Quick & Easy No Bake Peanut Butter Bars - BeCentsational

Quick & Easy No Bake Peanut Butter Bars

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No Bake Peanut Butter Bars are the perfect solution when you need a quick and easy dessert that doesn’t require turning on the oven.

Whether you’re whipping up a sweet treat for a summer gathering, prepping desserts for Christmas or Thanksgiving, or simply craving a no-bake dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth, these bars have got you covered.

Their rich peanut butter flavor, combined with a luscious chocolate topping, makes them an irresistible option for any occasion.

These no-bake desserts are a favorite for busy weekdays or lazy weekends, offering a quick snack that everyone will love.

Plus, they’re a great addition to your collection of easy no-bake desserts and perfect as no-bake treats for the holidays.

A stack of No Bake Peanut Butter Bars on a plate, with a clear view of the creamy peanut butter base and the smooth chocolate layer on top.

No Bake Peanut Butter Bars Ingredients

Each ingredient in these No Bake Peanut Butter Bars plays a key role in delivering their delicious flavor and texture.

Here’s why you’ll love what’s in them:

Base Layer:

  • Butter: Provides a rich, creamy base and helps hold the mixture together.
  • Peanut Butter: The main flavor component, giving the bars their signature taste.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the mixture and creates a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • Graham Crackers: Adds a subtle crunch and helps balance the sweetness.

Chocolate Layer:

  • Chocolate Chips: Melts into a silky topping that pairs perfectly with the peanut butter base.
  • Peanut Butter: Adds a smooth, creamy texture to the chocolate layer, making it even more indulgent.
A stack of three No Bake Peanut Butter Bars on a white plate, highlighting the rich, creamy peanut butter layer with a thick chocolate topping.

Tips and Notes

Here are some tips to ensure your No Bake Peanut Butter Bars turn out perfectly every time:

  • Use Smooth Peanut Butter: It blends more easily with the other ingredients, ensuring a consistent texture.
  • Crush the Graham Crackers Well: Finely crushed crumbs create a smoother base, so be thorough.
  • Line the Pan Properly: Leave extra parchment or foil hanging over the edges of the pan for easy removal later.
  • Allow Enough Chill Time: Don’t rush the chilling process. Give the bars plenty of time to set in the fridge so they hold their shape when sliced.
  • Customize the Topping: Sprinkle some sea salt, chopped nuts, or even crushed pretzels over the chocolate layer for added texture and flavor.
A close-up shot of two No Bake Peanut Butter Bars on a plate, focusing on the distinct layers of peanut butter and chocolate.

How to Make No Bake Peanut Butter Bars

  1. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving some overhang on the sides.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the melted butter and 1 cup of peanut butter until smooth.
  3. Add the powdered sugar to the butter mixture, stirring until well combined.
  4. Stir in the graham cracker crumbs until the mixture is thick and dough-like.
  5. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan.
  6. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons of peanut butter.
  7. Microwave in 20-30 second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
  8. Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter base in the pan, spreading it evenly.
  9. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate is set.
  10. Lift the bars out of the pan using the overhanging paper or foil. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve.
A close-up of three No Bake Peanut Butter Bars stacked on a white plate, showcasing the smooth peanut butter base topped with a glossy chocolate layer.

Storage

  • Refrigerator: Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They’ll stay fresh and maintain their texture.
  • Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the bars in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last for up to 3 months.
  • Room Temperature: These bars can be left at room temperature for a few hours, making them great for parties or gatherings. However, for best results, serve them chilled to keep the chocolate firm.
Three No Bake Peanut Butter Bars neatly arranged on a white plate, each bar featuring a firm peanut butter base and a shiny chocolate top.
Yield: 16 servings

No Bake Peanut Butter Bars Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooling Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

No Bake Peanut Butter Bars are the perfect quick dessert or snack. With a buttery, peanut butter base topped with a smooth layer of chocolate, these bars are easy to make and require no oven time. Ideal for busy days, summer gatherings, or holiday treats, they’re a sweet indulgence everyone will love!

Ingredients

Base Layer

  • 1 cup of salted butter melted
  • 1 cup of creamy peanut butter
  • 2 cups of powdered sugar
  • 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs

Chocolate Layer

  • 1 cup of chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter

Instructions

  1. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving some overhang on the sides.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the melted butter and 1 cup of peanut butter until smooth.
  3. Add the powdered sugar to the butter mixture, stirring until well combined.
  4. Stir in the graham cracker crumbs until the mixture is thick and dough-like.
  5. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan.
  6. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons of peanut butter.
  7. Microwave in 20-30 second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
  8. Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter base in the pan, spreading it evenly.
  9. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate is set.
  10. Lift the bars out of the pan using the overhanging paper or foil. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve.

Notes

Here are some tips to ensure your No Bake Peanut Butter Bars turn out perfectly every time:

  • Use Smooth Peanut Butter: It blends more easily with the other ingredients, ensuring a consistent texture.
  • Crush the Graham Crackers Well: Finely crushed crumbs create a smoother base, so be thorough.
  • Line the Pan Properly: Leave extra parchment or foil hanging over the edges of the pan for easy removal later.
  • Allow Enough Chill Time: Don’t rush the chilling process. Give the bars plenty of time to set in the fridge so they hold their shape when sliced.
  • Customize the Topping: Sprinkle some sea salt, chopped nuts, or even crushed pretzels over the chocolate layer for added texture and flavor.

Nutrition Information

Yield

16

Serving Size

1

Amount Per Serving Calories 359Total Fat 25gSaturated Fat 11gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 11gCholesterol 31mgSodium 227mgCarbohydrates 33gFiber 2gSugar 23gProtein 5g

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