Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars are the ultimate no-bake treat, combining rich, creamy peanut butter with a smooth chocolate topping and a buttery, sweet base. Perfect for satisfying dessert cravings, these bars come together quickly and are ideal for parties, potlucks, or late-night indulgence.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

graham cracker crumbs
powdered sugar
unsalted butter (melted)
creamy peanut butter
semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
peanut butter (for chocolate topping)

directions

Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.

In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, melted butter, and peanut butter. Mix until well combined and smooth.

Press the peanut butter mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared dish and smooth the top with a spatula.

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and a spoonful of peanut butter in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth.

Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and spread evenly.

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.

Once set, remove from the pan and slice into bars.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 16 bars.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Chilling time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Variations

Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
Add crushed pretzels or chopped peanuts to the base for a salty crunch.
Swap chocolate chips for white or dark chocolate.
Add a swirl of caramel or Nutella before chilling.
Top with flaky sea salt for contrast.

storage/reheating

Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
For a softer texture, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Can be frozen for up to 2 months—thaw in the fridge before enjoying.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but make sure it’s well-stirred and not too oily for best texture.

Do I have to use graham crackers?
You can substitute crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers.

Can I make these dairy-free?
Use vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips to make it dairy-free.

Will the bars be too sweet?
The sweetness is balanced, but you can reduce powdered sugar slightly if preferred.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust chilling time if needed.

Are these gluten-free?
Use gluten-free graham crackers to make the recipe gluten-free.

Conclusion

Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars are a no-bake classic that’s as easy to make as it is irresistible to eat. With their creamy, rich layers and simple ingredients, they’re a go-to dessert that never fails to impress—perfect for any time you need a little sweet and salty fix.

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