Easy No Bake Peanut Butter Bars

Looking for a quick and delicious treat that doesn’t require any baking? These Easy No Bake Peanut Butter Bars are the perfect combination of creamy peanut butter and sweet chocolate—made with minimal effort!

Imagine a rich, peanut buttery filling topped with a smooth chocolate layer, all set in the fridge to firm up. These bars are the ultimate no-bake dessert that’s both satisfying and simple to make.

With just a few ingredients, these bars come together in no time and are perfect for when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to turn on the oven. The peanut butter and chocolate combination will leave you wanting more with every bite!

Ready to make a treat that’s both easy and irresistible? Let’s whip up these Easy No Bake Peanut Butter Bars and enjoy a sweet, creamy snack in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast and Foolproof: No baking needed, no fancy tools—just mix, chill, and slice.
• Sweet and Salty Perfection: Creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate give you that classic combo everyone loves.
• Great for Make-Ahead: Store them in the fridge and enjoy all week.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for birthdays, holiday trays, or lunchbox treats.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Let the little ones help press and pour—it’s that easy.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Chill Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Servings:
This recipe makes 16 bars. Great for sharing or storing in the fridge for later.

Difficulty:
Very easy. Great for beginners or when you don’t want to turn on the oven.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Mixing bowl
• Rubber spatula or spoon
• 8×8 inch baking dish
• Parchment paper (for easy removal)
• Microwave-safe bowl (for melting chocolate)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients for Easy No Bake Peanut Butter Bars

Here’s everything you need to make this rich, fudgy dessert (exact amounts are in the recipe card below):

• Butter (melted): Helps bind the base and adds rich flavor.
• Graham Cracker Crumbs: These make the base thick and sturdy, with a bit of crunch.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds smooth sweetness without the grit.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: Forms the heart of the base—rich, nutty, and satisfying.
• Milk Chocolate Chips: Melted on top for a sweet, glossy finish.

How to Make Easy No Bake Peanut Butter Bars (Step-by-Step Instructions)

1. Mix the Base

In a large bowl, stir together melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and peanut butter. Stir until the mixture looks smooth and fully combined. It should be thick and scoopable.

2. Press into Pan

Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper. Spoon the peanut butter mixture into the pan. Press it down evenly using the back of a spoon or a spatula until smooth and level.

3. Melt the Chocolate

Add the chocolate chips to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until melted and glossy. Be careful not to burn it.

4. Spread Chocolate on Top

Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter base. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, making sure every corner is covered.

5. Chill

Place the pan in the fridge. Let the bars chill for at least 1 hour, or until firm enough to slice cleanly.

Variations for Peanut Butter Bars

• Crunchy Style: Use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for a bit of texture.
• Dark Chocolate Top: Swap milk chocolate chips for dark chocolate for a deeper flavor.
• Nut-Free Option: Use sunflower seed butter or cookie butter instead of peanut butter.
• Graham-Free Base: Try crushed pretzels or vanilla wafers in place of graham crumbs.
• Layered Look: Add a second chocolate layer with white chocolate drizzle once the first layer sets.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Bars

• Chilled Treat: Serve straight from the fridge for a firm, candy-bar feel.
• Room Temp Softness: Let them sit for 10 minutes if you prefer them slightly softer.
• With Ice Cream: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of melted peanut butter for dessert.
• Cut Small for Snacks: Slice into mini squares for quick lunchbox bites.

Storing Easy No Bake Peanut Butter Bars

• In the Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. They stay firm and easy to grab whenever you need a sweet bite.
• In the Freezer: Freeze them in a single layer (or separate layers with parchment paper) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
• Room Temp Warning: These bars get soft if left out too long—keep them chilled for the best texture.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use Parchment Paper: It makes lifting and slicing clean and easy.
• Don’t Overheat Chocolate: Melt it slowly in bursts to avoid seizing.
• Level the Base: Take time to smooth the peanut butter layer—it helps the chocolate sit evenly.
• Chill Time Matters: Let them firm up completely before slicing or the chocolate will crack.
• Sharp Knife for Clean Cuts: Warm your knife slightly for clean edges.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size	Calories	Fat	Carbs	Sugar	Protein
1 Bar	270	18g	25g	18g	5g

Note: Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but make sure it’s well-stirred and not too oily or the bars may be too soft.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use a 9×13-inch pan for a double batch.

Can I add toppings?
Yes. Try a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, chopped nuts, or crushed pretzels on top of the chocolate layer before it sets.

Conclusion

These Easy No Bake Peanut Butter Bars are one of those recipes I keep coming back to. They hit the sweet spot with minimal effort, and they store beautifully. Whether it’s for a quick treat or a simple party dessert, they never disappoint.