No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars - Tastefully Grace (2024)

Irresistible is right! These no-bake peanut butter bars are like homemade peanut butter cups, with rich chocolate and thick peanut butter layers.

This time of year, candy is everywhere, and my personal kryptonite is peanut butter cups. It’s hard to imagine anything tasting better than a Reese’s but these are BETTER. Yes, I mean it. A generous peanut butter layer that’s got that distinct, slightly coarse peanut butter cup texture. On the top, there’s a decadent chocolate layer because who doesn’t love that. You’ll be seeing less of those orange wrappers floating around, with these in the house. Or better yet, leave the Reese’s for the kiddos and hide these, all for yourself!

While we’re talking bars, don’t forget about Pumpkin Bars and squares of Peanut Butter Fudge, which, of course, are staples this time of year.

Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Bars

• Like a peanut butter cup, but better!
• Big bars, mini bars, cut them into whatever size you like.
• No bake: PB bars in almost no time!
• Excellent made ahead.
• Freeze them for later.

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Bars

• Chocolate chips – chocolate chips are melted and combined with a little bit of peanut butter to create a delicious chocolate layer. I like semisweet chocolate chips the best but you can also use bittersweet or even milk chocolate.
• Smooth peanut butter – peanut butter is mixed with graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar and butter to create the most irresistible peanut butter layer. The texture and the taste is like a homemade peanut butter cup! You can use regular or natural peanut butter as long as natural peanut butter is mixed well.
• Graham cracker crumbs – graham cracker crumbs create that distinctive, inside-a-peanut-butter-cup texture. I like to buy full graham crackers and crush them myself (they always taste better that way!).
• Confectioner’s (powdered) sugar – powdered sugar lightens up the peanut butter layer so it’s not so sticky.
• Salted butter – butter also lightens up the peanut butter layer, adding a saltiness and softness.

How to Make Peanut Butter Bars

Pro Tips

• If you use a 9×9” pan, the bars will turn out a little thinner than if you use the 8×8” pan.
• I like to crush my own graham crackers; they just taste better that way! Pop the grahams into a Ziploc bag and use the bottom of a water glass to smash them into fine crumbs, like sand.
• If you’re using natural peanut butter, make sure it’s well-stirred before using.
• Looking for fun toppings? Add some crushed peanut butter cups, chopped peanuts, sea salt flakes, or a drizzle of white chocolate on the top!

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make ahead: peanut butter bars can be made about a week in advance! They store so well. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator, covered, for up to a week.
• Freezing: refrigerate the bars for at least 3 hours, and then freeze the bars in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

More No-Bake Dessert Recipes You’ll Love!

• Edible Cookie Dough Recipe
• Chocolate Eclair Cake
• Peanut Butter Fudge
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie