Description
“Sweet Treats Made Easy” brings the joy of dessert-making without the hassle. These No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars are creamy, rich, and ready in under 30 minutes. With a smooth peanut butter base and a glossy chocolate topping, they’re the perfect sweet fix for busy days, family gatherings, or gifting.
Ingredients
For the Base Layer
1 cup (240 g) creamy peanut butter
½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter
2 cups (200 g) graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits, finely crushed)
1½ cups (180 g) powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Topping
1½ cups (260 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons (30 g) butter
Optional Toppings
Crushed peanuts or pretzels
Sea salt flakes
White chocolate drizzle
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking dish with parchment paper. Leave an overhang for easy lifting later. Lightly grease the paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Base
In a saucepan, melt butter and peanut butter over medium heat. Stir until smooth.
Remove from heat and add vanilla extract.
In a large bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs and powdered sugar.
Pour in the peanut butter mixture and stir until a thick, moldable dough forms.
Press evenly into the prepared pan with a spatula.
Step 3: Make the Chocolate Layer
Melt chocolate chips and butter in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth (about 1–1½ minutes total).
Pour the chocolate mixture over the base and spread evenly with a spatula.
Step 4: Add Toppings and Set
Sprinkle sea salt flakes or crushed peanuts on top if desired.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until the chocolate hardens.
Lift from the pan and cut into 16 squares.
For clean edges, warm the knife under hot water and wipe between cuts.
Notes
Use creamy peanut butter for a smooth texture; natural peanut butter may separate.
For less sweetness, use bittersweet chocolate or reduce sugar slightly.
Chill the peanut base before adding chocolate to keep layers distinct.
Let bars rest 5 minutes at room temperature before slicing to avoid cracks.
Substitute almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert / No-Bake
- Method: No-Bake, Refrigerated
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 19 g
- Sodium: 130 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: sweet treats made easy, no-bake peanut butter bars, quick dessert recipes, easy sweet snacks