Peanut Butter Bars (No Bake Dessert)
Peanut Butter Bars (aka Peanut Butter Squares) are a classic no-bake treat! They’re like a peanut butter cup in bar form, and they’re so good, you’ll be making seconds in no time.
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Why You Will Love These Peanut Butter Bars
Ingredients Needed for Peanut Butter and Chocolate Bars
Ingredient quantities for this easy peanut butter bar dessert recipe are located in the recipe card at the end of the post.
- Butter
- Creamy peanut butter: Use a classic creamy peanut butter, like Jif or similar.
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
- Powdered sugar
- Graham crackers (crushed into crumbs): In the recipe, I provide an option to increase the amount of graham cracker crumbs to increase the density of the bars.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: You can also use dark chocolate chips for a slightly different flavor. (Just don’t use milk chocolate chips! It will be sweetness overload.)
Yes, these dreamy dessert bars contain only seven simple ingredients!
How To Make No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars (Quick Overview)
The steps below are just a quick overview of how to make the no-bake bars. The full process in detail is located in the recipe card at the end of the post.
Start by prepping your pan. For easy bar removal, line your pan (8″x8″ or 9″x9″) with parchment paper.
Add the peanut butter and butter to a large microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave the butter and 1 cup of peanut butter on high for 1 minute and 30 seconds.
Once it’s done, give it a good stir (be careful here! the butter will be hot), then add the vanilla extract, salt, powdered sugar, and graham cracker crumbs.
Using a hand mixer, mix it all together on low until it’s fully combined.
Yes, the mixture below will smell as good as it looks 🙂 It always takes all my willpower not to eat it straight from the bowl!
Scoop the mixture into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly.
For the topping, wipe out the microwave-safe bowl you just used and add the remaining 3 tablespoons of peanut butter along with the chocolate chips.
Microwave on high for 45 seconds, give it a stir, and then keep microwaving in 15-second bursts, stirring in between, until everything is melted and smooth.
Pour the melted chocolate over your base, spreading it out evenly.
Place the pan into the fridge for at least 3 hours, or until the chocolate is completely set.
When you’re ready to serve, take it out of the fridge, let it sit for 15 minutes, then slice it up, serve, and enjoy!
For the easiest cuts, use a knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry.
Enjoy!
How to Store No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars
To keep your peanut butter bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just wrap them individually and they’ll stay delicious for up to three months!
More No-Bake Dessert Recipes
Do you need even more no-bake dessert recipes? Give some of these a try:
- Make the ultimate crowd-pleasing no-bake recipe with this banana pudding. Creamy, filling, and sensationally delicious, there will be nothing left!
- Steal the show with this cheesecake fluff recipe! Perfect for family gatherings, parties, or as a festive easy Christmas dessert or spooky Halloween treat. Creamy, dreamy, and totally crowd-pleasing. Want a twist? Don’t miss the indulgent brownie cheesecake fluff version!
- Craving something rich and sweet? This cherry no-bake cheesecake is wonderfully creamy and so delicious it’ll vanish in no time.
- Love a citrusy kick? The no-bake key lime cheesecake is a game-changer. Sweet, tangy, and refreshingly light—plus, no oven required!
- Your new go-to dessert is here: no-bake cookies! Foolproof, delicious, and perfect for any occasion.
- Warning: these peanut butter crunch bars are dangerously good. Crispy, creamy, and impossible to resist—you’ll be making these again and again!
I hope you love these peanut butter squares!
More Peanut Butter Dessert Recipes
One thing I love in life is peanut butter, so if you’re like me, you’ll love these pb dessert recipes too:
- For the perfect holiday dessert, this no-bake peanut butter pie is creamy and packed with peanut butter cups. One bite, and you’ll be hooked, plus it’s easy to make!
- Impress your guests with these peanut butter heaven bars. Rich, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible!
- You’ve got to try these classic peanut butter cookies! Whether you’re baking up a storm for Christmas cookies or packing treats for summer picnics, these cookies are always a crowd-pleaser.
- You can’t go wrong with peanut butter blossoms. Perfect for any party, family gathering, or game day!
- Addictive, simple, and oh-so-yummy, peanut butter balls are a must-try. These no-bake desserts will have everyone reaching for seconds (and thirds!).
- For any party, make these peanut butter magic cookie bars that will get devoured in front of you.
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Peanut Butter Bars
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter
- 1 cup + 3 tbsp peanut butter (creamy, divided)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups finely crushed graham cracker crumbs (or more if desired – up to 1/2 cup additional for a denser bar)
- 1 1/4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Line an 8” x 8” or 9” x 9” pan with parchment paper.
- Microwave butter and 1 cup peanut butter in a large microwave-safe bowl for 1 min, 30 sec on high. Remove from microwave, stir butter and peanut butter together (carefully, as the butter will be hot), and then add vanilla extract, salt, powdered sugar, and graham cracker crumbs. Mix on low until the mixture is fully combined.
- Transfer to pan and spread in an even layer.
- Wipe out the bowl you just used and add remaining 3 tbsp peanut butter and the chocolate chips. Microwave on high for 45 seconds, remove and stir, and then microwave and stir in 15-second bursts until fully melted. Remove and stir until the mixture is fully melted.
- Pour melted chocolate in an even layer onto base and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until fully set.
- Remove from fridge and let stand for 15 minutes. Then cut, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
- Use a creamy peanut butter like Jif or similar.
- For the easiest cuts, dip a knife in hot water and wipe it dry before making cuts.
Nutrition Estimates (Per Serving)
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutrition Estimates are per serving and included as a courtesy only. They are accurate to the best of our knowledge based on the ingredients and brands used, but their accuracy is not guaranteed.
