No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars (Old Fashioned Lunchroom Recipe!) (2024)

This no-bake peanut butter bars are chocolatey and creamy and taste even better than your favorite peanut butter cup!

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This no-bake peanut butter bars recipe is literally a fail-proof. Made from 5 simple ingredients and take only 10 minutes to make. They are chocolatey and creamy and taste even better than your favorite peanut butter cup!

Let’s be honest, there’s no better pair out there than peanut butter and chocolate. So you better believe that these peanut butter bars are also insanely delicious!

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Easy Peanut Butter Bars

They make the perfect snack when the sweet tooth comes around. These bars are quick to make and when you cut them into squares they become the perfect little treat to satisfy a craving without being too much. They only require five ingredients and the instructions are eight steps long.

Next time you are looking for a simple, yet delicious dessert for a gathering or just a fun treat to have around the house, these no-bake bars should be your go-to. They are incredibly easy to make, creamy, chocolatey and just overall so delish. I know you’re going to love them!

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No Bake Peanut Butter Bars Ingredients

You only need 5 ingredients for this easy recipe! The best part is that you probably will have them all in your pantry as we speak!

Butter – this is one of the few recipes I prefer salted butter. If you use unsalted, maybe add a pinch of salt in.
Graham crackers, crushed – I like to buy them already in crumbs, one less thing to think about, but if you are using graham crackers and crushing them up, you will need about 16 full sheet crackers.
Powdered sugar
Creamy peanut butter
Semi-sweet chocolate chips

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No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars Substitutions & Additions

Chocolate Chips: You can swap out the type of chocolate chips you are using for your no-bake bars if you prefer. I have used milk chocolate as well as dark chocolate before and both turned out delicious! Next time I may try butterscotch!

Peanut Butter: Any brand of peanut butter will work for this recipe. To add a little crunch to your bars you could use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy!

Peanut Butter Free: If you prefer a different type of nut butter, such as almond or cashew, you can definitely give this a try. However, the texture would be quite a bit different and I’m not sure they’d turn out exactly the same. I haven’t tried this, so if you do please let me know how it goes!

Garnish: To take these bars up a notch, try adding a fun garnish to the top of the chocolate. I have sprinkled the tops of them with crushed up Oreos, mini M&M’s, nuts, and even drizzled melted white chocolate. It can be fun to get creative with this.

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How to make Peanut Butter Bars

Combine melted butter, powdered sugar, and graham crackers. Mix in peanut butter.
Spread peanut butter mixture into the bottom of the dish.
Add chocolate chips and remaining peanut butter and melt in the microwave.
Spread chocolate mixture over peanut butter in dish.
Chill in the fridge for 1 hour. Cut and serve.

Easy Peanut Butter Bars Storage

You should store any leftover bars in an airtight container and place them in the fridge. This helps them to keep their shape better.

Peanut Butter Bars Freezing Instructions

Cut into individual squares and either place parchment paper between each bar or wrap each individually. Bars will keep for at least 3 months in the freezer.

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FAQs for Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars

Can you make Peanut Butter Bars without Graham Crackers?

This recipe needs the graham crackers, they provide some structure and texture to the peanut butter bars. You can substitute a vanilla-based cookie if you desire, but I prefer graham crackers.

Can this same recipe be used to make Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Balls?

Yes, it can check out my peanut butter ball recipe

More Great Peanut Butter Recipes

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars | No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies | No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls | Peanut Butter Brownies {Fudgy and Chewy} | Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites | Peanut Butter Cup Brownies | Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread |.Buckeye Bars

5 from 26 votes

Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars (No Bake Recipe)

Author — Jennifer Fishkind

Serves — 16

Ingredients

▢ ¾ cup butter melted
▢ 2 cups graham crackers crushed
▢ 2 cups powdered sugar
▢ 1 ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
▢ 2 ½ cups semi sweet chocolate chips
▢ 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

Instructions

Line a 9×9 baking dish with parchment paper, set aside.
Using either a stand mixer or a hand held mixer, combine the melted butter, powdered sugar and graham crackers.
Mix in the 1 ¼ cup of creamy peanut butter, just until well incorporated.
Evenly spread the peanut butter mixture into the bottom of the baking dish.
In a heat safe bowl, add the semi sweet chocolate chips and the remaining 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter. Heat for 30 second intervals, stirring well after each interval until the peanut butter and chocolate are smooth.
Spread the chocolate mixture over the peanut butter base.
Chill the bars for 1 hour.
Let the bars sit 10 to 15 minutes, at room temperature, before serving.

Jenn’s Notes

TIPS:

If you use unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt into the peanut butter mixture.
To slice, remove from the refrigerator and let them sit out for about 10 minutes. Run a sharp knife under very hot water and carefully slice.
If you prefer thinner bars, use a 9×13 pan.

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Nutrition Info

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These no-bake peanut butter bars check all the boxes. They are easy to make, they are super delicious, and they can be made a variety of ways. Chocolate and peanut butter lovers, like me, will absolutely love this snack!