Description
These No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that combines a buttery graham cracker crumb base with a creamy peanut butter layer topped with a smooth chocolate ganache. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without turning on the oven, these bars are chilled until firm and make a delightful dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Base Layer
- 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) salted butter, melted
- 1 cup (120g) graham cracker crumbs (about 8 full sheet graham crackers)
- 2 cups (240g) confectioners’ sugar
- 1 cup (280g) creamy peanut butter
Topping
- 2 Tablespoons (approximately 56g) creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup (180g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the bars later. Set the pan aside.
- Make the Base Layer: In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, and confectioners’ sugar. Stir in 1 cup of creamy peanut butter until evenly combined. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared baking pan to form the base layer.
- Prepare the Chocolate Peanut Butter Topping: Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of peanut butter together with the semi-sweet chocolate chips either in the microwave or on the stove. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Spread the Topping: Pour and spread the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture evenly over the peanut butter base layer in the pan.
- Chill the Bars: Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill until the bars are completely firm, at least 2 hours.
- Serve: Remove the bars from the refrigerator and allow them to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before cutting to make slicing easier. These bars can also be left out for a few hours for serving if preferred.
- Store Leftovers: Cover any leftover bars tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Using parchment paper or foil makes it easier to lift the bars out of the pan without them breaking.
- Make sure the peanut butter and butter are at room temperature or melted to mix smoothly with the dry ingredients.
- You can use natural or crunchy peanut butter, but creamy peanut butter yields the smoothest texture.
- For sharper cuts, chill bars fully before slicing and warm slightly for easier handling.
- If desired, you can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate depending on your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
