and texture. A smooth chocolate-peanut butter topping ties it all together with that classic candy-bar taste. These no bake chocolate peanut butter bars also store beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep, lunchboxes, or last-minute get-togethers.
I especially love how kid-friendly these graham cracker peanut butter bars are– but don’t be surprised if the grown-ups go back for seconds, too!
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Let the Chocolate Cool Slightly Before Pouring
Even though I use chocolate chips, which are convenient and melt easily, they contain stabilizers that can cause the chocolate layer to set too quickly or crack once chilled. To avoid that, I recommend letting the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture cool for about 5-10 minutes before pouring it over the peanut butter base. This short rest allows steam to escape and the chocolate to thicken slightly, helping it spread more evenly, set with a smoother finish, and slice cleanly without cracking.
No Bake Peanut Butter Bars Recipe
Equipment
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
- 9×13 Baking Pan
Ingredients
- 2 cups crushed graham crackers
- 1 cup unsalted butter melted (2 sticks)
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1½ cups crunchy peanut butter
- 1¾ cups powdered sugar
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter melted*
Instructions
- Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray or line with parchment. Set aside.
- Stir together the graham crackers, butter, vanilla, and salt in a large bowl.2 cups crushed graham crackers, 1 cup unsalted butter, ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- Add the crunchy peanut butter and stir again.1½ cups crunchy peanut butter
- Add the powdered sugar and stir again until combined.1¾ cups powdered sugar
- Press the mixture into the prepared pan in an even layer. Set aside.
- Heat the chocolate chips in a medium-sized bowl in 30-second increments until runny and smooth.2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- Add the creamy peanut butter to the chocolate, stir to combine, let sit for about 5 minutes to cool slightly, and then pour it over the peanut butter layer. Spread the chocolate evenly over the peanut butter layer.⅓ cup creamy peanut butter
- Refrigerate for 30-45 minutes or until the chocolate layer is set.
- Cut it into 12-15 bars and serve.
Notes
- Make sure that when these bars are kept in the fridge, they’re truly in an airtight container. Any air that gets in can ruin the consistency of the bars.
- Any brand of peanut butter will work! Just pick your favorite so you know you’ll like the final product.
- Sprinkle some roasted peanuts or chocolate chips atop the still-warm top of the bars before refrigerating for added texture! You could also add things like coconut flakes, flaky sea salt, or whatever else your heart desires.
- These make great lunchbox treats! Just pop one in a little baggie to surprise your little one.
How to Make Peanut Butter Bars Step-by-Step
Gather your Ingredients: Gather up everything you need to begin. Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray or line with parchment paper and set aside. Crush the graham crackers, melt the butter, and melt the creamy peanut butter.
Wet the Graham Crackers: Stir together 2 cups of crushed graham crackers, 1 cup of unsalted butter, ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt in a large bowl.
Add the Peanut Butter: Add 1½ cups crunchy peanut butter and stir again.
Add the Sugar: Add 1¾ cups of powdered sugar and stir again until combined.
Fill the Pan: Press the mixture into the prepared pan in an even layer. Set aside while you make the chocolate layer.
Melt the Chocolate: Heat 2 cups of semisweet chocolate chips in a medium-sized bowl in 30-second increments until runny and smooth. Add ⅓ cup of melted creamy peanut butter to the chocolate, stir to combine, and pour it over the peanut butter layer. Let the chocolate mixture cool for 5-10 minutes before pouring (see tip above) evenly over the peanut butter layer.
Chill the Bars: Refrigerate for 30-45 minutes, or until the chocolate layer is set. Cut it into 12-15 bars and serve.
How to Store
Store leftover peanut butter bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying chilled or at room temperature.
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