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You are here: Home / Desserts / Bars & Brownies / Peanut Butter Bars

Peanut Butter Bars

November 27, 2019 By Sam 33 Comments

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Peanut butter bars on marble surface

Creamy, no-bake peanut butter bars!  With just a handful of simple ingredients, this easy no-bake recipe takes only a matter of minutes to make and is a classic combination of peanut butter and chocolate!  

This one’s for you, peanut butter & chocolate lovers! Those of you who enjoyed my Buckeye recipe or my No-Bake Cookies will love this easy no-bake treat!

Creamy no-Bake Peanut Butter Bars on a marble board

No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars

Smooth and creamy, chocolate/peanut butter heaven.

I literally can’t think of a better way to get your peanut butter/chocolate fix right now. And how perfect and easy are these for Christmas? They may not be cookies but I want a few on my cookie tray (right next to the peanut butter blossoms, please).

These no-bake bars remind me of a cold, creamy chocolate covered (no-thermometer-required) version of my peanut butter fudge. But so much easier!

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Bars
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Bars

What You Need

  • Creamy peanut butter. I don’t recommend using a natural peanut butter (the kind where the oil separates) as the bars may not firm up properly.
  • Butter. I use salted for these peanut butter bars.
  • Powdered sugar.
  • Brown Sugar. This adds a nice depth of flavor. Some people have noted that they can taste a slight grittiness from the brown sugar but I have never experienced this. Feel free to leave it out if your brown sugar is particularly coarse.
  • Vanilla extract.
  • Semisweet chocolate. You can use a bar of chocolate or chocolate chips. If using chocolate chips I recommend using a bit of shortening as well to thin the chocolate.

What You Don’t Need

Graham cracker crumbs! I’ve had peanut butter bars in the past made with graham cracker crumbs and honestly was never a fan. Too much grit, maybe? When I tried a few versions with crumbs added even Zach complained about the “sandy” texture that they had.

Peanut butter bars should be creamy and luxuriously smooth, and these are. Save the crumbs for your graham cracker crusts!

Smoothing melted chocolate over the top of peanut butter bars

Now, since there are no crumbly graham cracker bits in here, we are going to need to chill the bars a bit longer in the fridge for them to firm up properly. They’ll need a few hours in the fridge to set completely and you’ll have a super smooth and creamy, melt-in-your-mouth, peanut butter explosion beneath a snappy semisweet chocolate shell.

However, I definitely won’t judge you if you break down after 30 minutes (or without refrigerating at all) and go to town with a spoon. We’ve all been there.

7 chocolate covered peanut butter bars on a marble board

Enjoy!

More Peanut Butter & Chocolate Recipes to Try!

  • Scotcharoos
  • Homemade Reese’s Cups
  • Peanut Butter Blossoms

Let’s bake together! Follow me on my YouTube channel where I’ve already uploaded over 200 recipe videos that you can watch for free!

peanut butter bars on marble surface

Peanut Butter Bars

Simple no-bake Peanut Butter Bars with a chocolate topping (made without graham cracker crumbs)!  Be sure to check out the video above the recipe for a quick, easy, tutorial!
4.5 from 8 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: no bake peanut butter bars, peanut butter bars, peanut butter chocolate desserts
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 25 pieces
Calories: 228kcal
Author: Sam Merritt

Ingredients

  • 2 cups creamy peanut butter (475g)
  • 10 Tablespoons salted butter softened (140g)
  • 2 Tablespoons brown sugar tightly packed (25g)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5ml)
  • 3 1/4 cups powdered sugar (405g)
  • 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, broken into small pieces (or 2/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips) (115g)
  • 1 teaspoon shortening

Instructions

  • Prepare a 9"x9" baking pan by lining with aluminum foil.  Set aside.
  • Using an electric mixer, beat together peanut butter, and butter until smooth and creamy.  
  • Add brown sugar and vanilla extract, stir well.
  • Gradually add powdered sugar, stirring until completely combined.
  • Spread peanut butter filling into prepared pan.  To make the surface smooth and even, I like to first spread with the a spoon or spatula, and then lay a piece of wax paper over the filling and use my hands to smooth it out (see video for visual).
  • Place pan in refrigerator while you prepare your chocolate topping.
  • To prepare chocolate topping, combine chocolate pieces or chocolate chips and shortening in a small microwave-safe bowl.  Microwave for 20 seconds, stir well, and continue to heat on 15-second increments (stirring well between) until chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
  • Remove bars from refrigerator and spread chocolate evenly over the surface.
  • Return to refrigerator and chill at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  • Cut and serve.  Keep uneaten bars refrigerated for firmness.

