These No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars are an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert you can make any time of year. Rich and extra thick, they pair a creamy peanut butter filling with a smooth chocolate topping for a perfect chocolate-and-peanut-butter treat.
Crushed graham crackers folded into the peanut butter layer add a wonderful texture and mild sweetness. If you enjoy no-bake bars, you might also like other variations such as Scotcharoos, peanut butter s’mores bars, or Reese’s-style peanut butter fudge.
No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
If you love peanut butter cups, these no-bake peanut butter bars will be a favorite. A thick peanut butter layer sits beneath a glossy chocolate layer that melts on the tongue. No oven time is required—just simple ingredients and straightforward steps for delicious results.
The recipe uses only six main ingredients and takes about 20 minutes to prepare. You can make the bars ahead of time and freeze them, making this a convenient dessert for parties or busy weeks.
Peanut Butter Bars Video Tutorial
Ingredients You Will Need
- Peanut Butter – Use a standard commercial peanut butter (e.g., Jif or Skippy) rather than natural varieties, which tend to separate. Choose crunchy or creamy based on preference.
- Butter – Room-temperature butter mixes best. Salted or unsalted works; choose based on taste.
- Powdered Sugar – Any powdered (confectioners’) sugar is fine.
- Vanilla Extract – Pure vanilla gives the best flavor.
- Graham Crackers – Crush to coarse crumbs (or use premade crumbs). You can also substitute vanilla wafers, Biscoff, or similar cookies for a different flavor.
- Chocolate Chips – Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips work well for the topping.
How to Make No Bake Peanut Butter Bars
- Prepare your pan. Line a 9″ x 13″ baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an extra inch over the edges so you can lift the set bars out easily.
- Make the peanut butter filling. In a stand mixer bowl, combine peanut butter and room-temperature butter. Using the paddle attachment, beat until light and slightly fluffy (about 3 minutes). Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in vanilla and graham cracker crumbs until evenly combined.
- Press into the pan. Transfer the peanut butter mixture to the prepared pan and spread or press it into an even layer. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the chocolate.
- Prepare the chocolate topping. Melt chocolate in a double boiler or microwave in 20–30 second intervals, stirring between bursts, until smooth and just melted (not piping hot). Remove the pan from the fridge and spread the melted chocolate evenly over the peanut butter layer. Return to the refrigerator to set for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
- Slice and serve. Once firm, lift the bars out using the parchment overhang and cut into 1″ pieces. Store chilled.
Recipe Tips, Tricks, and Variations
- Make graham cracker crumbs easily by placing crackers in a zip-top bag and crushing with a rolling pin until they resemble coarse sand.
- Line the pan with parchment for easy removal and clean slicing once the bars are set.
- These bars refrigerate and firm up well overnight, making them ideal to prepare a day ahead.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free graham crackers or cookie crumbs.
- Avoid natural-style peanut butter for this recipe; the texture is more consistent with standard brands.
- Try swapping Nutella or another chocolate-hazelnut spread for the peanut butter for a different flavor.
- For a salty-sweet crunch, substitute crushed salty pretzels for the graham crackers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. For a denser, gluten-free version, omit the graham crackers and reduce the sugar slightly. Press the mixture into an 8″ x 8″ pan, top with chocolate, and chill. The texture will be richer without the crumbs.
Storing Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Freeze in an airtight container or tightly wrapped for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Peanut Butter Bars Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups peanut butter
- 1 cup butter, room temperature
- 3½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
Instructions
- Line a 9″ x 13″ pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Beat peanut butter and room-temperature butter in a stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Slowly add powdered sugar, then mix in vanilla and graham cracker crumbs until combined.
- Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan and chill while you melt the chocolate.
- Melt chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 20–30 second intervals, stirring between, until smooth. Spread over the chilled peanut butter layer and refrigerate at least 1 hour to set.
- Cut into 1″ pieces and serve, or store in the refrigerator.
Notes
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 32g
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates only.
More Easy Peanut Butter Dessert Recipes
- Reese’s Cup Cookies
- Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe
- Cornflake Cookies
- Peanut Butter Blossoms
- Buckeye Balls
- Caramel Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
- Smores Bars
- Coconut No Bakes
- Cookie Bars
- Peanut Butter Energy Balls
- More No Bake Dessert Recipes
- Holiday Favorites
- Dessert Bar Recipes
These no-bake peanut butter bars deliver a thick, creamy peanut butter layer topped with smooth chocolate. They’re rich, satisfying, and ideal for anyone who loves the classic chocolate-and-peanut-butter combination.