No Bake Peanut Butter Bars

5 from 5 votes
9 Comments
Jill Mills Posted:
Jump to Recipe
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

These No Bake Peanut Butter Bars are incredibly easy to make using just 5-ingredients! Always a favorite for the Holidays or any time of year!

Three stacked no-bake peanut butter bars on a white plate, with the top bar having a bite taken out, revealing its soft interior.

Chocolate and peanut butter is one of my all-time favorite flavor combinations. The first time I made these bars, I think I ate most of them on my own. The texture of the peanut butter layer reminds me of a Reese’s cup, which happens to be my favorite candy bar. Trust me, they are highly addictive! If I have these sitting in my kitchen now, I have to watch my kids to make sure they don’t sneak them all.

Featured Comment
These recipes are so good, yet simple. Love them!
– Frank Fitzpatrick
8 More Comments

Why You’ll Love These No Bake Peanut Butter Bars

  • They’re a crowd pleaser. Whenever I make these bars to share at a party or special event, they go fast. I promise they will be a hit every time you serve them.
  • There’s no baking required. I love recipes that skip the oven. Not only does it make life infinitely easier, it makes these types of desserts perfect in the summer. I never want to bake when it’s hot!
  • It’s a quick recipe. The work needed for this recipe is minimal. It takes around 15 minutes to get it ready and that includes setting time as well. If you don’t like waiting around for treats to be ready, these peanut butter bars are perfect for you.

Ingredients Needed

Here is everything you need to make these delicious no bake peanut butter bars! Scroll down to find the exact measurements needed.

  • Graham cracker crumbs: I use basic honey graham crackers for this because it doesn’t overpower the peanut butter flavor. Feel free to get creative and try this recipe with chocolate or cinnamon graham crackers if you like. I place them in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin but you may also use a food processor.
  • Butter: Unsalted butter is best to prevent this dessert from becoming too salty. Melt it ahead of time so it may cool slightly before you add it to the other ingredients.
  • Powdered sugar: Not only does this add sweetness, but it helps the peanut butter mixture set so they are easy to slice.
  • Peanut butter: I like creamy peanut butter for this recipe because it incorporates better than the chunky variety.

For the chocolate layer

  • Chocolate chips: I use semi-sweet chocolate chips, but milk chocolate or dark chocolate would be great as well. I melt them in the microwave but the double boiler method works, too.
  • Peanut butter: Of course, to increase that delectable peanut butter flavor, I stir in some extra creamy peanut butter into the melted chocolate for the topping.
A top-down view of ingredients for no-bake peanut butter bars, including melted butter, powdered sugar, graham cracker crumbs, chocolate chunks, and peanut butter in glass bowls.

How to Make No Bake Peanut Butter Bars

The steps are quick and easy so you don’t have to spend a lot of time preparing them.

  • Make the peanut butter mixture. Combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a large mixing bowl. Then, stir in 1 ¼ cup of peanut butter until it is well mixed.
  • Add to the pan. Spread the peanut butter mixture into a 9×9 baking dish. Ensure it’s nice and even.
  • Make the chocolate mixture. Next, add the chocolate chips and 3 tablespoons of peanut butter to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat the mixture for 1 minute and then in additional 30-second intervals until the chocolate is fully melted.
  • Chill. Place the peanut butter bars into the refrigerator for 2-3 hours for the chocolate to set and firm.
  • Set and serve. Then, allow them to sit on the counter for about 20 minutes before slicing and enjoying!
A top-down view of a batch of no-bake peanut butter bars cut into squares, with a few pieces removed to reveal the creamy peanut butter and chocolate layers.

Tips for Success

  • Grease the pan. To make the no bake peanut butter bars easier to remove from the baking dish, I highly recommend greasing the pan. Cooking spray or even a little oil will work great. You may also use parchment paper, too.
  • Remove to slice. Once the bars are fully set, you must remove them from the pan before you slice them. It’s going to make it easier to ensure that it’s divided into equal pieces. Then, just place them into an airtight container.
  • Add toppings. Feel free to get creative with this recipe! You may add toppings like sprinkles, M&Ms, or even additional chocolate chips. There are so many ways that you can spruce them up to fit a theme or to up the presentation.
A freshly cut square of no-bake peanut butter bars resting on parchment paper, showcasing a smooth chocolate topping and a thick peanut butter layer.

Proper Storage

Store these no bake peanut butter bars in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Place pieces of parchment paper in between the layers to ensure they don’t stick together. 

To freeze, place them into a freezer-safe container and store them for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before you eat them!

No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars feature
5 from 5 votes

No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

These No Bake Peanut Butter Bars are incredibly easy to make using just 5-ingredients! Always a favorite for the Holidays or any time of year!
Servings: 24 bars
Prep: 15 minutes
Total: 15 minutes
Print Rate

Ingredients
  

Chocolate Layer

Instructions

  • In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir. Add in 1 1/4 cup of peanut butter and mix until combined.
  • Line a 9×9 pan with foil. Spread peanut butter mixture in the pan.
  • Melt the chocolate chips with the 3 Tablespoons of peanut butter in the microwave for 1 minute. Melt additionally for 30 seconds if needed until melted, and spread on top of the graham cracker mixture.
  • Refrigerate for 2-3 hours until set.
  • Allow the bars to sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
  • Remove from pan, cut into squares, and serve.

Last Step:

Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.

Video

Notes

Store these no bake peanut butter bars in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 24g | Calories: 177kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 109mg | Potassium: 121mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 122IU | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 1mg

Did You Make This?

Leave a comment & rating below or tag @kitchenfunwithmy3sons on social media!
No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars feature

Categories:

More No Bake Bar Recipes

We love for you to share our ideas, but require a link back to us for credit. Any of our creations or ideas that are shared without permission are a violation of copyright. On occasion I create posts for sponsors and often use affiliate links. I’ll let you know when that is the case and appreciate your support.

You might also like...

Leave a Review!

We LOVE hearing from you! Submit your question or comment here.

Your email address will not be published.

5 from 5 votes (2 ratings without comment)

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating:




9 comments on “No Bake Peanut Butter Bars”

  1. Charlene Close

    5 stars
    I’ve made these twice now. My husband likes to take them in his lunch. Perfect for summer bc you don’t have to bake them.
    Be sure to sift the sugar.

    Reply
    1. Mary Beth Hamilton

      I believe she was referring to whole graham crackers (sheets) which you could crush & make your own crumbs. I’m with you- the box of graham cracker crumbs is so much easier for baking.