Peanut Butter Bars

HOW TO MAKE PEANUT BUTTER BARS

Like I said, there are just 4 simple ingredients in this recipe!

You’ll need:

• Graham Cracker Crumbs
• Powdered Sugar
• Peanut Butter
• Chocolate Chips, and
• a little more Peanut Butter

For the crumbs, you can grind up your own graham crackers in the food processor, or just buy the boxed kind. Since I’m all about easy recipes right now, I went for the box. I find them in my regular grocery store, right in the baking aisle. Or you can order them online. Here’s a link: Graham Cracker Crumbs.

And for the peanut butter, I just use regular creamy peanut butter. You could probably use the crunchy kind too if you like. I haven’t tried using natural peanut butter, but I think it would probably work ok if you’re looking for a more healthy option.

THE PEANUT BUTTER BASE LAYER

To make the bottom layer, just toss the graham cracker crumbs, peanut butter, and powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl, and stir everything together on low speed to get it combined.

At first, the mixture may look really dry. But if you keep stirring, it will come together!

See what I mean? Once it’s fully combined, it will have a texture almost like a firm cookie dough.

Just tip the mixture into a parchment-lined 9×13 inch pan. You can do it in an 8×8 or 9×9 pan too- your bars will just come out thicker.

Next you’ll want to press this mixture into an even layer.

Once the bottom of your pan is completely covered, you can move on to the topping!

THE CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER TOPPING

The topping is made by melting chocolate together with a little peanut butter.

You can do this in a double boiler, or in the microwave.

I chose to do it in the microwave. It only took about a minute. Just hit it with quick, 20-second bursts, stirring after each, until the mixture is smooth and luscious.

Pour the mixture over the base.

And then smooth it out with a spatula.

Now they are all set to go into the fridge!

Just allow them to chill until that top layer is set. In my fridge, this took about 1 hour.

Once they’re set, they can be cut into bars and enjoyed! Pretty easy, right?

GLUTEN-FREE PEANUT BUTTER BARS

To make a gluten-free version of this recipe, just look for gluten-free graham cracker crumbs.

These can also be made dairy-free if you use dairy-free chocolate chips.

CAN PEANUT BUTTER BARS BE LEFT OUT AT ROOM TEMPERATURE?

As long as it’s not really really hot in your house, these bars should be ok to sit out without melting. Once they’ve chilled in the fridge and the chocolate is set, it should stay that way, although they will be a bit softer at room temp.

HOW LONG DO PEANUT BUTTER BARS KEEP?

These peanut butter bars can be wrapped and kept on the counter for several days at least. In the fridge, they should last for around 2 weeks.

Here are a few more of my favorite bar recipes:

• Simply Perfect Rice Krispie Treats
• Chewy Granola Bars
• Brownies from Scratch
• Lemon Bars

As an amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

5 from 4 votes

Print

Peanut Butter Bars

Prep Time

10 mins

Chill Time

1 hr

 

These no-bake peanut butter bars are such a delicious treat! So easy to make, & they taste just like a Reese's, but better because they're homemade.

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: chocolate peanut butter bars, no-bake peanut butter bars, peanut butter bars, peanut butter candy bars, peanut butter chocolate bars

Servings: 20

Calories: 271 kcal

Ingredients

For the peanut butter base

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1 1/2 cups peanut butter
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

For the chocolate peanut butter topping

• 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips*
• 1/4 cup peanut butter

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

To make the peanut butter base

1. Place the graham cracker crumbs, peanut butter, and powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl and stir together until combined.

2. Press the mixture into an even layer in the bottom of a parchment-lined 9x13" pan.**

To make the chocolate peanut butter topping

1. Place the milk chocolate chips* and peanut butter in a medium bowl and microwave*** in short, 20-second bursts, stirring until smooth.

2. Pour the mixture over the peanut butter base and smooth into an even layer with a spatula.

3. Chill for 1 hour, or until set, before cutting into bars.

Recipe Notes

*Dark or white chocolate chips may be substituted.
**Can also be made in an 8x8" or 9x9" square pan (bars will be thicker).
***May also be done over a double boiler. 

Nutrition Facts

Peanut Butter Bars

Amount Per Serving

Calories 271 Calories from Fat 135

% Daily Value*

Fat 15g23%

Saturated Fat 4g25%

Cholesterol 2mg1%

Sodium 168mg7%

Potassium 161mg5%

Carbohydrates 29g10%

Fiber 2g8%

Sugar 21g23%

Protein 7g14%

Vitamin A 30IU1%

Vitamin C 0.1mg0%

Calcium 32mg3%

Iron 0.9mg5%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.