If you’re looking for a dessert that ticks all the boxes—quick, crowd-pleasing, downright decadent, and absolutely no baking required—these Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars are about to become your new obsession. Imagine a rich, nutty peanut butter base topped with silky chocolate: a classic combo that’s practically irresistible and sure to delight any sweet tooth. With simple pantry ingredients and just a few easy steps, you’ll be amazed at how quickly this treat comes together, making it perfect for weekday treats, parties, or anytime you need a chocolatey pick-me-up!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in these Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars is essential and packs a serious punch in flavor and texture. Nothing fancy here—just tried-and-true staples that blend perfectly into creamy, crunchy, chocolatey bliss.

Creamy Peanut Butter: The heart and soul of these bars, creamy peanut butter gives them their signature smooth, nutty flavor. Choose a standard (not natural) peanut butter for the best texture.
Unsalted Butter, Melted: This melts seamlessly into the peanut butter, helping the base hold together and adding richness.
Graham Cracker Crumbs: They add just the right amount of body and a gentle crunch, plus a little honey-sweet flavor that complements the peanut butter.
Powdered Sugar: This meshes perfectly into the mixture, sweetening without any grittiness and helping set the bars.
Semisweet Chocolate Chips: These melt into a luscious chocolate topping that pairs beautifully with both the peanut butter and the graham cracker base.
Peanut Butter (for topping): Just a tablespoon swirled in with the topping brings the whole treat together with an extra peanutty finish.

How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars

Step 1: Make the Peanut Butter Base

In a large mixing bowl, blend together the melted butter, creamy peanut butter, graham cracker crumbs, and powdered sugar. Don’t be shy—mix until everything’s totally incorporated and the mixture is thick and holds its shape. This base is the backbone of your Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars, so make sure it’s evenly combined and free of any dry pockets.

Step 2: Press Into the Pan

Line a 9×9-inch or 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal. Scoop all your peanut butter mixture into the pan and use a spatula (or your hands) to press it down firmly and evenly. You want a good solid base without any gaps or loose crumbs. Take your time here: a firmly packed base is the secret behind those clean, perfect squares.

Step 3: Make the Chocolate Topping

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and one tablespoon of peanut butter. Microwave in 20–30 second blasts, stirring well after each, until the mixture is smooth and glossy. The little bit of added peanut butter makes the chocolate extra silky and easier to slice later.

Step 4: Spread and Chill

Pour the melted chocolate mixture over your peanut butter base. Use a spatula to spread it evenly from edge to edge, making sure every corner gets a good coat. Refrigerate the bars for at least two hours, letting everything firm up into sliceable perfection. This chill time is absolutely worth it—that’s when the magic happens!

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Once the bars are fully set, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper. For the cleanest cuts, let them sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before slicing with a sharp knife. Serve up your Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars and enjoy the oohs and aahs.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars

Garnishes

A little extra flair goes a long way! Try sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on top just before serving, or drizzle with melted white chocolate for a pretty finish. Chopped peanuts or chocolate shavings add both beauty and crunch to Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars.

Side Dishes

If you want to round out the dessert table, fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or bananas are a dreamy pairing with these rich bars. Coffee or cold milk also make perfect companions—they help mellow out the sweet-and-salty intensity of the bars.

Creative Ways to Present

Thinking beyond the classic square? Turn these bars into bite-sized pieces and skewer them with cocktail picks for a party platter, or layer them into small mason jars with whipped cream and extra chocolate as individual parfaits. Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars are as adaptable as your imagination!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These bars are a dream for planners—they keep beautifully in the fridge for up to one week. Store them in an airtight container, with parchment or wax paper between layers if you’re stacking, to keep the chocolate pristine and un-smudged.

Freezing

Need to prep further in advance? Simply wrap your Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or zip bag. They can hang out in the freezer for up to three months. Let them thaw in the fridge or at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying.

Reheating

No reheating is required for these bars—just enjoy them chilled straight from the fridge or let them sit on the counter to soften up slightly for a fudgier bite. If you love a gooier texture, just a few seconds in the microwave (about 5–10 seconds) will do the trick, but watch closely so the chocolate doesn’t melt too much.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?

For best results, stick with regular creamy peanut butter. Natural peanut butters tend to separate and are often too runny, which can result in bars that don’t set firmly enough.

What’s the best way to cut Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars cleanly?

Let the bars sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts for neat, photogenic squares every time.

Can I substitute a different type Dessert

Absolutely! If you prefer, swap semisweet chocolate chips for milk or even dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor profile. Just melt as directed and pour over your bars as usual.

How can I make these bars gluten free?

Easy fix: use gluten-free graham crackers or swap with crushed gluten-free digestive biscuits. All the flavor, none of the gluten!

Do Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars travel well?

These bars are sturdy once chilled and travel beautifully for potlucks, lunchboxes, or road trips. Keep them cool during transport for best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you adore the marriage of peanut butter and chocolate, you’ll absolutely fall for these Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars. They’re simple, utterly delicious, and perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself). I can’t wait for you to bite into that buttery base and smooth chocolate top—don’t be surprised if they disappear in record time!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (with chilling)
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the perfect marriage of peanut butter and chocolate with these easy, no-bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars. Creamy peanut butter, graham cracker crumbs, and a sweet chocolate topping make these bars a delicious treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Base:

1 cup creamy peanut butter (not natural)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 1/4 cups powdered sugar

For the Topping:

1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon peanut butter

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Instructions

In a large bowl, mix together the melted butter, 1 cup peanut butter, graham cracker crumbs, and powdered sugar until fully combined. Press the mixture evenly into a parchment-lined 9×9-inch or 8×8-inch baking dish.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon peanut butter together in 20–30 second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Pour the chocolate mixture over the peanut butter base and spread evenly.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm. Once set, lift out of the pan using parchment paper and cut into squares.

Notes

For clean cuts, let the bars sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before slicing with a sharp knife.
Store in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American