If you’re craving something sweet, nutty, and ridiculously easy, these No Bake Peanut Butter Bars are the treat you’ve been looking for. They taste like a homemade version of a peanut butter cup—but with way less effort and no oven required.
I still remember the first time I made these bars.
It was during a scorching summer in college when turning on the oven felt like punishment.
My roommates and I were craving something indulgent, and all we had were some pantry staples—peanut butter, graham crackers, chocolate chips, and butter.
After mixing everything and chilling it for an hour, we had a batch of rich, fudgy peanut butter bars that disappeared almost instantly.
Since then, they’ve become my go-to for potlucks, picnics, and even as homemade gifts.
Why you’ll love this
- No baking required: These bars come together easily with zero oven time.
- Just 6 simple ingredients: You probably already have everything in your pantry!
- Freezer-friendly: Make a big batch and freeze some for later.
- Tastes like a Reese’s cup: That perfect combo of peanut butter and chocolate can’t be beat.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours (including chilling)
Cuisines: American
Servings: 16 bars
Estimated Cost: $6-$8
Equipment:
- Mixing bowls
- Rubber spatula or spoon
- 8×8-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Make the peanut butter base: In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and graham cracker crumbs. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
- Press into the pan: Transfer the peanut butter mixture into the lined baking dish. Use a spatula to press it evenly and firmly into the pan.
- Melt the chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 20-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth. Alternatively, melt on the stovetop using a double boiler.
- Spread the chocolate: Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter base. Smooth it out with a spatula.
- Chill: Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours, or until fully set.
- Slice and enjoy: Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into squares and serve!
Nutrition Facts
Per Serving (1 bar out of 16):
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
(Note: Nutrition facts may vary depending on specific brands used.)
Tips for Success
- Use parchment paper: This makes it much easier to remove the bars cleanly from the pan.
- Chill thoroughly: Let them set in the fridge for at least 2 hours for clean, firm slices.
- Use high-quality chocolate: It makes a huge difference in taste and texture.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, crushed peanuts, or drizzle with white chocolate for a fun twist.
No Bake Peanut Butter Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar
- 1 ¼ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Make the peanut butter base: In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, peanut butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and graham cracker crumbs. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
- Press into the pan: Transfer the peanut butter mixture into the lined baking dish. Use a spatula to press it evenly and firmly into the pan.
- Melt the chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 20-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth. Alternatively, melt on the stovetop using a double boiler.
- Spread the chocolate: Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter base. Smooth it out with a spatula.
- Chill: Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours, or until fully set.
- Slice and enjoy: Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into squares and serve!
Notes
- Use parchment paper: This makes it much easier to remove the bars cleanly from the pan.
- Chill thoroughly: Let them set in the fridge for at least 2 hours for clean, firm slices.
- Use high-quality chocolate: It makes a huge difference in taste and texture.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, crushed peanuts, or drizzle with white chocolate for a fun twist.
Common Questions
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes! It adds great texture. Just be aware the bars may be slightly more crumbly.
How long do these bars last?
They keep well in the fridge for up to 7 days in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free graham crackers or substitute with gluten-free cookie crumbs.
What if I don’t have graham crackers?
Try crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even pretzels for a salty twist.
Thank you for stopping by and checking out this easy and indulgent dessert.
Whether you’re making these No Bake Peanut Butter Bars for yourself, your family, or a crowd, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
Wishing you lots of sweet, no-fuss kitchen success!
