This no-bake chocolate peanut butter bar recipe is quick and no-hassle, and a good simple dessert for a big crowd.
How to Make No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars
- Prepare the base. Mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, butter, and peanut butter together. Press the bar base evenly into the bottom of an ungreased pan.
- Make the chocolate ganache. Add chocolate chips and peanut butter to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high, stirring the chocolate mixture every 15 seconds until smooth.
- Finish up. Spread the ganache over the crust and refrigerate for two hours before cutting.
Storing and Freezing Instructions
To Store: The bars will keep for five to seven days stored in the fridge. Make sure to use an airtight container.
To Freeze: Peanut butter bars can also be frozen for up to three months.
Peanut Butter Bar Recipe Variations
Coconut crust: Swap out the graham crackers with the same amount of coconut flour. Use coconut oil instead of butter. Keep the amount the same. Add half a cup to a cup of shredded coconut to the crust mixture for extra flavor.
White chocolate glaze: Replace the semisweet chocolate chips with the same amount of white chocolate chips for a sweeter touch.
Granola bars: Mix one cup of crushed granola into the graham cracker crumbs for added texture. Substitute half of the peanut butter with almond butter for a milder nut flavor.
Add a caramel layer: Drizzle caramel sauce over the peanut butter layer before adding the chocolate glaze. Use a toothpick to swirl the caramel for a marbled effect.
Protein bars: Boost protein content by adding a quarter to half a cup of vanilla or chocolate protein powder to the peanut butter mixture. Adjust the amount as desired. Make sure to adjust the amount of confectioners’ sugar accordingly for desired sweetness.
Pretzel bars: Mix one cup of crushed pretzels into the graham cracker crumbs for a salty-sweet combo. Garnish with additional crushed pretzels on top of the chocolate glaze.
Peanut Butter Bars
Ingredients
For the peanut butter bars:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup peanut butter
For the ganache:
- 1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 4 tbsp peanut butter
Instructions
- Add the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, butter and peanut butter to a large bowl and mix to combine.
- Press evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 9×13-inch pan.
- To make the ganache, add the chocolate chips and peanut butter to a microwave safe bowl.
- Microwave on high, stirring every 15 seconds, until smooth.
- Spread over the crust.
- Refrigerate for minimum 2 hours before cutting and serving.
Notes
- Crushing crackers: If you don’t have a blender, put the graham crackers in a ziplock or sandwich bag and crush them with a roller pin or by hand until only small crumbs remain.
- Slicing tip: For clean slices, run a knife under hot water before cutting and wipe dry between slices.
- Storage tip: Store leftover bars in a resealable container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Setting tip: For a quicker set time, place bars in the freezer for 30 minutes instead of refrigerating.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
