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!
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!
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!
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.
Enjoy!
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Peanut Butter Bars
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 ¼ cups powdered sugar (405g)
- 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, broken into small pieces (or ⅔ 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
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
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.
Krissy
I followed the recipe but had trouble cutting them up for serving. Any recommendations to keep the chocolate from breaking apart when cutting?
Sam
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 🙂
Krissy
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
That is so awesome! 🙂
michelle ruggiero
I score the chocolate on top just after a few min. after pouring on top of he peanut butter mixture. Allow to cool completely ( several hours) then follow the score line… no more cracked chocolate!
Kim
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
Sam
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. 🙂
Zenande
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 🌻💛🍰
Sam
Hi Zenande! I am so glad you enjoyed the peanut butter bars so much! Happy baking! 🙂
Mackenzie
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.)
Sugar Spun Run
I am so glad that you enjoyed it, Mackenzie, and hopefully, your kids had fun making them too! 🙂
Alyssa
can they be put in the freezer? If so for how long?
Sam
Hi Alyssa! That should be fine. They should keep at least a month in an airtight container.
Kathy
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.
michelle ruggiero
I feel these are best eaten from refrigerator. They easily get very soft and can be messy if its above 70 F degrees. I suggest to cut into bars, put on a pretty serving dish and bring out when ready to serve.
Colleen
Could this batter be chilled in shaped silicone molds to add a festive mode??
Sugar Spun Run
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. 🙂
Coral Slosser
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.
Sugar Spun Run
Thank you so much, Coral! I really appreciate your kind words. 🙂
Michelle
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
Sam
Thank you so much, Michelle! I’m glad they turned out for you. 🙂
STaylor
Wondering if I can use the same recipe but with almond butter as my son is allergic to peanuts.
Sam
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!
Amber
Is it possible to use coconut oil instead of shortening?
Sam
Yup! Enjoy 🙂
Joan
Help! I’m not finding the video.
Sam
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. 🙂
Lars Frederick
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?
Sam
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!
michelle ruggiero
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?
Sam
Hi Michelle! You can reduce or entirely omit the brown sugar. I hope that helps!
michelle ruggiero
Do you think I should increase the xxx sugar if I omit the brown sugar?
Sam
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 🙂
Ellen
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!
Sam
So glad you enjoyed, Ellen!