These easy Peanut Butter Bars is absolutely perfect for chocolate and peanut butter lovers like me! I have always had a sweet tooth, and these bars made from crunchy graham crackers and creamy peanut butter make a delightfully chewy treat, topped off with a crisp chocolate layer. The best part about these bars is that there’s no baking required! I try to keep some around our house at all times.
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What’s in this No Bake Peanut Butter Bars Recipe?
These creamy, crunchy, chewy bars are the perfect afternoon snack. Life can get a little stressful with two young kids, so I love to always have some on hand for a little mental break. I’m always able to find most of these ingredients in my pantry, so I can make these any time I have a craving!
- Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter adds rich peanut butter flavor to the bars and the chocolate topping.
- Butter: Unsalted butter helps thin the peanut butter so that it combines more easily with the graham crackers and powdered sugar.
- Graham Crackers: Add a bit of crunch and texture to the bars.
- Sugar: Powdered sugar sweetens the bars and helps firm them up.
- Chocolate Chips: Melt to create a chocolatey topping– use your favorite!
Variations on Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
For crunchier bars, Iswap the creamy peanut butter for crunchy in the filling (but you’ll want to keep the creamy for the topping). You can also use a different nut or seed butter, like almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter for a different flavor!
How to Store
Store leftover peanut butter bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
How to Freeze
Freeze these no bake bars tightly wrapped in 2 layers of plastic wrap and 1 layer of aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
Serving Suggestions
These peanut butter and chocolate bars are delicious served simply with a cold drink. I love to pair it with homemade oat milk or cold brew coffee. You’ll definitely want something to wash them down with since they are super rich and delicious!
Notes from the Test Kitchen
These sweet and salty no-bake treats are so simple to make with graham crackers and creamy peanut butter. Top them with a bit of flaky salt to really bring out the flavor.
Peanut Butter Bars Recipe
Equipment
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
- 8×8-inch Baking Pan OR
Ingredients
For the Bars
- 1½ cups creamy peanut butter 405 grams
- ½ cup unsalted butter 113 grams, melted (1 stick)
- 2 cups crushed graham crackers 284 grams (from about 18 cracker sheets)
- 1 cup powdered sugar 113 grams
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Chocolate Topping
- 2 cups chocolate chips 340 grams
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter 68 grams
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, using a hand mixer, mix the peanut butter and butter together.1½ cups creamy peanut butter, ½ cup unsalted butter
- Beat in the graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and salt, mixing until smooth.2 cups crushed graham crackers, 1 cup powdered sugar, ¼ teaspoon salt
- Press the mixture into the baking dish.
- Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave in 45 second increments, stirring after each time.2 cups chocolate chips
- Once the chocolate is completely melted, stir in the peanut butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy.¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- Pour the chocolate mixture over the peanut butter layer.
- Place in the freezer or refrigerator to allow the chocolate layer to firm up.
- Lift the up the parchment paper from the pan and slice into 16 bars.
Video
Becky’s Tips
- Make sure to use creamy peanut butter for the smoothest texture!
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment!
How to Make Peanut Butter Bars Step by Step
Mix the Peanut Butter and Butter: Line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper. In a large bowl, using a hand mixer, mix the 1½ cups of creamy peanut butter and ½ cup of melted unsalted butter together.
Add the Graham Cracker Crumbs: Beat in 2 cups of crushed graham cracker crumbs, 1 cup of powdered sugar, and ¼ teaspoon of salt, mixing until smooth. Press the mixture into the baking dish.
Melt the Chocolate: Melt 2 cups of chocolate chips in the microwave in 45-second increments, stirring after each time. Once the chocolate is completely melted, stir in ¼ cup of creamy peanut butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Set the Bars: Pour the chocolate mixture over the peanut butter layer. Place in the freezer or refrigerator to allow the chocolate layer to firm up. Lift up the parchment paper from the pan and slice into 16 bars.
