The Irresistible Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars Recipe You Need Now

Sweet meets salty in these irresistible chocolate peanut butter bars that promise pure indulgence.

Layers of creamy, rich chocolate and smooth peanut butter create a decadent treat everyone adores.

No baking required means you can whip up this dessert in minutes.

The combination of chocolate and peanut butter delivers a mouthwatering experience that melts in your mouth.

Each bite brings a perfect balance of sweetness and nutty flavor.

Simple ingredients and minimal effort make these bars a go-to dessert for any occasion.

Prepare to satisfy your deepest chocolate and peanut butter cravings with this ultimate no-bake delight.

How to Store Peanut Butter Bars

• Store these delectable treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days, maintaining their perfect texture and rich flavor.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container to preserve for up to 3 months, ensuring a quick sweet treat anytime.
• Keep bars chilled, as the chocolate and peanut butter mixture can soften quickly at room temperature, potentially losing their ideal firm consistency.
• Place parchment paper between layers when storing multiple bars to prevent them from sticking together and maintaining their beautiful appearance.

FAQs

• Are these bars similar to Reese's Peanut Butter Cups?

Yes, they have the same classic chocolate and peanut butter combination but are made as bars instead of individual cups, offering a homemade version of the popular candy.

• Can I use a different type of nut butter?

Absolutely! You can substitute peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a different flavor profile while maintaining the same texture.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these bars?

No, you just need a microwave, mixing bowl, 8×8 baking pan, and basic measuring tools. An offset spatula helps create smooth layers, but a regular spatula works too.

Why Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars Wow

• Minimal Effort Treat: Create delicious chocolate peanut butter bars with just a few simple ingredients and basic kitchen tools.
• Quick Assembly Magic: Mix, spread, and chill – this no-bake recipe comes together in minutes without complicated cooking techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Satisfy sweet tooths with the classic combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Versatile Party Favorite: Perfect for potlucks, game days, family gatherings, or casual dessert cravings with minimal preparation needed.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar Ingredients

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A sweet and crunchy foundation that adds texture to the bars.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps bind the peanut butter layer together.
• Peanut Butter: Delivers a creamy, nutty flavor that is the star of the layer.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a smooth, spreadable consistency.

• Chocolate Chips: Melts into a smooth, rich layer that complements the peanut butter base.

• Foil, Parchment Paper: Ensures easy removal of bars from the pan and clean cutting.

Steps for Peanut Butter Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Vessel

Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with aluminum foil or parchment paper, ensuring extra material hangs over the sides.

This clever trick will help you easily lift the bars out of the pan later.

Step 2: Create Peanut Butter Magic

Grab a large microwave-safe bowl and melt the butter until smooth.

• Powdered sugar
• Graham cracker crumbs
• Peanut butter

Stir everything together until the mixture becomes a wonderfully creamy blend.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Foundation

Spread the peanut butter mixture across the bottom of the prepared pan.

Use gentle pressure to create a smooth, even layer that will serve as the delicious base of your bars.

Step 4: Melt Chocolate Perfection

Find a medium microwave-safe bowl and transform chocolate chips into a silky smooth mixture.

Microwave in short 30-second bursts, stirring between each interval until the chocolate becomes completely liquid and glossy.

Step 5: Layer on the Chocolate Goodness

Carefully pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer.

Use an offset spatula to spread it evenly, creating a beautiful, uniform top.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Place the pan in the refrigerator and let the bars cool for one full hour.

This waiting time allows the layers to firm up and become perfectly set.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Remove the bars from the pan using the overhanging foil or parchment.

Slice into 16 perfect squares.

These irresistible treats are now ready to be devoured and enjoyed!

Tips for Perfect Bar Texture

• Line the baking pan with foil or parchment paper to ensure easy removal and clean cutting of bars without any messy residue.
• Use microwave in short 30-second intervals when melting chocolate and butter, stirring between each interval to avoid burning and achieve smooth consistency.
• When spreading peanut butter mixture, press down evenly and firmly to create a compact, smooth layer that holds together beautifully.
• Allow bars to refrigerate for full hour to set completely, which helps chocolate layer firm up and creates clean, crisp cuts when slicing.
• Keep bars refrigerated in airtight container for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain perfect texture and prevent sticking.

Flavor Twists for Peanut Bars

• Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars: Replace butter with coconut oil, use dairy-free chocolate chips, and swap graham cracker crumbs for gluten-free alternatives like almond flour.
• Low-Sugar Nutty Bars: Substitute powdered sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, use dark chocolate with higher cocoa content, and add chopped almonds for extra crunch.
• No-Bake Protein Bars: Incorporate plant-based protein powder into the peanut butter layer, use sugar-free chocolate, and include chia seeds for added nutrition.
• Almond Butter Classic: Replace peanut butter with creamy almond butter, use white chocolate chips for topping, and sprinkle sea salt for enhanced flavor complexity.

Serving Peanut Butter Bars Creatively

• Party Platter Perfection: Create a stunning dessert board with these chocolate peanut butter bars alongside fresh berries, whipped cream, and chocolate drizzle.
• Sweet Gift Idea: Wrap individual bars in parchment paper with a cute ribbon for homemade edible presents that friends and family will love.
• Coffee Companion: Pair these bars with a hot espresso or cold milk for a decadent afternoon treat that satisfies sweet cravings perfectly.
• Frozen Delight Twist: Freeze the bars for a chilled dessert option that adds an extra refreshing texture to the classic chocolate-peanut butter combination.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet chocolate peanut butter bars blend creamy indulgence with nostalgic comfort. Rich layers of silky chocolate and smooth peanut butter create a delightful dessert you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) salted butter

Binding and Sweetening Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Coating Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by lining an 8×8 dish with foil or parchment paper, ensuring extended edges for easy extraction of the dessert bars.
2. Create the foundational peanut butter layer by microwaving butter until fully melted, then incorporating powdered sugar, graham cracker crumbs, and peanut butter into a homogeneous mixture.
3. Distribute the peanut butter blend evenly across the lined pan, applying firm pressure to establish a compact, uniform base layer.
4. Craft the chocolate topping through gentle microwave melting, using 30-second intervals and stirring between each cycle until chocolate chips transform into a silky, glossy consistency.
5. Delicately cascade the molten chocolate over the peanut butter foundation, utilizing an offset spatula to achieve a smooth, consistent coverage.
6. Stabilize the dessert by chilling in the refrigerator for approximately 60 minutes, allowing the layers to solidify and bond together.
7. Once set, extract the dessert from the pan using the overhanging edges, then slice into 16 precise, uniform squares for serving.

Notes

• Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies for a celiac-friendly version.
• Use dark chocolate chips for a richer, less sweet chocolate layer that complements the sweet peanut butter base.
• Chill bars completely before cutting to ensure clean, precise edges and prevent crumbling during slicing.
• Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, allowing flavors to meld and maintain perfect texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 235
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 155 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg