No Bake Peanut Butter Bars Recipe
These No Bake Peanut Butter Bars are a quick and indulgent treat combining a buttery, crumbly base with a rich peanut butter and chocolate topping. Perfect for when you want a delicious dessert without turning on the oven, these bars offer a smooth, creamy texture complemented by a crunchy crust.
- Author: Ava
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (including melting time)
- Total Time: 25 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 cups animal cracker crumbs (or vanilla wafers, graham crackers, etc.)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
Topping
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 10 oz semi-sweet chocolate (chopped)
- Prepare the Base: In a mixer or food processor, combine the melted unsalted butter, animal cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and creamy peanut butter until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Spread this evenly into the bottom of a 13×9 inch baking pan to form the crust layer.
- Make the Topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chopped semi-sweet chocolate and the 1/4 cup of peanut butter. Heat in the microwave for 1 minute, then stir thoroughly. If the mixture is not completely melted, continue to microwave in 10-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and fully combined.
- Assemble and Chill: Spread the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture evenly over the prepared base layer in the pan. Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for about one hour, or for a faster set, chill in the freezer for 15 minutes. Once set, cut into 24 bars and serve.
Notes
- For crumb alternatives, vanilla wafers or graham crackers work well instead of animal crackers.
- Use creamy peanut butter for the smoothest texture; chunky peanut butter will alter the consistency.
- The bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week, or frozen for longer storage.
- To soften butter quickly, melt it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop just until fluid.
- If you prefer a thicker topping, add more chopped chocolate or peanut butter to the topping mixture before melting.
Keywords: no bake peanut butter bars, easy peanut butter dessert, peanut butter chocolate bars, no bake dessert, quick peanut butter bars