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4.75 from 4 votes

Classic No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars Recipe

These delightful no-bake peanut butter bars are a quick and satisfying treat, perfect for any occasion and ready in minutes with no oven required!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Chill Time: 45 minutes

Yields: 15 bars

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Ingredients

• 2 cups crushed graham crackers
• 1 cup unsalted butter melted (2 sticks)
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1½ cups crunchy peanut butter
• 1¾ cups powdered sugar
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter melted*

US Customary – Metric

Equipment

• Kitchen Scale (optional, for precision)
• 9×13 Baking Pan

Instructions

• Prepare your 9×13-inch baking pan by spraying it generously with nonstick spray or lining it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars later. Set aside.
  
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, melted unsalted butter, pure vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Stir these ingredients thoroughly until the graham cracker crumbs are evenly moistened.
  2 cups crushed graham crackers, 1 cup unsalted butter, ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  
• Next, add the crunchy peanut butter to the mixture. Stir until well incorporated, ensuring the peanut butter is evenly distributed throughout the graham cracker base.
  1½ cups crunchy peanut butter
  
• Gradually add the powdered sugar to the bowl. Stir diligently until all ingredients are completely combined and a thick, uniform peanut butter mixture forms.
  1¾ cups powdered sugar
  
• Transfer the peanut butter mixture into the prepared baking pan. Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, firmly press the mixture into an even, compact layer across the bottom of the pan. Ensure it’s tightly packed. Set this base aside while you prepare the chocolate topping.
  
• In a medium-sized, microwave-safe bowl, melt the semisweet chocolate chips. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is completely smooth and runny. Be careful not to overheat.
  2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• Once the chocolate is melted, add the ⅓ cup of creamy peanut butter to it. Stir vigorously until the chocolate and peanut butter are fully combined into a glossy, smooth mixture. Allow this topping to sit for about 5-10 minutes to cool slightly (refer to our expert tip above for best results). After cooling, pour the mixture over the prepared peanut butter base and spread it evenly to create a beautiful, uniform chocolate layer.
  ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter
  
• Carefully transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for 30-45 minutes, or until the chocolate layer is completely firm and set.
  
• Once chilled, remove the pan from the refrigerator. If you used parchment paper, lift the entire slab out of the pan. Using a sharp knife, cut the large slab into 12-15 individual bars. Serve chilled or at room temperature and enjoy your homemade no-bake treats!

Notes and Tips for Perfection

*Ingredient Variations: You can experiment with any kind of nut butter (almond, cashew), seed butter (sunflower seed), or even cookie butter (speculoos, Biscoff) to customize the flavor profile of these bars!

Pro Tips for the Best Bars:

• **Airtight Storage is Key:** When storing these bars in the refrigerator, always ensure they are in a truly airtight container. Exposure to air can quickly alter their delightful consistency, making them dry or less flavorful.
• **Choose Your Favorite Peanut Butter:** The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Any brand of peanut butter will work wonders, so simply pick your favorite to ensure you absolutely love the final product. For a richer flavor, consider using a good quality natural peanut butter, just be sure to stir it well if it separates.
• **Customizable Toppings:** Before refrigerating the bars, while the chocolate topping is still slightly warm, sprinkle on some roasted peanuts, mini chocolate chips, or even colorful sprinkles for an extra textural crunch and visual appeal! Other fantastic additions include coconut flakes, a pinch of flaky sea salt for a gourmet touch, or whatever other sweet desires your heart holds.
• **Perfect for Lunchboxes:** These bars are an excellent option for lunchbox treats! Simply wrap individual bars in plastic wrap or place them in a small baggie for a delightful surprise. They hold up well and are a much-loved sweet escape during the day.

Storage Instructions: Store leftover peanut butter bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer enjoyment, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. When ready to serve from frozen, simply let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator or for a few hours at room temperature for optimal texture and flavor.

Nutrition Facts

No Bake Peanut Butter Bars Recipe

Amount Per Serving (1 bar)

Calories 539
Calories from Fat 342

% Daily Value*

Fat 38g58%

Saturated Fat 16g100%

Trans Fat 1g

Polyunsaturated Fat 5g

Monounsaturated Fat 14g

Cholesterol 34mg11%

Sodium 272mg12%

Potassium 386mg11%

Carbohydrates 43g14%

Fiber 5g21%

Sugar 28g31%

Protein 10g20%

Vitamin A 390IU8%

Calcium 43mg4%

Iron 3mg17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Author: Becky Hardin

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How to Make No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars: A Detailed Guide

Creating these delightful no-bake peanut butter bars is a simple process, but following these detailed steps and tips will ensure your bars turn out perfectly every time. From selecting your ingredients to the final chilling, we’ll walk you through each stage to guarantee a delicious result.

1. Prepare Your Pan and Gather Ingredients

First things first, get your workspace ready. Line a standard 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides. This thoughtful step will make it incredibly easy to lift the entire batch of bars out of the pan once they’re chilled and ready to cut. Alternatively, you can lightly grease the pan with nonstick cooking spray. Next, gather all your ingredients to ensure a smooth and efficient cooking process. Make sure your butter is melted and your graham crackers are crushed. For crushing, a food processor works wonders for even crumbs, or you can place them in a Ziploc bag and crush with a rolling pin for a fun, hands-on activity.

