No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
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No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

Peanut butter base, chocolate top. No oven needed. Like a giant Reese's cup.

Prep 15 minCook 0 minTotal 1 hr 15 minServes 16Cost $0.50/serving★ 4.9(512)

Servings

Est. total: $8.00 · $0.50/serving

Cost estimates are approximate and vary by location, store, season, and brand. Actual prices may differ.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter (not natural/runny style)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 2 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp flaky sea salt (for topping)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Line a 9x13 baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal.

  2. 2

    Mix peanut butter, melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and vanilla until well combined. It should hold together when pressed.

    1 cup creamy peanut butter1/2 cup unsalted butter2 cup graham cracker crumbs1 1/2 cup powdered sugar1 tsp vanilla extract
  3. 3

    Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup for a smooth, compact layer.

    Press hard. A loose layer crumbles when you cut it.

  4. 4

    Melt chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. About 90 seconds total.

    1 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

    Don't rush. Overheated chocolate seizes and gets grainy. Low and slow.

  5. 5

    Pour melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer. Spread evenly with an offset spatula. Sprinkle flaky salt on top.

    1/4 tsp flaky sea salt
  6. 6

    Refrigerate at least 1 hour until chocolate is firm. Lift out using parchment overhang. Cut into 16 bars.

Pairs With

🧃Cold Milk$

Whole milk, ice cold

The only correct pairing for chocolate peanut butter anything

🍷Tawny Port$$

10-year tawny port, slightly chilled

Caramel and nut notes in the port mirror the peanut butter

🍸Espresso Martini$$

Vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur

Coffee bitterness cuts the sweetness, chocolate and coffee are natural friends

Nutrition

18

Calories

0

Proteing

2

Carbsg

1

Fatg

Per serving. Estimated values. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice.

Tips

  • •Store in the fridge — they soften at room temperature.
  • •For cleaner cuts, run a sharp knife under hot water between slices.

Substitutions

  • peanut butter → almond butter or sunflower seed butter (nut-free)
  • graham cracker crumbs → Oreo cookie crumbs (skip the powdered sugar if using) or Nutter Butters
  • semi-sweet chocolate chips → dark chocolate for a less sweet version

Leftovers

Keep refrigerated up to 1 week, or freeze up to 2 months. They're great frozen.

Leftover Ideas

Crumble over vanilla ice creamChop and mix into trail mixWarm slightly and serve as a sundae topping

Nutrition values are estimates calculated per serving and may vary based on brand, preparation method, and serving size. Not a substitute for professional dietary or medical advice. Consult a registered dietitian for specific nutritional needs.

Allergen Notice: Recipes may contain or come into contact with major allergens including milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, and sesame. Always verify ingredient labels for allergen information specific to the brands you use.

Drink pairing suggestions are for adults of legal drinking age only. Please drink responsibly.

Food Safety: Follow USDA safe minimum internal temperatures: Poultry 165°F (74°C), Ground meats 165°F (74°C), Beef/pork/lamb steaks 145°F (63°C) with 3-min rest, Fish 145°F (63°C). Use an instant-read thermometer — do not rely on visual cues alone. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.