No Bake Peanut Butter Bars

The first time I made these No Bake Peanut Butter Bars, the smell of peanut butter and chocolate took over the kitchen. They were creamy, rich, and had that perfect sweet-salty balance that made every bite melt in my mouth.

I made them on a hot afternoon when I didn’t want to turn on the oven, and they turned out even better than baked desserts. My family couldn’t stop sneaking pieces from the fridge.

If you love quick treats that taste like a peanut butter cup in bar form, these no bake bars are the easiest and most delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No Oven Required: Perfect for hot summer days or when you need a quick treat.
• Simple Ingredients: Just five pantry staples create this delicious dessert.
• Kid-Friendly: Easy enough for children to help make and always a hit with young ones.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare these bars a day or two in advance for stress-free entertaining.
• Budget-Friendly: Affordable ingredients that most kitchens already have on hand.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Servings: This recipe makes 16 bars when cut into squares. Need more for a big gathering? The recipe doubles easily and fits perfectly in a 9×13-inch pan.

Difficulty: Easy enough for beginners and perfect for getting kids involved in the kitchen.

Required Kitchen Tools

• 9×9-inch square baking pan
• Medium mixing bowl
• Microwave-safe bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil (optional, for easy removal)

Ingredients for No Bake Peanut Butter Bars

These bars come together with just five ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. The combination creates that perfect balance of sweet and salty that everyone loves.

Here’s what you’ll need (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

• Unsalted Butter: Melted butter binds the crust together and adds richness.
• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Forms the base and adds a subtle honey sweetness. You’ll need about 10-12 full graham crackers crushed into fine crumbs.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture for the peanut butter layer.
• Peanut Butter: Use creamy peanut butter for the smoothest texture. Natural peanut butter can be too oily for this recipe.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Melted into a glossy topping that hardens perfectly when chilled.

Variations for No Bake Peanut Butter Bars

• Add Crunch: Mix in crushed peanuts or Rice Krispies to the peanut butter layer for extra texture.
• Try Different Chocolate: Use milk chocolate chips for a sweeter topping or dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
• Make Them Fancy: Sprinkle sea salt flakes on top of the chocolate layer before it sets.
• Go Nutty: Swap peanut butter for almond butter or cashew butter for a different flavor profile.
• Add Vanilla: Mix half a teaspoon of vanilla extract into the peanut butter layer for extra depth.

How to Make No Bake Peanut Butter Bars Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan

Line your 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This makes removing the bars much easier later.

2. Make the Peanut Butter Layer

In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and peanut butter. Stir everything together until well mixed and the texture becomes thick and slightly crumbly.

3. Press into Pan

Pour the peanut butter mixture into your prepared pan. Use your hands or the back of a spoon to press it down firmly into an even layer. Make sure to get it into all the corners.

4. Melt the Chocolate

Place the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each one, until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted. This usually takes about 1 to 1.5 minutes total.

5. Add the Chocolate Topping

Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the entire surface, making sure it reaches all the edges.

6. Chill Until Set

Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate is completely firm to the touch.

7. Cut and Serve

Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut into 16 squares. For cleaner cuts, wipe the knife between slices.

Serving and Decoration

These bars are delicious straight from the fridge when the chocolate is firm and the peanut butter layer is cool and creamy. For a pretty presentation, you can dust the tops with a light sprinkle of sea salt or drizzle with white chocolate. Serve them on a platter for parties or wrap individual bars in plastic wrap for lunchbox treats.

How to Serve No Bake Peanut Butter Bars

These versatile bars work for many occasions:

• Afternoon Snack: Pair with a cold glass of milk for the perfect after-school treat.
• Dessert Platter: Cut into smaller bite-sized pieces for party trays.
• Gift Giving: Stack in a decorative tin or box for homemade gifts.
• Potluck Favorite: Transport easily and serve cold for best results.
• Coffee Break: Enjoy alongside your morning or afternoon coffee.

Storing No Bake Peanut Butter Bars

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. The bars need to stay cold to maintain their shape.
• Freezer: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
• Room Temperature: These bars will soften at room temperature, so keep them chilled until ready to serve.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use Regular Peanut Butter: Natural peanut butter has too much oil and will make the bars too soft. Stick with regular creamy peanut butter like Jif or Skippy.
• Press Firmly: Make sure to press the peanut butter layer down very firmly so the bars hold together when cut.
• Don’t Rush the Chilling: Let the bars chill for the full hour so the chocolate sets properly and they cut cleanly.
• Soften Butter Slightly: If your melted butter is too hot, let it cool for a minute before mixing with the other ingredients.
• Line the Pan: Using parchment paper makes removing and cutting the bars so much easier.
• Clean Cuts: For picture-perfect squares, warm your knife under hot water, dry it, then make your cuts.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is approximate and based on 16 servings.

No Bake Peanut Butter Bars FAQs

Conclusion

No Bake Peanut Butter Bars are a simple dessert that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. The combination of creamy peanut butter filling and rich chocolate topping creates a treat that tastes just like your favorite candy bar. Whether you’re making them for a party, packing them in lunchboxes, or just satisfying a sweet craving, these bars come together quickly and disappear even faster. Keep the ingredients on hand for whenever the mood strikes.