No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars

No-bake desserts are a true lifesaver, especially when you crave something sweet but don’t want to turn on the oven. And let me tell you, these No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars are in a league of their own. My family absolutely devours them. From the moment I first whipped up a batch, they’ve become a staple in our house for potlucks, quick weeknight treats, and even just because. The combination of creamy peanut butter, buttery graham crackers, and rich chocolate is simply irresistible. What’s even better? They are incredibly easy to make, perfect for even beginner bakers or when you need a dessert in a hurry. The kids love to help make them too, which is always a bonus! These bars are the perfect balance of sweet and salty, with a satisfying crunch from the graham crackers and a melt-in-your-mouth chocolate topping. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be making them again and again – they are that good!

Ingredients

• Creamy Peanut Butter: 2 cups. The star of the show! Use creamy peanut butter for a smooth texture in the bars. Avoid natural peanut butter where the oil separates significantly, as it can affect the consistency. Choose your favorite brand of creamy peanut butter, but ensure it’s well-stirred if it tends to separate.
• Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks), melted. Butter adds richness and helps bind the bars together. Unsalted butter is preferred to control the overall saltiness of the recipe, especially since peanut butter already contains salt. Melting the butter ensures it mixes smoothly with the other ingredients.
• Powdered Sugar: 3 cups. Also known as confectioners’ sugar, powdered sugar provides sweetness and structure to the bars. It dissolves smoothly into the wet ingredients, creating a creamy and stable base. Sifting the powdered sugar beforehand can help prevent clumps and ensure a smoother mixture.
• Graham Cracker Crumbs: 2 ½ cups. These provide the base and a delightful texture. Finely crushed graham crackers are crucial for the right consistency. You can buy pre-crushed crumbs or crush them yourself using a food processor or by placing graham crackers in a zip-top bag and rolling over them with a rolling pin.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: 2 cups. For the decadent chocolate topping. Semi-sweet chocolate chips offer a good balance of sweetness and chocolate flavor. You can also use milk chocolate for a sweeter topping or dark chocolate for a richer, less sweet option. High-quality chocolate chips will melt more smoothly and taste better.
• Coconut Oil (optional): 1 tablespoon. Helps create a smooth and glossy chocolate topping. Adding a little coconut oil to the melting chocolate chips makes the chocolate more fluid and easier to spread. It also helps the chocolate set with a nice shine and prevents it from becoming too hard and cracking when you cut the bars.

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Pan: Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This parchment paper sling will make it incredibly easy to lift the finished peanut butter bars out of the pan for cutting and serving. Ensure the parchment paper fits snugly into the pan and extends a couple of inches over the edges on each side. This step is crucial for easy removal and clean-up later on. Set the prepared pan aside.
2. Combine Melted Butter and Peanut Butter: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the melted butter and creamy peanut butter. Microwave on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the peanut butter is softened and easily stirrable and the mixture is smooth and well combined. Be careful not to overheat the peanut butter, as it can become oily or seize up. Alternatively, you can melt the butter in a saucepan on the stovetop over low heat, then remove from the heat and stir in the peanut butter until smooth. This step is the foundation of the peanut butter layer, so ensure these ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. Incorporate Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the peanut butter and butter mixture, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Use a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment for the best results and to ensure the powdered sugar is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth and creamy. If mixing by hand, it may take a bit more elbow grease to fully combine the powdered sugar without lumps. Continue mixing until the mixture is smooth, thick, and well combined. Don’t overmix, just mix until everything is incorporated.
4. Stir in Graham Cracker Crumbs: Add the graham cracker crumbs to the peanut butter mixture. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold in the graham cracker crumbs until they are evenly distributed throughout the peanut butter mixture. Ensure that no dry pockets of graham cracker crumbs remain. The mixture should be thick and slightly crumbly but still moist enough to press into the pan. This step gives the bars their structure and that classic graham cracker texture.
5. Press Mixture into Pan: Transfer the peanut butter and graham cracker mixture to the prepared 9×13 inch baking pan. Using your hands or the back of a spatula or measuring cup, firmly and evenly press the mixture into the bottom of the pan. Make sure the surface is smooth and even for a professional-looking finish. Pressing firmly helps the bars hold together and prevents them from being too crumbly. Pay attention to the corners and edges to ensure even thickness throughout the pan.
6. Melt Chocolate Chips with Coconut Oil (Optional): In a clean, microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using). Microwave on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate chips are completely melted and smooth. The coconut oil helps create a glossy and smooth chocolate coating. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate in a double boiler or in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can burn or seize.
7. Spread Chocolate Over Peanut Butter Layer: Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the pressed peanut butter layer in the pan. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the chocolate smoothly and evenly over the entire surface of the peanut butter base, ensuring every part is covered. You can create swirls or patterns in the chocolate topping if desired for a decorative touch.
8. Chill to Set: Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or preferably longer, until the peanut butter bars are firm and the chocolate topping is completely set. Chilling allows the peanut butter mixture to solidify and the chocolate to harden, making the bars easy to cut and handle. For best results, chill for 3-4 hours or even overnight. The longer chilling time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
9. Cut and Serve: Once the bars are fully chilled and firm, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place the bars on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or bars of your desired size. For clean cuts, you can run the knife under hot water and wipe it clean between cuts. Serve the No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars chilled or at room temperature. Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness and texture.