Nutrition

Serving: 1piece | Calories: 228kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 123mg | Potassium: 2mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 3IU | Iron: 3mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @SugarSpun_Sam or tag #sugarspunrun!

Peanut Butter Bars, easy, creamy, and no bake! Peanut Butter Bars, easy, creamy, and no bake!Peanut Butter Bars, easy, creamy, and no bake!

This recipe was originally published 08/03/2017. Photos and recipe updated and a video has been added to (hopefully!) be more helpful. Some of the original photos can be seen above.

 

Filed Under: Bars & Brownies, Candy, Desserts

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Comments

  1. Krissy says

    December 19, 2020 at 10:41 am

    I followed the recipe but had trouble cutting them up for serving. Any recommendations to keep the chocolate from breaking apart when cutting?

    Reply
    • Sam says

      December 19, 2020 at 3:34 pm

      Yes! Run your knife under hot water for 10-15 seconds, carefully wipe it dry and then you should be able to easily make clean cuts 🙂

      Reply
      • Krissy says

        December 19, 2020 at 7:48 pm

        5 stars
        Thank you. The recipe is great and easier than rolling buckeye balls. I also love your oatmeal bars. My 3 year old and make them often.

      • Sam says

        December 19, 2020 at 8:47 pm

        That is so awesome! 🙂

  2. Kim says

    August 30, 2020 at 2:07 pm

    4 stars
    First, let me just say that I love your recipes! I used this one to make peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate. They are a few more steps, but relatively easy & fun. One tip I thought I would pass along is using the now widely available peanut butter powder (preferably unsweetened) in place of some of the sugar and adding just a bit more kosher salt. I tried this in my most recent batch and my boyfriend said they were better than any batch and better than Reese’s! Off to try some more of your gorgeous recipes. Thank you for this site <3

    Reply
    • Sam says

      August 31, 2020 at 4:51 pm

      I am so glad you enjoyed them so much, Kim! I haven’t seen peanut butter powder, but I guess I’m not looking for it. I’ll have to check it out sometime. 🙂

      Reply
  3. Zenande says

    May 10, 2020 at 12:51 pm

    Hi sam i am Zenande i am young and i am are zulu i am in grade 6 in soweto i like to bake. so today i tried to bake your peanat better burs and it was amazing and thanx for your recipe 🌻💛🍰

    Reply
    • Sam says

      May 10, 2020 at 2:55 pm

      Hi Zenande! I am so glad you enjoyed the peanut butter bars so much! Happy baking! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Mackenzie says

    March 25, 2020 at 3:20 pm

    5 stars
    This recipe went smoothly and was very quick and fun to make. It is also very helpful that you don’t ave to wait for them to bake and great fro kids to make because they won’t have to mess with an oven. I totally recommend this recipe. (If you like peanut butter.)

    Reply
    • Sugar Spun Run says

      March 25, 2020 at 4:28 pm

      I am so glad that you enjoyed it, Mackenzie, and hopefully, your kids had fun making them too! 🙂

      Reply
  5. Alyssa says

    December 14, 2019 at 4:33 pm

    can they be put in the freezer? If so for how long?

    Reply
    • Sam says

      December 15, 2019 at 9:49 am

      Hi Alyssa! That should be fine. They should keep at least a month in an airtight container.

      Reply
  6. Kathy says

    December 7, 2019 at 8:40 pm

    Do these bars stay firm once they get to room temperature? I want to try them for a Christmas luncheon, but want something that remains firm enough to handle like a cookie. And perhaps for a cookie exchange.

    Reply
  7. Colleen says

    December 1, 2019 at 6:43 am

    Could this batter be chilled in shaped silicone molds to add a festive mode??

    Reply
    • Sugar Spun Run says

      December 1, 2019 at 7:49 am

      Hi, Colleen! I haven’t tried it, but it should be ok. If you do try it, I’d love to know how it worked out. 🙂

      Reply
  8. Coral Slosser says

    November 29, 2019 at 6:20 am

    Just want to say Good luck with the new bundle
    of Joy that be in your life. Best of luck an Please take care of your self an the new child when he or she comes in the world.
    Happy Holidays to you an your Family.

    Love your recipes all are super Great. Thanks.

    Reply
    • Sugar Spun Run says

      November 29, 2019 at 7:34 am

      Thank you so much, Coral! I really appreciate your kind words. 🙂

      Reply
  9. Michelle says

    November 28, 2019 at 12:07 pm

    5 stars
    I’m updating my review since reworking . These are incredible . So delish! Creamy sweet but not too sweet chocolatey like a gourmet Reese’s bar. I pulverize the brown sugar to reduce the gritty texture. Love these so easy fast no bake go to treat

    Reply
    • Sam says

      November 28, 2019 at 12:09 pm

      Thank you so much, Michelle! I’m glad they turned out for you. 🙂

      Reply
  10. STaylor says

    July 14, 2019 at 9:39 pm

    Wondering if I can use the same recipe but with almond butter as my son is allergic to peanuts.

    Reply
    • Sam says

      July 17, 2019 at 9:55 pm

      I haven’t tried it with almond butter but I don’t think that would be a problem. If you do try it I’d love to hear how it works for you!

      Reply
  11. Amber says

    June 25, 2019 at 5:34 pm

    Is it possible to use coconut oil instead of shortening?

    Reply
    • Sam says

      June 27, 2019 at 8:29 pm

      Yup! Enjoy 🙂

      Reply
  12. Joan says

    December 17, 2018 at 10:02 pm

    Help! I’m not finding the video.

    Reply
    • Sam says

      December 17, 2018 at 10:42 pm

      Hi, Joan! I don’t have a cooking style video that features me in it. I do have an ingredient focused video that you would find on Facebook. If you can’t view it at the bottom of the page (Right below that last picture and text that says, “Enjoy!”), you can watch it here. 🙂

      Reply
  13. Lars Frederick says

    November 20, 2017 at 11:20 pm

    4 stars
    Hi Sam. Tasted great but the peanut butter portion was very sticky and nothing would let me smooth it out evenly when putting it into the 9X9 pan. Not even the wax paper. What can be done to keep that from happening?

    Reply
    • Sam says

      November 21, 2017 at 10:45 pm

      Hmm, I’m sorry to hear that Lars! I haven’t had that problem but it could be remedied by adding some additional powdered sugar, or you could chill the peanut butter portion in the refrigerator for 15 minutes (or longer if needed). I hope that helps!

      Reply
  14. michelle ruggiero says

    November 11, 2017 at 11:14 pm

    3 stars
    Hi, I just love these but have one complaint. How do get the gritty sugar to dissolve in the peanut butter? It is too gritty for my liking. The taste outstanding. What a I doing wrong?

    Reply
    • Sam says

      November 12, 2017 at 9:46 pm

      Hi Michelle! You can reduce or entirely omit the brown sugar. I hope that helps!

      Reply
      • michelle ruggiero says

        December 16, 2017 at 12:10 am

        5 stars
        Do you think I should increase the xxx sugar if I omit the brown sugar?

      • Sam says

        December 16, 2017 at 6:37 pm

        I think you will be fine just omitting the brown sugar without increasing the powdered sugar. However, if the dough does end up being too difficult to mange you can always add a bit more powdered sugar 🙂

  15. Ellen says

    August 5, 2017 at 12:51 pm

    5 stars
    I am obsessed with peanut butter and these are now my favorite treat! My first time tasting Peanut Butter & Co. – Yum! So happy that there is no crust, a waste of calories to me. This recipe rates A+ and 5 stars!! Great video too. Thank-you!

    Reply
    • Sam says

      August 9, 2017 at 4:43 pm

      So glad you enjoyed, Ellen!

      Reply

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The author (Sam) in blue shirt holding donut Hi, I'm Sam! I'm dedicated to bringing you sweet, simple, and from-scratch dessert recipes. My life may or may not be controlled by my sweet tooth. Send help (or chocolate). Read more about me.

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