The Ultimate Reeses Peanut Butter No Bake Bars Recipe

Creamy, dreamy Reese’s peanut butter no bake bars dance with irresistible chocolate magic.

Sweet layers melt together in a delightful symphony of flavor.

Chocolate and peanut butter create an unbeatable combination that sparks pure joy.

Kids and adults alike will fall head over heels for this simple treat.

Minimal ingredients and zero oven time make these bars a quick dessert solution.

No complicated techniques stand between you and deliciousness.

Cool, smooth, and utterly decadent, these bars promise to become your new favorite indulgence.

Grab a plate and let the delectable adventure begin!

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of chocolate for the topping?

Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips based on your preference.

  • Do I need a stand mixer to make these bars?

No, you can easily mix the ingredients by hand using a whisk or wooden spoon until well combined.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or substitute with crushed gluten-free cookies.

  • How long will these bars stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these bars will keep for up to 1 week.

Why Reese’s Peanut Butter No-Bake Bars Stand Out

  • Whip Up Quickly: Prepare these delightful bars without turning on the oven, making them perfect for busy home cooks who want a fast dessert solution.
  • Kid-Friendly Treat: Simple ingredients and no complicated techniques mean children can help mix and create this sweet snack with minimal adult supervision.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Combines the classic flavor combination of chocolate and peanut butter that appeals to almost everyone, making it ideal for parties, potlucks, and family gatherings.
  • No Baking Required: Skip the heating and waiting—these bars come together with just mixing and chilling, reducing kitchen stress and keeping your space cool.

Ingredients for Reese’s No-Bake Bars Magic

Base Ingredients:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: A sweet and crunchy foundation that provides texture and structure to the bars.
  • Peanut Butter: A rich and creamy ingredient that delivers signature nutty flavor and helps bind the mixture.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, cohesive base for the bars.
Sweetening Ingredients:
  • Brown Sugar, Powdered Sugar: These sugars combine to create a perfect balance of sweetness and help achieve a smooth, soft consistency.
  • Vanilla: A classic flavor enhancer that adds depth and warmth to the dessert.
Topping Ingredient:
  • Chocolate Chips: A smooth, melty layer that provides a classic chocolate finish and complements the peanut butter base.

Stepwise Directions for Peanut Butter No-Bake Bars

Step 1: Whip Up Creamy Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine melted butter, crushed graham crackers, rich brown sugar, silky powdered sugar, smooth peanut butter, and a splash of vanilla extract.

Stir everything together until the mixture transforms into a velvety, uniform blend that looks absolutely irresistible.

Step 2: Smooth Out the Foundation

Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and gently spread the peanut butter mixture across the surface.

Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to create an even, luxurious layer that covers the entire pan.

Step 3: Melt Chocolate Magic

Place chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl.

Heat at 50% power, stopping every 30 seconds to stir.

Continue this process until the chocolate becomes completely smooth and glossy, with no lumps remaining.

Step 4: Create Chocolate Blanket

Carefully pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer.

Use a clean spatula to spread the chocolate evenly, ensuring it covers every inch of the peanut butter base in a perfect, smooth coating.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Transfer the pan to the refrigerator and let it rest for one full hour.

The bars will firm up and become delightfully solid.

Once chilled, slice into delectable squares and prepare to indulge in a mouthwatering treat that combines the ultimate peanut butter and chocolate experience.

No-Bake Bar Tips for Rich, Smooth Results

  • Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting of bars.
  • Use dark chocolate chips for a richer, more complex chocolate taste that complements the sweet peanut butter.
  • Crush graham crackers finely to ensure a smooth, even base without lumpy chunks.
  • Let bars sit in the refrigerator for at least 90 minutes for a cleaner, more precise cut and firmer texture.
  • Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version that's equally delicious.

Variations to Personalize Reese’s No-Bake Bars

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour for a celiac-friendly treat.
  • Vegan Alternative: Swap butter with coconut oil, use dairy-free chocolate chips, and replace powdered sugar with maple syrup for a plant-based option.
  • Almond Butter Swap: Substitute peanut butter with almond butter for a different nutty flavor profile and added nutritional variety.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of powdered sugar and dark chocolate with higher cocoa content to reduce overall sugar content.

Serving Reese’s No-Bake Bars for Snack Attacks

  • Sweet Picnic Perfection: Pack these bars in cute containers for outdoor gatherings with friends and family.
  • Dessert Party Pleaser: Slice into bite-sized pieces and arrange on a decorative platter for elegant entertaining.
  • Movie Night Treat: Serve alongside cold milk or hot cocoa for a delightful homemade snack during movie marathons.
  • Afternoon Tea Companion: Pair with freshly brewed tea or coffee for a delectable midday indulgence.

Storage for Peanut Butter No-Bake Bar Batches

  • Seal bars in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 7 days. Place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then store in freezer-safe bag for maximum 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
  • Keep covered at room temperature for 2-3 days, but quality stays best when chilled. Avoid direct sunlight or warm areas.
  • Let cold bars sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before enjoying. Microwave briefly (5-10 seconds) if wanting slightly softer texture.
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Reeses Peanut Butter No Bake Bars Recipe


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4.8 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 16 1x

Description

Indulgent Reeses Peanut Butter No Bake Bars combine creamy peanut butter with chocolate in a quick, irresistible dessert. Chocolate lovers will savor each rich, silky bite of this simple yet spectacular treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (226 grams) butter, melted
  • 1 cup (250 grams) peanut butter
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 (11 ounces / 312 grams) bag milk chocolate chips

Sweeteners:

  • 1 3/4 cups (220 grams) powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup (55 grams) brown sugar

Flavor Enhancer:

  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Combine melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, powdered sugar, peanut butter, and vanilla in a medium bowl, stirring until a uniform, velvety mixture forms.
  2. Transfer the mixture into a 9×13-inch pan, using a spatula to distribute it evenly and create a smooth, compact base layer.
  3. Utilize the microwave at 50% power for 1-2 minutes to gently melt chocolate chips, pausing periodically to stir and ensure a glossy, lump-free consistency.
  4. Carefully drizzle the molten chocolate over the peanut butter foundation, employing a spatula to spread it into a uniform, glistening layer that completely covers the base.
  5. Place the pan in the refrigerator for approximately 60 minutes, allowing the bars to solidify and set completely.
  6. Once chilled and firm, slice the dessert into neat, symmetrical squares, revealing the decadent layers of peanut butter and chocolate.

Notes

  • Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or oat-based crackers for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia to create a lower-calorie dessert option.
  • Use dark chocolate chips for a richer antioxidant profile and slightly less sweetness compared to milk chocolate.
  • Line the pan with parchment paper for easier removal and cleaner cutting of the bars.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 16
  • Calories: 302 kcal
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 108 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 31 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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