No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars are an easy no bake dessert that taste almost like a Reese’s! They only need 5 ingredients to make and you probably already have them in your pantry!
*Originally published July 2015*
No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
I had to dig these bars up out of the archives and give them a makeover. First off I wanted to redo the pictures but I also tweaked the recipe a bit. I wanted to make the peanut butter base a little thicker because there’s nothing wrong with a little more peanut butter right?!?
And if you love Reese’s peanut butter cups then you will definitely love this homemade version made into bars! They are so simple to make and only require 5 ingredients: graham crackers, peanut butter, powdered sugar, butter, and chocolate chips!
And if you are like me and love that peanut butter and chocolate combo here are a few other desserts you need to try: Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake, Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter No Bake Cheesecake (SO GOOD!), and Peanut Butter Cup Rice Krispie Treats.
About these No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars:
- These do require chill time to firm up so you will need to plan ahead.
- Make ahead: these can be made several days (5-7) in advance and stored tightly covered (after the chocolate has set) in the refrigerator. Or freeze tightly covered for up to 2 months.
- Be sure to get the graham crackers to a very fine crumb. Use a food processor for this. I have a mini food processor that works great for these small tasks!
- Don’t use the natural stir and refrigerate kind of peanut butter for these bars. It is a little too runny and the bars don’t hold up quite as well.
- For a truer to Reese’s flavor use milk chocolate chips. But if you are like me go on the wild side and use semi-sweet or dark or use a combination!
These No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars are a great dessert enjoyed by both kids and adults. Perfect for holidays, parties, and family get togethers. Plus, I love how easy they are to make!!
Pin these No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars and save them for later!
No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
Ingredients
Base:
- 1/2 cup (113g) butter, melted
- 2 cups (190g) powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cup (400g) creamy peanut butter
- 1 1/2 cup (140g) graham cracker crumbs
Topping:
- 1 cup (165g) milk chocolate chips
- 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
Instructions
- Line a 9 inch square baking pan with foil and grease with butter, set aside.
- In a large bowl combine all the base ingredients and spread into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- In a small microwave safe bowl heat topping ingredients until melted. Stir frequently and don't overheat. Spread over the peanut butter base and refrigerate until cool. (At least 4 hours)
- For easier cutting allow bars to sit at room temperature (this way the chocolate topping doesn't crack) Using foil lift the bars out of the pan and with a sharp knife to cut into small squares. Store in the refrigerator.
Notes
- These do require chill time to firm up so you will need to plan ahead.
- Make ahead: these can be made several days (5-7) in advance and stored tightly covered (after the chocolate has set) in the refrigerator. Or freeze tightly covered for up to 2 months.
- Be sure to get the graham crackers to a very fine crumb. Use a food processor for this. I have a mini food processor that works great for these small tasks!
- Don't use the natural stir and refrigerate kind of peanut butter for these bars. It is a little too runny and the bars don't hold up quite as well.
- For a truer to Reese's flavor use milk chocolate chips. But if you are like me go on the wild side and use semi-sweet or dark or use a combination!
I have extra bars that I want to freeze. What is the best way to thaw these after freezing, so that the chocolate on the top doesn’t get wet and slimy? Thanks!
It is best to thaw anything chocolate in the refrigerator to prevent condensation from forming. Hope you enjoy!!
After failing twice to make peanut butter bars so that the bottom layer would firm up, I began searching the webisphere to find out what I was doing wrong. About 25 blogs later, I came upon your blog that explained it all. I was using the natural stir and refrigerate kind of peanut butter. Thank you ever so much for the lesson.
I am so glad I was able to help!! Sometimes, I worry I am boring people by explaining things, lol! Thanks again!!
Chocolate and Peanut Butter.. Does it get any better!!!
No it doesn’t!! 🙂
This treat is every husband and child’s fave!
Yes, it is!
I love that you’ve made the peanut butter layer thicker! I know my husband would flip for these!
Thanks Melissa!! 🙂
Sounds good. Will have to make some to send back to college with some grandchildren that will be home for Easter.
I’m sure they won’t mind! Thanks Grandma! 🙂
I forgot about these. Need to make them again. Aunt Lori
Thanks Aunt Lori! 🙂
Chocolate and peanut butter are seriously the best. I so need to make these!
I agree, chocolate and peanut butter are the best! Thanks!!
Hi, poing #2 is unclear . . Heat what?
Sorry about that! I fixed that step! Thanks!
The Base is the sugar, butter, peanut butter etc.