No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
Love the combination of chocolate and peanut butter? Then these Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars are a dream come true! They’re rich, decadent, and ridiculously easy to make.
These no-bake bars feature a creamy peanut butter layer topped with a silky smooth chocolate layer—every bite is pure bliss. Perfect for parties, dessert tables, or just when you’re craving something indulgent, these bars are a crowd-pleaser.
With simple pantry staples, minimal effort, and no oven required, they come together in under 20 minutes (plus chilling time). Whether you’re a peanut butter addict or a chocolate lover, this recipe will steal your heart.
Get ready to wow everyone with these bars that taste like a homemade peanut butter cup—but better. Let’s dive in and make magic happen!
Things You Need for This Recipe:
- An 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch square baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler for melting chocolate
- Spatula for spreading layers
- Fridge for chilling
Major Steps for This Recipe:
- Prepare the Peanut Butter Base:
Mix melted butter, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and graham cracker crumbs to form a smooth mixture. Spread it evenly into a parchment-lined square baking pan. - Make the Chocolate Topping:
Melt chocolate chips and peanut butter together until smooth, then pour the mixture over the peanut butter base, spreading evenly. - Chill and Slice:
Refrigerate the bars for 2 hours until the layers are firm. Once set, remove from the pan, slice into squares or bars, and enjoy!
Ellie’s Secret Tips on This Recipe:
- Use Smooth Peanut Butter: For the creamiest texture, stick to smooth, processed peanut butter instead of natural varieties that may separate.
- Parchment Paper Lining: Lining your baking pan with parchment paper ensures the bars come out easily and intact.
- Customize the Topping: Add a sprinkle of sea salt on the chocolate layer for that salty-sweet contrast. Or mix in chopped peanuts for a crunchy texture!
- Chill Patience: Let the bars chill completely before slicing. This will make sure they cut cleanly and hold their shape.
- Storage Tip: Keep these bars in the fridge for up to a week—they get even better as they sit! Or freeze them for up to a month for a treat anytime.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
Ingredients
For the Peanut Butter Layer:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
For the Chocolate Topping:
- 1 1/4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
Instructions
For the Peanut Butter Base:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and graham cracker crumbs. Stir until fully combined and smooth.
- Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
- Press the peanut butter mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan to create a firm base.
For the Chocolate Topping:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and peanut butter. Heat in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until melted and smooth. Alternatively, melt the mixture over a double boiler.
- Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the peanut butter base, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Chill and Slice:
- Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours, or until the layers are completely firm.
- Once chilled, remove the bars from the pan using the parchment paper.
- Slice into squares or bars using a sharp knife. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
