No Bake Peanut Butter Bars (Printable)
Creamy peanut butter bars with a chocolate topping, chilled until set for a quick, sweet treat.
# What You'll Need:
→ Base
01 - 1 cup creamy peanut butter
02 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
03 - 2 cups powdered sugar
04 - 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
05 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Topping
06 - 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
07 - 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
# How-to Steps:
01 - Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, extending paper over the sides for easy removal.
02 - Combine melted unsalted butter and 1 cup creamy peanut butter in a large bowl, stirring until smooth.
03 - Add powdered sugar and graham cracker crumbs to the peanut butter mixture, followed by the vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly until a cohesive dough forms.
04 - Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan, pressing it down evenly with a spatula to create an even layer.
05 - Combine semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Melt in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until completely smooth.
06 - Pour the melted chocolate-peanut butter topping over the base and spread evenly using a spatula.
07 - Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until fully set.
08 - Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into 16 even pieces and serve.
# Expert Pointers:
01 -
- No baking needed: these bars satisfy dessert cravings without ever turning on the oven.
- The irresistible combo of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate is always a crowd-pleaser at gatherings.
02 -
- Once, I impatiently cut into the bars before they were set and ended up with a gooey mess—let them chill fully, trust me.
- Swirling a bit of peanut butter into the topping creates a marbled look that wows every time.
03 -
- Cut the bars with a sharp, warmed knife for perfect, clean edges.
- Swirl leftover chocolate or a sprinkle of flaky salt on top to impress guests with very little effort.