No Bake Peanut Butter Bars

These No Bake Peanut Butter Bars are rich, creamy, and dangerously easy to make. A smooth peanut butter graham cracker crumb base, topped with a thick layer of chocolate makes the taste just like a homemade Reese's bar. They come together fast with no oven required - which makes them perfect for parties, quick gatherings, sweet afternoons treat, or whenever that chocolate + peanut butter craving hits.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword no bake peanut butter bars

Prep Time 20

Chill Time 1

Total Time 1 20

Servings

Calories 497kcal

Author Jessica - Together as Family

Ingredients

Peanut Butter Bars

2 cups finely crushed graham cracker crumbs
2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter melted

Chocolate Peanut Butter Topping

2 cups milk chocolate chips
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

Instructions

Spray a 9x13-inch baking pan lightly with nonstick spray. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal for cutting and serving.
^{*I like to spray the pan before laying down parchment paper as the spray helps it stick and stay in the pan, and then lightly spray the parchment paper.}

Peanut Butter Bars

In the bowl of a stand mixer using the paddle attachment, or use a large mixing bowl and an electric hand mixer, beat the graham crackers, powdered sugar, peanut butter, and melted butter until smooth and creamy; about 1-2 minutes.
2 cups finely crushed graham cracker crumbs, 2 cups powdered sugar, 1 cup creamy peanut butter, 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter
Dump the mixture into the prepared pan and lightly grease your clean hands with nonstick spray. Press the mixture into an even layer inside the pan.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Topping

In a microwave-safe bowl, add the milk chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
2 cups milk chocolate chips, 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer in the pan and spread it out evenly.
Place the bars in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to set.
Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy! Keep the bars stored in the fridge for best results. They will soften if kept out at room temperature.

Notes

You can use classic crunchy peanut butter for some added texture if wanted.
If you are using unsalted butter add a pinch of salt in with the graham cracker mixture.
These bars are delicious eaten chilled from the fridge, or set them out at room temperature for a softer texture.
Dark chocolate chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, or even peanut butter chips can all be used instead of milk chocolate depending on taste/sweetness preference.
These bars are rich, sweet, and decadent as is - but if you want something extra you could sprinkle some chopped miniature Reese's cups or mini peanut butter m&m's on top of the melted chocolate layer, before refrigerating.

Nutrition