No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars Recipe
These no-bake peanut butter chocolate bars are the ultimate shortcut to happiness.
Creamy peanut butter, silky chocolate, and a touch of sweet perfection come together in minutes—and then you just chill.
Perfect for a last-minute treat or a cozy weekend snack, they’re chewy, chocolatey, and totally snack-able without any oven drama.
Bonus: kids, coworkers, and friends will all ask for seconds.
No Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup 250g creamy peanut butter – smooth and dreamy, the star of the show
- 1/2 cup 115g unsalted butter – melts everything together perfectly
- 2 cups 240g powdered sugar – for that sweet, fudgy base
- 1 1/2 cups 270g semisweet chocolate chips – because chocolate is life
- Optional: a pinch of sea salt or a teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra depth
Instructions
- Line your pan. Grab an 8×8-inch (or similar) pan and line it with parchment paper. Trust me—clean-up is way easier.
- Melt butter and peanut butter. In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt together the butter and peanut butter until smooth and glossy. Stir occasionally, but don’t wander off… chocolate doesn’t like being ignored.
- Mix in sugar. Remove from heat and stir in the powdered sugar. The mixture will be thick but manageable. Press it evenly into your lined pan. Yes, even pressing counts as exercise.
- Melt chocolate. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 20-second intervals, stirring in between until silky smooth. Alternately, use a double boiler.
- Spread chocolate. Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and smooth it with a spatula. Swirls, stripes, or a smooth sheet—decorate however your heart desires.
- Chill. Refrigerate for 1–2 hours until firm. Patience, my friend… good things come to those who wait.
- Slice and serve. Lift out with parchment and cut into bars or squares. Warning: they disappear fast.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
- Zero baking required. That’s right—no sweating over an oven or setting a timer for 45 minutes.
- Ridiculously easy. Even your 10-year-old cousin could probably make these and still have time to play Fortnite.
- Peanut butter + chocolate = magic. Honestly, it’s like science, but tastier.
- Make-ahead friendly. Prep now, snack later, or impress guests at the last minute.
- Customizable. Want more chocolate or a sprinkle of sea salt on top? Go wild.
It’s basically dessert engineering for lazy geniuses.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter – smooth and dreamy, the star of the show
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter – melts everything together perfectly
- 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar – for that sweet, fudgy base
- 1 1/2 cups (270g) semisweet chocolate chips – because chocolate is life
- Optional: a pinch of sea salt or a teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra depth
Pro tip: Don’t skip the butter—it keeps the bars soft and sliceable.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Line your pan. Grab an 8×8-inch (or similar) pan and line it with parchment paper. Trust me—clean-up is way easier.
- Melt butter and peanut butter. In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt together the butter and peanut butter until smooth and glossy. Stir occasionally, but don’t wander off… chocolate doesn’t like being ignored.
- Mix in sugar. Remove from heat and stir in the powdered sugar. The mixture will be thick but manageable. Press it evenly into your lined pan. Yes, even pressing counts as exercise.
- Melt chocolate. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 20-second intervals, stirring in between until silky smooth. Alternately, use a double boiler.
- Spread chocolate. Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and smooth it with a spatula. Swirls, stripes, or a smooth sheet—decorate however your heart desires.
- Chill. Refrigerate for 1–2 hours until firm. Patience, my friend… good things come to those who wait.
- Slice and serve. Lift out with parchment and cut into bars or squares. Warning: they disappear fast.
How to Serve
- Perfect straight from the fridge for a cool, fudgy bite.
- Serve with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to up the flavor game.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cold glass of milk for ultimate indulgence.
Nutrition Facts (per bar, 12 bars total)
- Calories: ~280
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 26g
- Protein: 6g
- Sugar: 20g
FYI: These are rich, decadent bars—sharing is encouraged but not mandatory.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the butter: The bars will be crumbly and sad. Don’t do it.
- Using crunchy peanut butter: Smooth is the way to go—unless you want extra texture.
- Not lining the pan: Chocolate sticking to the pan = tears.
- Trying to eat too soon: Seriously, the fridge does magic. Let it firm up.
- Overheating chocolate: Burned chocolate = bitter regret. Stir often and go low and slow.
Alternatives & Substitutions
- Nut butter swap: Almond or cashew butter works fine if peanut butter isn’t your jam.
- Chocolate options: Milk, dark, or white chocolate—experiment!
- Sweetener swap: Powdered coconut sugar can be used, but bars will be slightly grainier.
- Add-ins: Chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or a swirl of caramel for extra flair.
Final Thoughts
Now go impress someone—or yourself—with these chocolate peanut butter bars.
They’re fast, easy, and basically foolproof. Honestly, you’ll wonder why anyone bothers baking at all.
Pop a batch in the fridge, slice, and indulge like the dessert genius you are. You’ve earned it!
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I use natural peanut butter?
A: Yep! Just make sure it’s smooth and well-stirred. Might be a touch softer, so chill a little longer.
Q: How long do these bars last?
A: About a week in the fridge, but good luck making them last that long.
Q: Can I freeze them?
A: Absolutely. Wrap individual bars in parchment and freeze for up to 2 months. Microwave for 10–15 seconds to soften.
Q: Can I use dark chocolate instead of semisweet?
A: Totally. Dark chocolate adds a slightly bitter balance to the sweet peanut butter.
Q: Can I make mini bars for kids?
A: Yes! Just cut into smaller squares and watch the tiny hands vanish them in seconds.
Q: Do I need to use parchment paper?
A: Technically no, but trust me… clean-up is way easier and bars slice beautifully.
Q: Can I skip the chocolate layer?
A: You could, but why would you? It’s chocolate… do not skip.
