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No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars - Simple, Sweet, and Satisfying

Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 16 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter (no-stir style works best)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine salt (omit if using salted butter)
  • 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar (sift if lumpy)
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 14 full sheets; use gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate bars)
  • 2 tablespoons peanut butter (for the topping)
  • Flaky sea salt (optional, for finishing)

Instructions
 

  • Prep the pan. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment so it overhangs on two sides. This makes lifting the bars out easy and keeps edges neat.
  • Warm the base mixture. In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Stir in 1 cup peanut butter and salt until smooth. Take off the heat.
  • Sweeten and thicken. Add vanilla. Stir in powdered sugar until no streaks remain. Fold in graham cracker crumbs until evenly combined and it looks like soft cookie dough.
  • Press the base. Transfer the mixture to the lined pan. Press firmly into an even layer using the bottom of a measuring cup. Pack the corners so the top layer adheres well.
  • Make the topping. In a clean saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, gently melt chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons peanut butter, stirring until glossy. Avoid overheating to keep it smooth.
  • Top and smooth. Pour the warm chocolate mixture over the base. Tilt and use an offset spatula to spread it into a thin, even layer. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to pop air bubbles.
  • Chill to set. Refrigerate for 1–2 hours, until the topping is firm to the touch. For quicker slicing later, don’t freeze solid at this stage; you want it cold but not rock hard.
  • Slice cleanly. Lift the slab out by the parchment. Warm a sharp knife under hot water, dry it, and cut into 16–25 bars. Wipe the knife between cuts for tidy edges. Sprinkle with flaky salt just before serving if you like.
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