Do you love Reese’s? If you do, you’re going to love today’s Peanut Butter Bars! They’re rich, unbelievably easy, and the perfect no bake treat when a craving hits.
These bars have a buttery graham cracker base that gets mixed with peanut butter, then topped with a silky chocolate peanut butter layer that sets up beautifully. We especially love that no baking is involved and that they whip up quick.
If you are building a dessert tray, add these other favorite no bake goodies: Scotcheroos, No Bake Cookies and No Bake Chocolate Oat Bars.
Why we think you’ll love it:
- Affordable. Pantry ingredients make a big 9×13 pan.
- Family favorite flavors. Chocolate and peanut butter always win.
- No bake! Keeps your kitchen cool and stress free.
Peanut Butter Bars Ingredients
- Graham cracker crumbs (3 cups): Form the sturdy, sweet, slightly salty base with that classic cookie crumb texture.
- Powdered sugar (3 cups): Sweetens and helps the base set soft and sliceable without graininess.
- Butter, melted (1 1/2 cup): Binds the crumbs and sugar, creating a rich, cohesive crust that holds together.
- Peanut butter (1 1 /2 cup): Adds nutty flavor and creamy body so the base is smooth, not crumbly.
- Semisweet chocolate chips (1 1/4 cup): Deep chocolate flavor that balances the sweetness.
- Milk chocolate chips (1 1/4 cup): Adds creamy sweetness and a softer melt for a luscious blend.
- Peanut butter (1/3 cup): Loosens the melted chocolate so it spreads easily and sets with a soft bite.
How to Make Peanut Butter Bars
In a medium bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, butter and peanut butter until well blended.
Press evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 9×13 baking dish. Chill for 15 minutes.
In a small pot over medium heat, add chocolate chips and peanut butter and mix until melted, stirring constantly. Pour over graham cracker mixture. Refrigerate for 1 hour and cut into chocolate peanut butter bars into squares before serving.
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- Line the 9×13 dish with parchment, leaving overhang, for easy lift and clean cuts for these no bake peanut butter bars.
- Press the base firmly and evenly. A flat bottomed cup helps pack the crumbs so bars slice neatly.
- Melt the topping low and slow, stirring constantly. Remove from heat as soon as chips are almost melted to prevent scorching (yes, some babysitting is required).
- Chill until just set, about 1 hour, then score the top with a warm knife before cutting to avoid cracks.
Make ahead and store covered in the fridge up to 5 days, or freeze up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge for best texture.
Peanut Butter Bars Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1½ cup butter, melted
- 1½ cup peanut butter
Topping
- 1¼ cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1¼ cup milk chocolate chips
- ⅓ cup peanut butter
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, butter and peanut butter until well blended. Press evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 9×13 baking dish. Chill for 15 minutes.
- In a small pot over medium heat, add chocolate chips and peanut butter and mix until melted, stirring constantly. Pour over graham cracker mixture.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour and cut into squares before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Recipe FAQ
Make ahead and store covered in the fridge up to 5 days, or freeze up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge for best texture.
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