No Bake Peanut Butter Bars: A Quick and Tasty Treat!

No Bake Peanut Butter Bars is the perfect treat to whip up when you’re short on time but still want something indulgent. 

I adore these bars because they’re super simple and require only a few ingredients—peanut butter, graham cracker crumbs, and chocolate chips.

They come together so fast that I can make them even on my busiest days. Whether I need a quick snack or a last-minute dessert for a gathering, these bars are my go-to. 

Plus, with the option to make a 3-ingredient no-bake peanut butter bar, you can adjust it to suit your preferences! 

If you do not like chocolate, skip the topping and still enjoy a delicious peanut butter-based treat. These no-bake bars are sure to become your new favourite snack!

Why You’ll Love It

No Bake Peanut Butter Bars Recipe This No Bake Peanut Butter Bar is just the treat for you if you are on that team that loves a good snack but does not like to spend hours in the kitchen.  

You can make these incredible bars quickly with only a few ingredients. The creamy peanut butter bottom and chocolate top make for a delicious flavour and will surely become a new favourite! 

They’re also incredibly flexible and can be modified for various uses! And if you want a more healthful treat, you can forgo the chocolate in the topping. 

These no-bake bars are great whenever you want a quick pick-me-up or a fancy dessert on the lazy side. 

They are portable, so you can tote them, share them with friends, or savour them.

No Bake Peanut Butter Bars

Recipe Overview

This No Bake Peanut Butter Bars recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a quick, no-fuss dessert. You only need a handful of ingredients, and the prep is as easy as it gets. Simply mix, press, chill, and top with chocolate.

The best part? These bars are incredibly versatile and can be made to suit various preferences. You can even leave out the chocolate topping if you prefer a more peanut butter-forward bar.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Chill Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Cuisine: American
• Course: Dessert
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Yield: 12 bars
• Calories per Serving: 200 calories

Ingredients

For the Bars

• 1/2 cup salted butter (melted)
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs

For the Chocolate Topping

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
• Flaky sea salt (optional, for sprinkling)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Peanut Butter Base
   • In a large bowl, mix together the melted butter, peanut butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
   • Gradually add in the confectioners’ sugar and graham cracker crumbs, stirring until everything is well combined. The mixture should be thick and sticky.
2. Press the Base into a Pan
   • Line a 9×9-inch square pan with parchment paper for easy removal. Press the peanut butter mixture into the pan, making sure it’s even and compact. I find using the back of a spoon or my fingers helps smooth it out perfectly.
3. Make the Chocolate Topping
   • In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the chocolate chips and peanut butter in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth.
4. Top the Bars
   • Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the peanut butter base, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the top if you like that sweet-and-salty contrast.
5. Chill and Set
   • Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate has hardened and the bars are firm. If you’re in a rush, you can speed up the process by putting them in the freezer for 30-60 minutes.
6. Serve and Enjoy
   • Once set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper and cut them into squares. These bars are perfect for a snack, dessert, or even a treat to bring to your next party!

My Secret Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Bars

• Can You Use Natural Peanut Butter?

You can use natural peanut butter, but note that it may be runnier and have an impact on the texture of the base. I suggest using creamy peanut butter that contains added oil for the best results.

• How to Fix a Crumbly Base?

If your base seems overly crumbly and is not holding together, mix in more peanut butter or butter to moisten it. Sometimes, a couple extra tablespoons of melted butter do wonders!

• How to Make Ahead?

These No Bake Peanut Butter Bars can be prepared up to 3 days ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. They taste even better the longer they sit and chill, so these are perfect to make in advance for parties or get-togethers.

Helpful Tips

• Use Smooth Peanut Butter for Best Texture

For the creamiest and smoothest base, stick to creamy peanut butter with a good amount of oil. Avoid natural peanut butter unless you’re okay with a slightly runnier base—it can affect the texture.

• Chill well for firm bars

Allow your bars to set in fridge for a minimum of 2 hours (or 30-60 minutes in the freezer for a faster set). They help the bars set, making them easier to cut, and they help the bars retain their shape.

• Adapt the Chocolate Layer

Semi-sweet chocolate chips are traditional, but you can get creative here with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or a mix of the two. Stir in a bit of swirl of peanut butter into the melted chocolate for even more peanut butter flavor!

• Make It Healthier

Want a lighter version? Or forgo the chocolate topping or use dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa. You can also substitute graham cracker crumbs with whole wheat or oat crumbs for a healthier base.

peanut recipe

Helpful Swaps

• Peanut Butter Alternatives

If you prefer a nut-free option or want something different, swap peanut butter for almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or cashew butter. Each will bring a unique flavour and texture to your bars.

• Graham Cracker Crumbs for Oats

You can replace the graham cracker crumbs with quick oats or oat flour for a heartier texture. This swap adds a bit of fibre and makes the bars feel more substantial, giving them that delightful oatmeal bar vibe.

• Butter for Coconut Oil

Swap the salted butter for melted coconut oil if you want a dairy-free option. It will give the bars a slightly tropical flavour and work just as well in holding the base together.

• Confectioners’ Sugar for Maple Syrup

Want to make these bars a little healthier? Try swapping powdered sugar with maple syrup or honey. This will make the bars taste sweeter with a natural, richer flavour.

• Chocolate Chips for Cacao Nibs

If you’re aiming for a healthier or less sugary topping, swap out the chocolate chips for cacao nibs. These offer a deep chocolate flavour with less sweetness, perfect for those who enjoy a more bitter chocolate bite!

Storage Tips

Once your No Bake Peanut Butter Bars have been set, store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. 

They’ll last about 3-4 days in the fridge, making them perfect for preparing in advance. 

For more extended storage, you can freeze them! Just place them in a freezer-safe container or wrap them individually, and they’ll stay suitable for up to 2 months. 

When you’re ready to eat, let them thaw in the fridge for an hour or two. If you’re making a batch for later, I recommend cutting them into bars before freezing so you can grab a single serving whenever you want a quick treat. 

Be sure to keep the bars from moisture to prevent them from becoming too soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Video Tutorial

Conclusion

No Bake Peanut Butter Bars is the recipe that turns an ordinary snack into something extraordinary. 

I can’t tell you how many times these bars have saved the day, whether I’m in a time crunch or want a treat that doesn’t require turning on the oven. 

The peanut butter and chocolate combo is always a hit, and the fact that they come together in minutes makes them a perfect choice for busy weeknights. 

Whether you make a 3-ingredient no-bake peanut butter bar or go all out with the chocolate topping, these bars will always satisfy you!