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No Bake Peanut Butter Bars

These no bake peanut butter bars come together quickly with simple ingredients, relying on melting, mixing, and chilling to create a rich, fudgy treat. The main components—peanut butter, graham crackers, and chocolate—combine to form a creamy, crumbly crust topped with glossy chocolate. They have a nostalgic, peanut buttery flavor with a fudge-like texture and a satisfying bite.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 16
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup peanut butter creamy, slightly salty
  • 1/2 cup butter unsalted, melted
  • 2 cups graham crackers crushed into fine crumbs
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips for the topping
  • pinch sea salt optional, for topping

Equipment

  • 20 cm (8 inch) square pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Spatula
  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Parchment paper

Method
 

  1. Line your square pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal.
  2. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the peanut butter and butter together in 20-second bursts, stirring each time, until smooth and warm—this helps the mixture become silky and easy to combine.
  3. In a separate bowl, crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs using a rolling pin or food processor, creating a fragrant, buttery aroma.
  4. Add the graham cracker crumbs to the melted peanut butter mixture and stir until evenly coated—this forms the crumbly crust that will hold everything together.
  5. Transfer the peanut butter mixture into your prepared pan, then press it down firmly with a spatula or your fingers to create an even, compact layer—this step ensures no air pockets remain.
  6. Pop the pan into the fridge for 15-20 minutes to let the crust set slightly and become firm.
  7. Meanwhile, melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl using 15-second bursts, stirring each time until the chocolate is smooth and glossy—this creates a luscious topping.
  8. Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the chilled crust, using a spatula to spread and smooth the surface for a glossy, inviting finish.
  9. If desired, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt or chopped nuts on top, gently pressing them into the chocolate to enhance flavor and texture.
  10. Return the pan to the fridge and chill for at least 1 hour until the chocolate is fully set and the bars are firm.
  11. Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang, place on a cutting board, and cut into squares—neatly and cleanly, for the best presentation.
  12. Enjoy these rich, fudgy peanut butter bars straight from the fridge—they’re perfect for satisfying sweet cravings with minimal fuss!

Notes

For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips. To add more texture, sprinkle chopped peanuts or mini marshmallows before the final chill. These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for longer storage.