Nutrition Facts

(Per Serving, approximately 1 bar, recipe makes about 24 bars. Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving size.)

• Calories: Approximately 250-300 calories per bar. Calories provide energy for the body. This dessert is calorie-dense due to the butter, peanut butter, sugar, and chocolate.
• Total Fat: Approximately 15-20 grams of fat per bar. Fat is essential for energy and nutrient absorption. This recipe contains a significant amount of fat, primarily from peanut butter, butter, and chocolate.
• Saturated Fat: Approximately 8-12 grams of saturated fat per bar. Saturated fat is a type of fat found in butter and chocolate. It’s recommended to consume saturated fats in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
• Sugar: Approximately 20-25 grams of sugar per bar. Sugar provides sweetness and energy. This recipe is high in sugar due to the powdered sugar and chocolate chips.
• Protein: Approximately 5-7 grams of protein per bar. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues. Peanut butter contributes a good amount of protein to these bars.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20-25 minutes. This includes gathering ingredients, melting butter and chocolate, mixing the ingredients, and pressing the bars into the pan. The no-bake nature of this recipe significantly cuts down on active cooking time, making it a quick and easy dessert option.
• Chill Time: Minimum 2 hours (ideally 3-4 hours or overnight). Chilling is essential for the bars to set properly and for the chocolate to harden. While the active prep time is short, plan ahead to allow for adequate chilling time before serving.

How to Serve

• Classic Squares: Cut the chilled bars into neat squares. This is the most traditional and straightforward way to serve them, perfect for parties, potlucks, or everyday treats.
• Bar Shapes: Cut into longer, rectangular bars. This shape is easy to grab and eat, and can be appealing for kids.
• Mini Bites: Cut into smaller squares or triangles for bite-sized servings. Ideal for dessert tables, parties, or when you want a smaller treat.
• With a Glass of Milk: Serve alongside a cold glass of milk. The creamy richness of the peanut butter bars pairs perfectly with refreshing milk.
• With Coffee or Tea: Enjoy as an afternoon treat with a cup of coffee or tea. The sweetness complements the bitterness of coffee and tea beautifully.
• As a Dessert Platter Addition: Include these bars as part of a larger dessert platter featuring other sweets like cookies, brownies, and fruit. They add variety and peanut butter flavor to the spread.
• Topped with Sea Salt: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each bar just before serving. The salt enhances the sweetness of the chocolate and peanut butter and adds a sophisticated touch.
• With Ice Cream: Serve a warm (or slightly softened) peanut butter bar with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. The combination of warm peanut butter and cold ice cream is delightful.