2. Create the Graham Cracker Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of the crushed graham crackers with 1 cup of melted unsalted butter, ½ teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt. The salt is crucial here, as it balances the sweetness and enhances the nutty flavor of the peanut butter. Stir these ingredients together thoroughly until the graham cracker crumbs are evenly coated and moistened by the butter and vanilla. This ensures a cohesive and flavorful base that won’t crumble apart. You want the mixture to resemble wet sand.

3. Incorporate the Peanut Butter

Now it’s time for the star ingredient! Add 1½ cups of crunchy peanut butter to the graham cracker mixture. The crunchy peanut butter adds a wonderful textural contrast, providing delightful little bursts of peanut goodness in every bite. Stir everything again until the peanut butter is completely integrated with the graham cracker base. Ensure there are no dry spots and the mixture is uniformly combined. This step is key to getting that rich, dense peanut butter flavor throughout your bars.

4. Sweeten with Powdered Sugar

To achieve the perfect texture and sweetness, gradually add 1¾ cups of powdered sugar to the bowl. Powdered sugar, also known as confectioners’ sugar, helps to create a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth consistency without any grittiness. Stir the mixture again until all the powdered sugar is fully incorporated and the mixture becomes thick and well-combined. You might need to use a sturdy spoon or even your hands (wearing gloves, of course!) to ensure everything is thoroughly mixed into a dense, workable dough.

5. Press the Base into the Pan

Transfer the entire peanut butter mixture into your prepared baking pan. Using a spatula, the back of a spoon, or even your clean hands, firmly and evenly press the mixture into the bottom of the pan. It’s important to create a compact, uniform layer to ensure your bars hold their shape beautifully. A tight base prevents crumbling and provides a solid foundation for the chocolate topping. Once pressed, set the pan aside while you prepare the glorious chocolate layer.

6. Prepare and Pour the Chocolate Topping

In a medium-sized, microwave-safe bowl, melt 2 cups of semisweet chocolate chips. Heat them in 30-second increments, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is completely runny and smooth. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate over a double boiler for a more controlled melt. Once melted, stir in ⅓ cup of creamy peanut butter until the chocolate and peanut butter are thoroughly combined into a glossy, smooth mixture. This adds an extra layer of peanut butter flavor and helps achieve a softer chocolate topping. Now, this is crucial: let the chocolate mixture cool for 5-10 minutes before pouring it over the peanut butter layer. This slight cooling period prevents the chocolate from cracking when chilled, resulting in a perfect, smooth finish. Once cooled slightly, pour the mixture over the peanut butter layer and spread it evenly with a spatula.

7. Chill and Serve

Carefully transfer your pan of layered goodness to the refrigerator. Chill for 30-45 minutes, or until the chocolate layer is completely firm and set. The chilling process is essential for the bars to firm up and for the layers to meld together perfectly. Once chilled, remove the pan from the refrigerator. If you used parchment paper, simply lift the entire slab out. Using a sharp knife, cut the large slab into 12-15 individual bars, depending on your desired size. Serve them chilled or at room temperature, and watch them disappear! These no-bake peanut butter bars are truly a treat that everyone will adore.

Storing Your No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars for Freshness

One of the many benefits of these no-bake peanut butter bars is how well they store, making them perfect for preparing ahead or enjoying over several days. To maintain their delicious texture and freshness, proper storage is key.

Refrigerator Storage: Leftover peanut butter bars should always be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This prevents them from drying out and helps maintain their firm, delightful consistency. Stored correctly, they will remain fresh and tasty for up to 5 days. You can stack them with parchment paper in between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezer Storage: For longer-term storage, these bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen treat, simply transfer the desired number of bars to the refrigerator overnight to thaw. Alternatively, you can let them sit at room temperature for about an hour if you prefer them slightly softer.

Ensuring your bars are always kept in an airtight environment is crucial. Any exposure to air can lead to them becoming dry or developing an off-texture, so double-check your containers and wraps!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about making and enjoying no-bake peanut butter bars:

• Can I use natural peanut butter? Yes, you can! However, natural peanut butter (the kind that separates) might make the bars a bit softer or greasier due to its higher oil content. If using, make sure to stir it very well to re-incorporate the oil before measuring. You might also need to add a touch more powdered sugar to compensate for the texture.
• What kind of chocolate chips are best? Semisweet chocolate chips are generally recommended as they provide a balanced sweetness. However, you can use milk chocolate for a sweeter bar or dark chocolate for a richer, more intense flavor. White chocolate chips could also be an interesting variation for the topping.
• How do I get clean cuts? For the cleanest slices, ensure the bars are thoroughly chilled. You can also run your knife under hot water, wipe it clean, and then make each cut. This helps the knife glide through the chocolate without dragging.
• Can I add other mix-ins? Absolutely! Feel free to fold in mini marshmallows, chopped nuts, or even pretzels for an extra salty crunch into the peanut butter base. For the topping, consider adding sprinkles, flaky sea salt, or a drizzle of white chocolate.
• Are these bars gluten-free? If you use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free! All other ingredients are typically gluten-free, but always check labels to be sure.