When you are craving peanut butter and chocolate there is no need to run to the store for a candy bar. You can make your own right at home! Enjoy these no-bake peanut butter bars any time of year. They make a great surprise after school snack!
Why This Recipe
Only five ingredients. You don't need a long list of ingredients to pull off a delicious dessert treat. This no-bake peanut butter bars recipe is simple and only requires five ingredients.
Fast to make. You'll only need a few minutes of time microwaving, mixing and stirring ingredients to make this recipe. You can have it finished and chilling in the refrigerator before your guests arrive even if you start ten minutes before they pull in the driveaway.
Crave-worthy treat. The combination of chocolate and peanut butter is a hard one to beat. This is one of those special treats your guests or children will talk about for years to come. It tastes much more complicated to make. It's not.
How to Make No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars
Ingredients for No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars
Graham Crackers. Do not buy the ones with extra cinnamon. Just plain.
Peanut Butter. You can use your favorite brand of peanut butter for this recipe. I do not recommend crunchy peanut butter.
Butter. A dairy-free substitute can also be used.
Powdered Sugar. You cannot substitute regular sugar as it will make your no-bake peanut butter bars grainy. However, if that is all you have, you can throw it in your food processor and make your own powdered sugar right at home.
Chocolate Chips. I like semi-sweet chocolate chips for this recipe because it gives just a little balance to the sweetness, but you can use whichever you like.
Parchment Paper. If you use this to line your pan you will find it much easier to remove the peanut butter bars. But it's not a firm requirement.
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Line a 9x13” baking dish with parchment paper
- Crush graham crackers and melt butter.
- In a medium mixing bowl combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, ¾ cup of peanut butter and powdered sugar.
- Mix with a mixing spoon until they are well combined.
- Place this dough mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Spread the dough out to cover the bottom of the dish.
- Press the dough firmly into the bottom to compress it.
- In a small saucepan (you can absolutely use the same dish you melted butter in!) combine the chocolate chips and the remaining 2 tablespoons of peanut butter.
- Allow this to melt over low heat. Be sure to stir often to avoid burning!
- When the chocolate chips and peanut butter can be stirred and is melted completely and smooth, remove from heat and pour this mixture over the graham cracker mixture. Spread with a rubber spoon until it is uniformly spread.
- Place the squares in the refrigerator for about 90 minutes to allow it to harden. Cut into small squares and enjoy.
- These should be stored in an airtight container and hold up best when they are refrigerated.
Equipment Needed
- 9 x 13 Baking Dish
- Parchment Paper
- Mixing Bowl
- Saucepan
- Rubber Spoon
Tips for the No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars
If you save the butter wrapper, it's the perfect tool to press the peanut butter dough into the pan and smooth it out. You can also spread it out with a rubber spoon as the recipe suggests.
FAQ
Can I make no-bake peanut butter bars gluten-free?
Yes. Just use gluten-free graham crackers and your bars will be gluten-free. That's the only substitution needed. You can find these in the natural foods/gluten-free section of your supermarket. If your supermarket doesn't have a good GF selection, try Amazon.
Can I make no-bake peanut butter bars dairy-free?
Yes. You will need to make at least two substitutions. Substitute the butter with a non-dairy butter. Substitute the chocolate chips with allergen-friendly chocolate chips that do not contain milk. You will also need to double check the label on your graham crackers to make sure they do not contain dairy. When in doubt, read the labels if you are baking for someone with food allergies.
How do I store leftover no-bake peanut butter bars?
You can keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for several days or you can refrigerate the container if you prefer.
Can I freeze no-bake peanut butter bars with chocolate?
Yes. You can freeze individual bars for up to three months in an airtight container. They don't even have to be thawed all the way to be eaten.
More Chocolate and Peanut Butter Goodness
Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls
Peanut Butter Cake Mix Cookies
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Don't forget to bookmark this recipe.
📖 Recipe
No Bake Peanut Butter Bars
Equipment
- Parchment Paper
- baking dish
- Mixing Bowl
- Spoon
Ingredients
- 9 graham crackers crushed (9 graham crackers)
- ¾ cup peanut butter
- ½ cup butter melted
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
Instructions
- Line a 9x13” baking dish with parchment paper
- Crush graham crackers and melt butter.
- In a medium mixing bowl combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, ¾ cup of peanut butter and powdered sugar.
- Mix with a mixing spoon until they are well combined.
- Place this dough mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Spread the dough out to cover the bottom of the dish.
- Press the dough firmly into the bottom to compress it.
- In a small saucepan (you can absolutely use the same dish you melted butter in!) combine the chocolate chips and the remaining 2 tablespoons of peanut butter.
- Allow this to melt over low heat. Be sure to stir often to avoid burning!
- When the chocolate chips and peanut butter can be stirred and is melted completely and smooth, remove from heat and pour this mixture over the graham cracker mixture. Spread with a rubber spoon until it is uniformly spread.
- Place the squares in the refrigerator for about 90 minutes to allow it to harden. Cut into small squares and enjoy.
Notes
Nutrition
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Cassie
This looks like something I used to make as a teenager. The ingredients are different, but it looks so similar. Thanks for the memory and I can't wait to give them a try!
~ Cassie | letsgrowmom.com
RICHELLA J PARHAM
These look delicious! I am a lover of peanut butter, and so are my sons. I'll have to try these!
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