Introduction

No-bake chocolate peanut butter bars are a quick and delicious treat perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without turning on the oven. These layered bars combine a rich peanut butter base with a smooth chocolate topping, making them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Three stacked dessert bars are shown in close-up on a white marbled surface, each bar having two layers. The bottom thick layer is light tan and crumbly with a rich peanut butter-like texture. The top thinner layer is smooth and dark brown, resembling chocolate ganache with a slight glossy finish. The bars are slightly uneven with natural crumbs visible, and the background is pure white, making the bars stand out sharply. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) salted butter, melted
1 cup (120g) graham cracker crumbs (about 8 full sheet graham crackers)
2 cups (240g) confectioners’ sugar
1 cup + 2 Tablespoons (280g) creamy peanut butter, divided
1 cup (180g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

Step 1: Line an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper and set aside.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, and confectioners’ sugar until well combined. Stir in 1 cup of creamy peanut butter, then press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
Step 3: Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of peanut butter together with the chocolate chips in the microwave or on the stove, stirring until smooth. Spread this chocolate mixture evenly over the peanut butter layer.
Step 4: Chill the bars in the refrigerator until completely firm, at least 2 hours. Before cutting, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Serve chilled. They can also be left out at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a more intense chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.
Try adding a pinch of sea salt on top of the chocolate layer for a salty-sweet contrast.
If you prefer a crunchy texture, add chopped peanuts to the peanut butter layer.

Storage

Store leftover bars tightly wrapped or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat slightly at room temperature before serving if desired, but they are best enjoyed chilled.

How to Serve

The image shows about sixteen square peanut butter bars stacked in three neat piles on a white marbled surface. Each bar has two visible layers: a thick, dense peanut butter base with a light golden brown color and a smooth, thin dark chocolate layer on top. One bar in the middle has a bite taken out, showing texture inside the peanut butter layer. There is a small dollop of creamy peanut butter in the top left corner of the image. All squares have clean edges, and the chocolate layer reflects a soft sheen. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, but natural peanut butter may make the bars a bit softer due to its oil content. For best results, use creamy peanut butter that is well mixed.

Do I have to use graham cracker crumbs?

Graham cracker crumbs give a classic flavor and texture, but you can substitute with crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers if preferred.

No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 143 reviews

These No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars are a simple, delicious treat combining a crunchy graham cracker base with creamy peanut butter and a rich chocolate topping. Perfect for when you want a quick dessert without turning on the oven.

Author: Daniel
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Base Layer

1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) salted butter, melted
1 cup (120g) graham cracker crumbs (about 8 full sheet graham crackers)
2 cups (240g) confectioners’ sugar
1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter

Chocolate Topping

1 cup (180g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 Tablespoons (30g) creamy peanut butter

Instructions

Prepare the Pan: Line an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier. Set it aside.
Mix Base Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the melted salted butter, graham cracker crumbs, and confectioners’ sugar. Stir everything together until evenly mixed. Then, stir in 1 cup (250g) of creamy peanut butter until fully incorporated.
Press Base into Pan: Evenly press the mixture into the prepared baking pan forming a smooth, compact base layer.
Melt Topping Ingredients: Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons (30g) of creamy peanut butter together with the semi-sweet chocolate chips either in the microwave in short bursts or on the stovetop using a double boiler, stirring until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
Spread Topping: Pour and spread the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture evenly over the peanut butter base layer in the pan.
Chill and Set: Refrigerate the bars until completely firm, which takes at least 2 hours. For best cutting results, allow the bars to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before slicing.
Storage and Serving: Serve chilled or allow the bars to come to room temperature for a few hours if preferred. Store leftover bars covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Notes

Ensure the peanut butter is creamy for optimal spreadability and texture.
Using parchment paper makes it easier to lift the bars out of the pan.
You can swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk or dark chocolate to adjust sweetness.
If bars are too firm after refrigeration, let them sit at room temperature for a bit to soften before cutting.
These bars are perfect for make-ahead desserts and can be frozen for longer storage.

Keywords: No-Bake, Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars, Easy Dessert, No Oven Dessert, Peanut Butter Chocolate Recipe