No Bake Peanut Butter Bars (Printable)
Creamy peanut butter bars with a chocolate layer; chilled until set for an easy, make-ahead sweet bar.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Base
01 - 1 cup creamy peanut butter
02 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
03 - 2 cups powdered sugar
04 - 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
05 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Topping
06 - 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
07 - 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
# How To Make It:
01 - Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring excess paper extends over edges for effortless removal.
02 - In a large bowl, thoroughly combine melted unsalted butter and 1 cup creamy peanut butter until smooth.
03 - Stir powdered sugar and graham cracker crumbs into the peanut butter mixture. Add vanilla extract and mix until a cohesive, thick dough forms.
04 - Transfer dough to prepared pan and press evenly into corners, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
05 - Combine chocolate chips and 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Melt in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until fully smooth.
06 - Pour melted chocolate mixture over peanut butter base and spread evenly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.
07 - Remove from pan using parchment overhang. Cut into sixteen bars and serve.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Nobody will ever guess how little time you actually spent making these—friends will think you fussed for hours.
- The combo of creamy peanut butter and glossy chocolate is dangerously addictive, and you only need a handful of pantry staples.
02 -
- If your base mixture seems crumbly, add a bit more melted butter or peanut butter to bring it all together—dry bars are no fun.
- Chilling longer than 2 hours makes slicing even easier and keeps the layers beautifully sharp.
03 -
- Room temperature bars cut more cleanly, but chilled bars are less messy and have a satisfying snap.
- A pinch of sea salt sprinkled on top right before chilling gives incredible contrast and elevates every bite.