Peanut butter bars are a classic no bake peanut butter chocolate dessert bar we all know and love, they’re delicious nostalgia!
These peanut butter bars will bring you right back to grade school with that peanut buttery softness we all knew and loved! Other childhood recipes we love are homemade peanut butter cups, graham cracker toffee, and cafeteria noodles.
Peanut Butter Bars
Peanut Butter Bars
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Why you’ll love this recipe!
📌 5 simple pantry staple ingredients.
📌 Super quick and easy to throw together.
📌 Those nostalgic flavors we all grew up eating!
Peanut Butter Bar Ingredients
- Butter – Unsalted.
- Powdered sugar – Also called confectioners sugar.
- Graham cracker crumbs – Either crushed graham crackers or store bought pre-made crumbs.
- Peanut butter – We used creamy for this recipe but you could also use chunky.
- Chocolate – Semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted.
How do you make chocolate peanut butter bars? (step-by-step directions)
⭐ First, line a baking dish with foil, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal of the bars.
⭐ Next, place the butter in a large bowl and microwave until melted. Add the powdered sugar, graham cracker crumbs and peanut butter. Mix until well combined.
⭐ Then, spread the peanut butter mixture into the bottom of the pan. Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave in short intervals, stirring until melted and smooth.
⭐ Last, spread the chocolate on top of the peanut butter bars and refrigerate until firm. Remove the bars from the pan and carefully slice into bars.
Scroll down to the printable recipe card toward the bottom of this article for ingredient measurements and detailed cooking instructions.
Preparation
Can no bake peanut butter bars be made ahead?
Yes, these can be made a day or two in advance. Store bars in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
What kind of chocolate to use for peanut butter bars?
We used semi-sweet chocolate chips but you could also use milk chocolate or even white chocolate chips for the topping.
What can I use instead of peanut butter?
You can substitute other nut butters such as almond butter or cashew butter. If you need to avoid nuts altogether, try a seed butter like sun butter.
Storage and leftovers
How long do peanut butter chocolate bars last?
These will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Make sure to store in an airtight container.
Can you freeze peanut butter bars?
Yes! These will keep in the freezer for up to 4 months. If the bars are sliced before freezing, layer the bars in parchment paper in a freezer safe airtight container so they don’t stick together.
Thaw in the refrigerator for best results.
Tips and tricks
✅ Try using crunchy peanut butter or other nut butters or sun butter to change up the flavor.
✅ Add toppings such as M&Ms or Reeses pieces for a fun and festive touch.
✅ Mix half chocolate chips and half butterscotch chips for a different spin on the topping.
✅ Double the recipe and make in a 9×13 pan because these will go fast!
Frequently asked questions
Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?
While natural peanut butter can be used, keep in mind that it may alter the texture and consistency of the bars. The oils in natural peanut butter might affect the firmness, so refrigerate the bars accordingly.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the peanut butter mixture?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your bars by adding chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or other mix-ins to the peanut butter mixture for added texture and flavor.
How do you make peanut butter bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can make gluten-free peanut butter bars by using gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or a similar alternative. Ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
What’s the best way to slice the bars without the chocolate cracking?
To achieve clean and neat slices, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water. Wipe the knife between cuts to prevent the chocolate from sticking.
How can I prevent the bars from sticking to the foil when removing them from the pan?
Before spreading the peanut butter mixture, consider greasing the foil with a small amount of butter or non-stick cooking spray to ease removal. Alternately, use parchment paper in place of foil.
What to enjoy with peanut butter bars (serving suggestions)
We love how these lunch lady peanut butter bars bring us right back to childhood. We like to make these for bake sales along with other favorites like our no bake monster cookie bars, sugar cookie bars, and peanut butter bark.
More awesome no bake dessert recipes
- No bake Oreo cheesecake
- No bake pumpkin pie
- No bake blueberry cheesecake
- Peanut butter balls
- Cinnamon raisin cashew bites
- No bake cheesecake
- See all our easy no bake recipes!
Other dessert bars you’ll love
- Lime bars
- Monster cookie bars
- Magic cookie bars
- Sugar cookie bars
- Perfect lemon bar recipe
- Salted caramel chocolate shortbread bars
- See all our easy dessert bar recipes!
Tools we love
- Spatula – These ingredients are ooey gooey and sticky. You for sure want to be using a spatula to make sure you’re properly measuring and using all your ingredients.
- Casserole dish – We used in 8×8.5″ dish. I love one that comes with a cover.
Get our FREE Easy Casseroles Ebook!
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How to Make Peanut Butter Bars
Peanut Butter Bars
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1-½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips melted
Instructions
- In a large microwave safe bowl melt the butter on high power in 30 second increments (stir between heat cycles). Add powdered sugar, graham cracker crumbs, and peanut butter to the bowl and mix well.
- Spread the peanut butter mixture into a foil or parchment lined 8x8 baking dish (make sure to leave some of the foil or parchment overhanging so it's easy to remove the bars).
- In another microwave safe bowl melt the chocolate chips on high power in 30 second intervals (stirring between heat cycles) until melted and smooth. Spread melted chocolate evenly on top of the peanut butter bars.
- Refrigerate the bars until firm (about 1 hour). Lift the bars from the pan and use a warm knife to slice into 16 evenly sized bars.
Notes
Nutrition
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Peanut Butter Bars
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Melissa says
I love no bake recipes! These have the best of both wolds with chocolate and peanut butter!
Beth says
The flavor and texture of these bars is perfect. It’s like a homemade Reese’s!
Gina says
OMG – I have made these like 3 times this week – they are AMAZING!
Janelle says
I love no bake desserts and this one did not disappoint! So tasty!
Sandra says
Can’t believe how good these bars turned out! Definitely worth a try!
Katerina Petrovska says
These peanut butter bars were super easy to make, and incredibly delicious!! Definitely a keeper for quick and delicious treats!
Erin says
That is absolutely yummy! Always a hit at our house!
Catalina says
Peanut butter bars are now a regular in my dessert lineup! The perfect balance of sweet and nutty, and they’re so addictive!
Melissa says
The best of both words peanut butter and chocolate! They didn’t last long at our house 10/10!
Tisha says
I would eat this whole pan. so good