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    Home » Recipes » Desserts » Brownies & Bars » Peanut Butter Bars

    Peanut Butter Bars

    Published: October 27, 2020 · Modified: Oct 29, 2020 by John Kanell

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

    Insanely delicious Peanut Butter Bars! These no bake bars are rich, creamy and delicious topped with a thick layer of chocolate. Super easy to whip up (no oven required) and made with just 5 simple ingredients they're impossible to resist!

    A stack of peanut butter bars on a marble surface.
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    A pinterest graphic of peanut butter bars
    A pinterest graphic of peanut butter bars
    A pinterest graphic of peanut butter bars
    A pinterest graphic of peanut butter bars
    A pinterest graphic of peanut butter bars
    A pinterest graphic of peanut butter bars
    A pinterest graphic of peanut butter bars
    A pinterest graphic of peanut butter bars
    A pinterest graphic of peanut butter bars
    A pinterest graphic of peanut butter bars

    If you’re looking for a super simple no bake dessert then look no further than these super chocolatey peanut butter bars! Not only are they made with quite possibly the best food combo ever (hello peanut butter and chocolate) but they are super quick and easy to make and taste just like your favorite peanut butter cups. Yes, they are that good!

    They’re thick, fudgy, creamy, and make the perfect sweet treat or snack served with a cold glass of milk or a cup of hot chocolate. Love no-bake desserts? Check out my No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake or my No Bake Cookies. They’re all super-easy and totally delicious. If you are a peanut butter lover, then try my Homemade Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies or peanut butter buckeyes!

    What you need to make this recipe

    An overhead shot of all the ingredients you need to make peanut butter bars.

    Peanut butter – You’ll want to use creamy peanut butter for this such as Jif or Skippy (see photo above). I don’t recommend using oily peanut butter or crunchy peanut butter because it’ll change the texture of the base.

    Powdered sugar – This helps bind everything together and helps to set the bars, regular white sugar won’t work.

    Chocolate chips – I used semi-sweet chocolate chips for this but you could also chop up a semi-sweet chocolate bar to be melted. Milk chocolate will taste much sweeter but will also work great.

    Graham crackers – The graham crackers are crushed down into fine crumbs, I find using a plastic ziploc bag and a rolling pin works great but you could also pulse them in a food processor. 

    How to make Peanut Butter Bars

    Two photos showing how to make graham cracker crumbs and whisk peanut butter and butter together

    1.Crush the graham crackers.

    2. Add the melted butter and peanut butter to a mixing bowl and mix until smooth.

    Two photos showing how to add powered sugar to peanut butter

    3. Add the powdered sugar and mix until combined.

    4. Add the graham cracker crumbs and fold in.

    Two photos showing how to assemble peanut butter bars

    5. Spread the peanut butter base into a lined baking pan.

    6. Top with melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture then chill to set before serving.

    A close up of two peanut butter bars on top of each other, one with a bite out

    Pro tips for making this recipe

    • You’ll need to use an 8×8 or 9×9 square dish for nice thick bars.
    • Make sure to line your baking pan or square dish with parchment paper so you can easily remove the bars after chilling.
    • Make sure to use creamy peanut butter such as Jif or Skippy. Oily peanut butter may stop the base from setting and will change the texture.
    • Use a hand whisk to incorporate the butter and peanut butter if you have some persistent lumps.
    • You can use the stovetop or microwave to melt the chocolate. If using a stovetop do this in a bowl over a pot of simmering water.
    • The peanut butter gives the chocolate a creamier texture once set. This really helps when cutting the bars so the chocolate doesn’t crack.
    • Make sure to let the bars chill in the fridge for at least 90 minutes before serving. Alternatively, you can make them the night before and let them chill overnight.
    • To cut the bars use a sharp or serrated knife.

    A close up of peanut butter bars on a marble surface

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What can I use instead of Graham Crackers?

    If you don’t have Graham Crackers then you could use plain, dry cookies. Make sure they are crisp and dry and not soft for best results. Biscoff cookies and shortbread work well.

    Can I prepare these in advance?

    Absolutely, these peanut butter bars are the perfect dessert to make in advance. Prepare everything as instructed and leave them to chill in the fridge overnight or 1 day in advance. You may need to leave the bars at room temperature for around 10 minutes to make them easier to cut.

    How long do they last?

    These bars will keep well for around 5-7 days stored in the fridge or can be frozen, see instructions below.

    Can I freeze these?

    Yes, they freeze really well. Make sure to wrap them in plastic wrap or aluminium foil and store them in a suitable container or plastic bag. Thaw completely before serving.

    If you love this recipe try these out!

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    If you’ve tried these Peanut Butter Bars then don’t forget to leave a rating and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you!

    Print
    5 from 188 votes

    Peanut butter bars

    Rich, creamy and delicious Peanut Butter Bars topped with a thick layer of chocolate! Don't forget to check out my step by step photos and tips above!
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Prep Time 8 minutes
    Cook Time 2 minutes
    chill time 1 hour 30 minutes
    Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
    Servings 12 bars
    Calories 592kcal
    Author John Kanell

    Ingredients

    For the Base:

    • 1 cup unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled (210g)
    • 1 cup creamy peanut butter (300g)
    • 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar (210g)
    • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (240g)

    For the chocolate topping:

    • 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips (280g)
    • 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter (65g)

    Instructions

    • Line a 8x8 or 9x9 dish with parchment paper or foil.
    • Crush graham crackers in a ziploc bag using a rolling pin or blitz using a food processor.
    • Melt butter in a large bowl add peanut butter and mix until smooth.
    • Beat in powdered sugar then fold in the crumbs. Transfer to lined dish and smooth.
    • Melt chocolate and peanut butter, pour over the peanut butter base, smooth then chill for at least 90 minutes.
    • Cut into bars and enjoy.

    Video

    Notes

    • You'll need to use an 8x8 or 9x9 square dish for nice thick bars.
    • Make sure to line your baking pan or square dish with parchment paper so you can easily remove the bars after chilling.
    • Make sure to use creamy peanut butter such as Jif or Skippy. Oily peanut butter may stop the base from setting and will change the texture.
    • Use a hand whisk to incorporate the butter and peanut butter so you avoid any lumps.
    • You can use the stovetop or microwave to melt the chocolate. If using a stovetop do this in a bowl over a pot of simmering water.
    • The peanut butter gives the chocolate a creamier texture once set. This really helps when cutting the bars so the chocolate doesn't crack.
    • Make sure to let the bars chill in the fridge for at least 90 minutes before serving. Alternatively, you can make them the night before and let them chill overnight.
    • To cut the bars use a sharp or serrated knife.
    • Will keep well in the fridge for 5-7 days or can be frozen.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1bar | Calories: 592kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 42g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Cholesterol: 42mg | Sodium: 221mg | Potassium: 371mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 34g | Vitamin A: 488IU | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 3mg
    *Nutrition Disclaimer
    Have you Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @preppykitchen and tag #preppykitchen!
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    Thanks for stopping by! I’m John Kanell, a husband, dad to twins Lachlan and George, Los Angeles native, and an avid baker and cooker of all things delicious thanks to a life long education from my mother. This blog is where I share all of my kitchen creations!

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