Peanut Butter Bars

By Becky Hardin

Published Sep 8, 2023

Peanut butter bars easy dessert recipe. - 4

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.

peanut butter bars stacked on top of each other. - 5

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!

bars of peanut butter and chocolate stacked on top of each other. - 6

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.

bars viewed from the side to show the thick layer of peanut butter. - 7

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.

Ingredients1x2x3x

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

Video

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.

Equipment

Kitchen Scale (optional)
8×8-inch Baking Pan OR
9×9-inch Baking Pan
Hand Mixer

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.

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.

ingredients for peanut butter cookie dough in bowls on a white background. - 8

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.

a glass baking dish filled with peanut butter. - 9

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.

chocolate being poured over a brownie in a baking dish. - 10

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.

chocolate fudge in a glass baking dish. - 11

More No Bake Recipes To Try

Cookie Dough Dip
Peanut Butter Energy Balls
Edible Peanut Butter Cookie Dough
Christmas Bark
Salted Caramel No Bake Cheesecake
White Chocolate Mousse

peanut butter fudge stacked on top of each other. - 12

Peanut Butter Bars Recipe

Equipment

Kitchen Scale (optional)
8x8-inch Baking Pan OR
9x9-inch Baking Pan
Hand Mixer