If you have a soft spot for the perfect blend of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate, this Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars Recipe is going to become your new go-to treat. Imagine a crispy graham cracker base mixed with buttery sweetness, layered with a luscious peanut butter and chocolate topping that sets into sliceable bars—each bite delivers a delightful harmony of flavors and textures that’s both nostalgic and indulgently satisfying. Whether you’re making these for a crowd or just to treat yourself, they are unbelievably easy to whip up, and the result is simply irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars Recipe calls for straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully to make every bite sing. Each element plays a vital role—adding flavor, crunch, creaminess, and that signature peanut butter-chocolate magic.
- Butter, 1 cup melted: Provides richness and helps bind the graham cracker crust.
- Graham cracker crumbs, 1 1/2 cups: Adds a crisp, slightly sweet base that balances the creamy filling.
- Powdered sugar, 1 to 1 1/2 cups: Sweetens the crust and helps achieve a smooth texture.
- Creamy natural peanut butter, 2 cups (divided): Gives the bars that classic peanut butter flavor with a luscious, creamy texture.
- Semisweet chocolate chips, 2 cups: Brings rich chocolate intensity, perfectly complementing the peanut butter.
How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by combining the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and 1 cup of peanut butter in a large mixing bowl. Stir everything together until you get a smooth, evenly mixed dough with that perfect crumbly texture ready for pressing into the pan.
Step 2: Form the Base Layer
Press the peanut butter crust mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch pan. This will be the sturdy and flavorful foundation for the chocolate topping, so make sure it’s spread nicely to the corners.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate and Peanut Butter
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the remaining 1 cup of peanut butter with the 2 cups of semisweet chocolate chips. Heat the mixture in 30-second increments, stirring between intervals until everything is silky, smooth, and perfectly melted together.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate Layer
Pour the melted peanut butter and chocolate mixture over the crust layer in the pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly so every bar has a generous, luscious topping.
Step 5: Chill and Set
Place the pan in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours, allowing the bars to firm up nicely. This chilling step is key to achieving those clean, satisfying slices.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Once set, cut the bars into your preferred size—this recipe makes up to 54 bars if you go small, perfect for parties or sharing with friends and family.
Step 7: Store Properly
Keep your peanut butter chocolate bars chilled in the fridge or freezer to maintain their texture and freshness until you’re ready to enjoy them.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars Recipe
Garnishes
These bars are so good on their own, but if you want to dress them up, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt or chopped roasted peanuts on top before chilling to add a delightful crunch and contrast that makes the flavors pop.
Side Dishes
Serve these bars alongside a cold glass of milk or your favorite cup of coffee to create a cozy snack time that hits all the right spots. They also pair beautifully with fresh fruit for a balanced treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Arrange the bars on a decorative platter with mini bowls of chopped nuts, caramel drizzle, and whipped cream nearby. You could even layer some crushed bars into parfait glasses with yogurt or ice cream for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars Recipe, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and scrumptious for up to a week, perfect for sneaking a sweet bite anytime.
Freezing
If you want to keep these bars for longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then a layer of foil before freezing. They can last up to 2 months this way without losing their fantastic texture or flavor.
Reheating
There’s no need to warm these bars; they actually taste best chilled or at room temperature. However, if you’d like a softer bite, let them sit out for 15 minutes before serving to take the chill off.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a bit more texture to your bars, creating a delightful contrast to the smooth chocolate layer. Just keep in mind the bars might be slightly less smooth overall.
Do I have to use graham cracker crumbs for the crust?
Graham cracker crumbs give the perfect flavor and texture, but you can substitute crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers if that’s what you have on hand — just watch the sweetness level and adjust the powdered sugar accordingly.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the graham cracker crumbs for a certified gluten-free alternative or gluten-free cookie crumbs to keep the base safe for gluten-sensitive friends without compromising taste.
Is it possible to make these bars vegan?
You can make a vegan version by using vegan butter, dairy-free chocolate chips, and ensuring your peanut butter doesn’t contain honey or other non-vegan additives. The result will still be deliciously rich and satisfying.
How long does it take to set the bars?
The bars usually need 1 to 2 hours in the fridge to fully set and firm up. For faster results, you can place them in the freezer for about 30 minutes, but keep an eye so they don’t freeze solid.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so heartwarming about the way peanut butter and chocolate come together in this Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars Recipe. They’re simple to make, endlessly tasty, and perfect for sharing (or not!). Once you try them, I have no doubt these bars will become a favorite in your dessert lineup. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones—you’re going to love every bite!
Print
Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 54 bars 1x
Description
These Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars are a decadent, no-bake treat featuring a buttery graham cracker crust layered with creamy peanut butter and topped with a rich chocolate and peanut butter glaze. Perfectly sweet and satisfying, these bars are easy to make, require no oven time, and are great for sharing at parties or enjoying as a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Base Layer
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup creamy natural peanut butter
Topping
- 1 cup creamy natural peanut butter
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the base mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and 1 cup of creamy natural peanut butter. Stir the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Form the crust: Press the peanut butter mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch pan. Make sure to create an even and compact layer as this will serve as the bars’ base.
- Melt the topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the remaining 1 cup peanut butter and the semisweet chocolate chips. Heat the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate and peanut butter are fully melted and smooth.
- Add the topping: Pour the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the prepared base layer. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.
- Chill the bars: Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for 1 to 2 hours, or until the bars are set and firm enough to cut.
- Cut into bars: Once firm, remove the pan from the refrigerator and cut the dessert into 54 small bars or into whatever size you prefer.
- Store and serve: Store the bars in the fridge or freezer and serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use natural creamy peanut butter for the best texture and flavor balance.
- Adjust the powdered sugar quantity between 1 and 1 1/2 cups to control sweetness.
- To melt the chocolate and peanut butter, alternatively use a double boiler if preferred instead of the microwave.
- Bars can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge up to one week or frozen for longer storage.
- For easier cutting, chill bars overnight to ensure they are fully set.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (melting chocolate and peanut butter)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
