No Bake Peanut Butter Bars

These easy No Bake Peanut Butter Bars combine the classic flavor combo of chocolate and peanut butter, and require just 5 simple ingredients!

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Prep Time 20

Additional Time 4 30

Total Time 4 50

Servings Bars

Calories 353

Author Dorothy Bigelow

Equipment

8X8 Baking Dish

Ingredients

Peanut Butter Base

½ cup butter
½ cup smooth peanut butter
1 cup crushed graham cracker crumbs approximately 1 sleeve/9 sheets
1 cup powdered sugar

Chocolate Layer

¾ cup semisweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

Instructions

Line an 8X8 glass baking dish with two overlapping pieces of parchment paper, and cut to size. Set aside.
Prepare the graham cracker crumbs by placing them in the bowl of a food processor. Process on high speed until they are fine crumbs. Transfer to a medium-sized mixing bowl.
Add the powdered sugar to the bowl with the graham cracker crumbs. Stir or whisk together.
Add the butter and peanut butter to a microwave-safe bowl, and microwave in 30 seconds increments until the butter is melted and the peanut butter is pourable.
Add the melted peanut butter and butter to the graham cracker and powdered sugar mixture. Use a rubber spatula to fold the mixture together.
Once all the crumbs are moistened and the mixture is thoroughly combined, add the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
Use the back of the silicone spatula or your fingers to press the mixture into the pan, ensuring it is spread evenly.
Cover and place in the fridge to chill for 15-20 minutes.
Once the peanut butter base has chilled, it's time to make the chocolate and peanut butter layer. Add the chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons of peanut butter to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second increments in the microwave, stirring in between each time. Once the mixture is melted and smooth, it's ready to pour on top of the bars.
Pour the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture on top of the chilled peanut butter base. Spread it out evenly with a silicone spatula.
Place the dish in the fridge and chill for an additional 15 minutes.
Remove the dish from the fridge and cut into 9 bars. To do this, cut in thirds both lengthwise and widthwise.
Cover the dish and place in the fridge. Chill until completely firm, approximately 3-4 hours.
Serve and enjoy! Keep your bars in the fridge until you are ready to serve, as they can melt very easily.

Video

Notes

Storage:

Keep your bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Do not store at room temperature, as the bars melt very easily. Freeze for longer term storage.

Freezing:

Once they are chilled and firm, you can wrap the peanut butter bars individually in plastic wrap and place in an airtight freezer bag, OR you can freeze in an airtight container with waxed paper in between each layer. Thaw and enjoy within 2 months.

Double the Recipe:

To double the recipe, simply double all of the ingredients and prepare using a 9X13 baking dish or pan.

Nutrition