Additional Tips for Perfect No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars

1. Use Room Temperature Peanut Butter: While you are melting it with butter, starting with room temperature peanut butter can help it mix more smoothly and evenly. It will also make the initial mixing process a bit easier. Take the peanut butter out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before you start making the recipe.
2. Don’t Overheat the Chocolate: When melting the chocolate chips, be patient and microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently. Overheating chocolate can cause it to seize or burn, resulting in a grainy or unpleasant texture. Low and slow is key to smooth melted chocolate. If using a double boiler, ensure the water in the bottom pot is simmering gently, not boiling vigorously.
3. Customize Your Chocolate: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips. Milk chocolate will make the bars sweeter, while dark chocolate will add a richer, more intense chocolate flavor. You can also use white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or even chop up a chocolate bar for the topping. Consider swirling in melted white chocolate or peanut butter for a decorative effect.
4. Add a Crunchy Element: For extra texture, mix in chopped nuts (peanuts, pecans, walnuts), pretzels, or toffee bits into the peanut butter mixture or sprinkle them on top of the chocolate before it sets. This adds a delightful crunch that contrasts with the smooth peanut butter and chocolate.
5. Make it Gluten-Free: To make these bars gluten-free, simply substitute gluten-free graham crackers. Many brands now offer gluten-free graham crackers that work perfectly in this recipe. Double-check all your ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free if necessary.
6. Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer less sweet bars, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar slightly. Start by reducing it by about ¼ cup and taste the mixture before pressing it into the pan. You can also use dark chocolate for the topping to balance the sweetness.
7. Prevent Sticking: Ensure your parchment paper is properly placed and extends over the edges of the pan. This will make lifting the bars out incredibly easy and prevent any sticking. You can also lightly grease the bottom of the pan before lining it with parchment for extra insurance.
8. Store Properly for Freshness: Store leftover No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Keeping them refrigerated helps maintain their firmness and freshness. For longer storage, you can freeze the bars in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQ About No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars

Q1: Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
A: While you can use natural peanut butter, it’s generally recommended to use creamy peanut butter that doesn’t have oil separation. Natural peanut butter that separates a lot can make the bars too oily or affect the consistency. If you do use natural peanut butter, make sure to stir it very well before measuring and you might need to adjust the amount of powdered sugar to achieve the right texture.

Q2: My peanut butter bars are too soft. What did I do wrong?
A: There are a few reasons why your bars might be too soft. Firstly, ensure you used enough powdered sugar. Powdered sugar is crucial for binding the bars. Secondly, make sure you chilled the bars for a sufficient amount of time, at least 2 hours, and preferably longer. If you didn’t chill them long enough, they won’t firm up properly. Lastly, using too much melted butter or peanut butter relative to the powdered sugar and graham crackers can also result in softer bars.

Q3: Can I freeze No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars?
A: Yes, these bars freeze beautifully! Once they are completely set and cut, place them in an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.

Q4: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars are perfect for making ahead of time. They need to chill for a few hours anyway, and they can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve them. This makes them a great option for parties or potlucks.

Q5: Can I use a different type of cracker instead of graham crackers?
A: While graham crackers provide the classic flavor and texture, you can experiment with other crackers like Ritz crackers or even vanilla wafers for a slightly different taste profile. Ritz crackers will add a saltier element, while vanilla wafers will make them sweeter. Just ensure the cracker crumbs are finely crushed for the best texture.

Q6: My chocolate topping is cracking when I cut the bars. How can I prevent this?
A: Adding a tablespoon of coconut oil (or even a bit of vegetable shortening) to the chocolate chips when melting them helps create a more fluid and less brittle chocolate topping. The coconut oil makes the chocolate more flexible and prevents it from cracking easily when you cut the bars. Also, make sure your bars are thoroughly chilled before cutting, and use a warm, sharp knife for cleaner cuts.

Q7: Can I double this recipe?
A: Yes, you can easily double this recipe if you need to make a larger batch. Simply double all the ingredients and use a larger pan, such as a 13×18 inch pan, to accommodate the increased volume. Ensure you spread the mixture evenly in the larger pan and adjust the chilling time if necessary.

Q8: What are some variations I can try with these bars?
A: There are many fun variations you can try! Consider adding chopped nuts, pretzels, or toffee bits to the peanut butter mixture or as a topping. You can also swirl melted white chocolate or peanut butter over the chocolate topping for a decorative touch. For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate or add a layer of caramel between the peanut butter base and the chocolate topping. You can even add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a sweet and salty twist.

Print