Peanut Butter Bars (Print)

No-bake peanut butter bars with graham-cracker base and chocolate topping; chill until set for chewy, portable treats.

# What You Need:

→ Base

01 - 1 cup creamy peanut butter
02 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
03 - 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
04 - 2 cups powdered sugar

→ Chocolate Topping

05 - 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
06 - 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

# How to Make:

01 - Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on the sides to lift the bars out later.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and melted unsalted butter. Stir until completely smooth and well blended.
03 - Add the graham cracker crumbs and powdered sugar to the peanut butter mixture. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is uniform in texture.
04 - Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Press it down firmly and evenly using a spatula or your hands to create a flat, compact layer.
05 - In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.
06 - Pour the melted chocolate topping over the peanut butter base. Use a spatula to spread it into an even layer, covering the entire surface.
07 - Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate topping is fully set and firm to the touch.
08 - Lift the bars out of the dish using the parchment paper overhang. Place on a cutting board and cut into 16 even bars. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • No oven required which means you can make these even in a cramped apartment kitchen in August.
  • The chocolate peanut butter ratio hits that sweet spot between candy bar and homemade comfort.
  • They slice cleanly and look impressive enough to bring to any potluck or party.
02 -
  • If you cut these before the chocolate is fully set the topping will crack and smear everywhere.
  • Run your knife under hot water and dry it between cuts for bakery clean edges.
03 -
  • Use the bottom of a measuring cup to press the base layer flat and it will be perfectly even every time.
  • A tiny splash of vanilla extract in the peanut butter base adds warmth without anyone quite knowing what changed.

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