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No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars

These no-bake peanut butter bars are a rich, gooey treat made with simple ingredients like peanut butter, chocolate, and butter. They come together without any heat, resulting in a firm, chocolate-topped bar with a crumbly peanut butter base that’s perfect for quick snacking or satisfying a sweet craving. The final texture is smooth and fudgy, with a shiny chocolate layer on top.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup peanut butter natural, runny variety
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 cup powdered sugar sifted
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs finely crushed
  • 1 cup chocolate chips semi-sweet or dark
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter for melting chocolate

Equipment

  • 20cm (8-inch) square pan
  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Spatula or rubber scraper
  • Sharp knife
  • Parchment paper

Method
 

  1. Line your square pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on sides for easy removal.
  2. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the peanut butter, melted butter, and sifted powdered sugar together in 30-second bursts, stirring until you get a smooth, creamy mixture that’s slightly thick but spreads easily.
  3. Add the finely crushed graham cracker crumbs to the peanut butter mixture and stir until well combined. The mixture should feel thick and slightly sticky, with a peanut butter aroma filling the air.
  4. Press this mixture evenly into the prepared pan using a spatula or your fingers, creating a firm, even base. Place the pan in the fridge to chill for about 30 minutes.
  5. Meanwhile, melt the chocolate chips with a tablespoon of coconut oil or butter in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring well after each until the mixture is shiny and smooth.
  6. Pour the melted chocolate over the chilled peanut butter layer, spreading it out with the spatula to create an even, glossy top. Return the pan to the fridge and chill for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate is set and firm.
  7. Once the bars are fully set, lift them out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Use a sharp knife warmed slightly to cut into squares, wiping the blade clean between slices for neat edges.
  8. Serve the bars chilled or at room temperature, enjoying their rich, gooey texture and shiny chocolate top. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.