No Bake Peanut Butter Bars are a delicious and easy treat. They combine creamy peanut butter with sweet chocolate, making them perfect for any occasion. Plus, there’s no baking involved! This recipe is great for kids and adults alike, and it’s an excellent no-fuss dessert to whip up when you’re short on time.
How to Make No Bake Peanut Butter Bars
Ingredients:
- 10 tablespoons butter (room temperature, divided (see note 1))
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (see note 2)
- 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups peanut butter (see note 3)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate chips (see note 4))
Directions:
- Line an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan with a foil sling for easy cleanup. Coat it with nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl, cream 5 tablespoons of butter, graham cracker crumbs, and powdered sugar until smooth. Stir in the peanut butter and mix well. Press this mixture into the prepared pan.
- In a small, microwave-safe bowl, heat the chocolate chips and the remaining 5 tablespoons of butter for 1 minute. Stir carefully. Continue to microwave in 30-second increments until smooth, stirring after each increment.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter filling and spread it evenly.
- Chill the bars until completely firm, at least 3 hours or overnight. Let them stand for 10 minutes at room temperature before serving. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.
How to Serve No Bake Peanut Butter Bars
Serve these bars cold or at room temperature. They are great on their own, but you can also enjoy them with a glass of milk or a scoop of ice cream for a richer dessert experience.
How to Store No Bake Peanut Butter Bars
After making these delicious bars, store them in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They can last for about a week in the fridge.
Tips to Make No Bake Peanut Butter Bars
- For easier mixing, use creamy peanut butter instead of crunchy.
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for smooth mixing.
- To add a bit more flavor, sprinkle some sea salt over the melted chocolate before it sets.
Variation
You can customize these bars by adding ingredients like chopped nuts or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor. You can also swap out the chocolate chips for white chocolate or even butterscotch chips for a different twist.
FAQs
Q: Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but it may affect the consistency slightly. Make sure it is well-mixed and not too runny.
Q: How do I cut the bars neatly?
A: Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water to cut the bars. Wipe the knife clean after each cut for the best results.
Q: Can these bars be frozen?
A: Yes, you can freeze these bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before placing them in the freezer. They can last up to three months in the freezer.
