This post may contain affiliate links.
Picture these No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars: a delectable layer of creamy peanut butter mixed with crunchy graham crackers and a smooth chocolate topping, all sprinkled with goodies!
No-bake peanut butter bars are a perfect sweet treat that’s not only mouthwateringly delicious but also super easy to whip up.
Ideal for peanut butter lovers, this recipe uses simple ingredients to create a dessert that’s sure to become one of your favorite recipes.
I can’t tell you just how much I love peanut butter. Just ask my husband. It’s a “thing” with me, haha!
So when I can make a dessert like this, one that I don’t have to bake, I’m all over it faster than you would believe.
A good no-bake dessert is perfect for any time of year, but I’d say it’s especially great in the summer. No hot oven needed!
The texture has to be mentioned, too. Between the peanut butter, chocolate, toffee, and pecans, this recipe is pure heaven!
Whether you’re looking for a delicious treat to cool off with on a hot day or you need a quick and easy dessert for a potluck, these No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars are just the ticket.
Some of our other favorite peanut butter recipes we have on our site include: Peanut Butter Chocolate Instant Pudding Pie (No Bake), Baked Peanut Butter Doughnuts with Glaze, and Best No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe.
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- Pantry Ingredients: Uses everyday items for a quick mix-and-chill recipe.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable for those looking to try a new recipe.
- Perfect for Gatherings: A great treat to share, no matter the occasion.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- Unsalted butter
- Graham crackers
- Powdered sugar
- Creamy peanut butter
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Pecans (chopped)
- Toffee bits
- Peanut butter chips
HOW TO MAKE NO-BAKE PEANUT BUTTER BARS:
- In a large mixing bowl with an electric hand mixer, combine butter, graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and 1 cup of peanut butter.
- Press on to the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish as evenly as you can. I use the bottom of a large glass to help me flatten the layer out.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine ¼ cup of peanut butter and the chocolate chips.
- Melt on high in 20-second increments, stirring in between. Repeat until smooth.
- Spread the chocolate mixture all over the top of the graham cracker mixture.
- Sprinkle pecans, peanut butter chips, and toffee bits all over the top of the chocolate layer.
- Refrigerate for at least an hour or longer if possible to set.
- Cut into bars and serve.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
CAN I ADD OTHER TOPPINGS?
Yes! From Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup pieces to a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the peanut butter layer, the possibilities are endless.
Check out my list of potential additions down below!
CAN I USE CRUNCHY PEANUT BUTTER?
Indeed, crunchy peanut butter can add a yummy texture to your bars, making them even more irresistible.
I know there is always that big question: crunchy or smooth? Well, lucky for you, that question doesn’t need to be answered. You can go for whatever you like!
DO THESE NEED TO BE KEPT REFRIGERATED?
Absolutely, keeping them in the refrigerator ensures they stay firm and delicious.
If they get warm for too long, they tend to get pretty gooey.
Don’t get me wrong, that can be super tasty! It will be easier to eat them, though, if they are nice and chilled.
ANY ADDITIONS?
This chocolatey peanut butter dessert can definitely stand to have some things added to it.
- Reese’s peanut butter cups, chopped
- A drizzle of melted chocolate for an extra chocolate layer
- Sweet treats like white chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips on top
- Coconut oil mixed into the chocolate topping for a smoother finish
- Vanilla extract in the peanut butter base for added depth of flavor
ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
For sure! I always like having some options here. Especially for those with food intolerances!
- Almond butter for a different nutty flavor
- Coconut oil instead of melted butter for a dairy-free option
- Certified gluten-free oats instead of graham cracker crumbs for a gluten-free base
- Vegan chocolate chips for a vegan-friendly chocolate layer
- Parchment paper lining for easy removal from the baking dish
HOW TO STORE:
Refrigerator: Wrap the bars in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Freezer: For a longer storage option, freeze the bars on a baking dish before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Use a microwave-safe bowl for melting the chocolate to achieve a smooth chocolate topping.
- If using a food processor, pulse the graham crackers until you have fine crumbs.
- To ensure the peanut butter base is firm, press firmly into the pan using the back of a spoon or the bottom of a flat object.
- For an extra layer of flavor, add a layer of homemade peanut butter cups or peanut butter buckeyes.
- Remember, the hardest part of this recipe is waiting for it to chill in the refrigerator!
No-bake peanut butter bars are the perfect example of what makes no-bake desserts so appealing.
With the creamy goodness of peanut butter combined with the rich taste of melted chocolate, these bars are the perfect easy dessert for any occasion.
Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a casual hangout with friends, or just as a delicious treat to enjoy at home, these peanut butter bars are sure to be a hit.
So why not give them a try and discover your new favorite candy bar alternative?
If you like this recipe, you might also like:
If you’ve tried this NO-BAKE PEANUT BUTTER BARS, let me know how it turned out in the comments! You can follow me over on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK to find some more of our mouthwatering recipes!
No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars with Chocolate
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 ¼ cups creamy peanut butter
- 1 & ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup chopped pecans
- ¼ cup peanut butter chips
- ¼ cup toffee bits
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl with an electric hand mixer, combine butter, graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and 1 cup of peanut butter.1 cup unsalted butter, 2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 2 cups powdered sugar, 1 ¼ cups creamy peanut butter
- Press on to the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray, as evenly as you can. I use the bottom of a flat glass to help me flatten the layer out.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine ¼ cup of peanut butter and the chocolate chips.1 & ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Melt on high in 20-second increments, stirring in between. Repeat until smooth.
- Spread the chocolate mixture all over the top of the graham cracker mixture.
- Sprinkle pecans, peanut butter chips, and toffee bits all over the top of the chocolate layer.¼ cup chopped pecans, ¼ cup peanut butter chips, ¼ cup toffee bits
- Refrigerate for at least an hour or longer if possible to set.
- Cut into bars and serve.
Notes
- Use a microwave-safe bowl for melting the chocolate to achieve a smooth chocolate topping.
- If using a food processor, pulse the graham crackers until you have fine crumbs.
- To ensure the peanut butter base is firm, press firmly into the pan using the back of a spoon or the bottom of a flat object.
- For an extra layer of flavor, add a layer of homemade peanut butter cups or peanut butter buckeyes.
- Remember, the hardest part of this recipe is waiting for it to chill in the refrigerator!
Nutrition
Love This Recipe?
Follow @ThisSillyGirlsKitchen on Instagram and @danadevolk on Pinterest for more!
