Some recipes feel like a revelation—these peanut butter bars are one of them. With just a handful of pantry staples and zero oven time, they come together in minutes but deliver that rich, bakery-style indulgence you crave.
The texture is a dreamy balance of creamy and chewy, with a sweet-salty edge that hits just right. They taste as good as our other favorites—Rhubarb Oat Bars and Cherry Pie Bars—but with a no-fuss process that feels almost suspiciously simple.
Drawing from old-school lunchbox classics and global dessert bars I’ve sampled in cafés from Georgia to Greece, this recipe blends nostalgic charm with effortless technique. One bite and you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with store-bought treats.
Why You’ll Be Hooked?
- They’re the kind of treat that disappears from the plate before you’ve had a second piece—soft, nutty, and sweet in all the right ways.
- I made these on a whim during a midnight craving, and now they’re a weekly ritual—they’re just that fast and foolproof.
- They’ve saved me more than once when I needed a last-minute dessert for guests—no oven, no stress, all flavor.
- Over time, I’ve played around with mix-ins—chopped peanuts, dark chocolate, even coconut flakes—so you can personalize every batch.
- Cutting back on refined sugar? Swapping in maple syrup still gives you that same rich taste without the crash.
Peanut Butter Bars Recipe
These no-bake peanut butter bars are a sweet and salty delight layered with a rich chocolate topping. With just a few ingredients and no oven needed, they come together quickly and are perfect for parties, potlucks, or a satisfying afternoon treat.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Spoon or silicone spatula for spreading
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter or margarine melted
- 4 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, confectioners’ sugar, melted butter or margarine, and 1 cup of peanut butter until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
- Press it evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a separate microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips with 4 tablespoons of peanut butter and microwave on high, stirring every 15 seconds, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth.
- Pour this chocolate mixture over the prepared crust and spread it evenly using a spatula.
- Refrigerate the pan for at least 1 hour, then cut into 12 squares and serve.
Notes
- Use a food processor to quickly turn graham crackers into fine crumbs for a smoother base.
- Line the baking dish with parchment paper for easier removal and cleaner edges.
- Smooth the peanut butter layer with the back of a spoon or an offset spatula for an even crust.
| Calories | 532kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 49g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Fat | 37g |
| Protein | 9g |
| Cholesterol | 41g |
Tips To Ease Your Job!
- Microwave the butter – Melting the butter in the microwave saves time and blends more smoothly with the peanut butter and sugar.
- Use store-bought graham cracker crumbs – Skip crushing crackers yourself to cut down on prep.
- Line the pan with parchment – This makes lifting and cutting the bars neater and faster.
- Use a warm knife to cut bars – Dip a knife in hot water and wipe dry between cuts for clean, sharp edges.
