No Bake Peanut Butter Bars (Easy & Delicious!)

No bake peanut butter bars are one of those magical desserts that check all the boxes—easy, quick, and absolutely irresistible. With just a handful of pantry staples and zero oven time, you can whip up a treat that tastes just like a homemade Reese’s, but with less fuss.

I love making these bars when I want something sweet without turning on the oven. The creamy peanut butter base pairs perfectly with the smooth chocolate topping, creating layers of flavor and texture in every bite. Whether you’re prepping them for a party, a school snack, or just a late-night craving, these bars never disappoint.

The best part? You don’t need to be a pro baker to get them right. If you can stir and spread, you can make no bake peanut butter bars that everyone will be asking for again and again. So grab your mixing bowl, line your pan, and let’s dive into this easy dessert recipe step by step.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make no bake peanut butter bars, you only need a few simple pantry staples. Here’s what goes into this easy dessert:

• 1 cup melted butter (unsalted works best)
• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits)
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter (or chunky, if you like texture)
• 1 ½ cups chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter (for the topping layer)

Tip: Always use good-quality chocolate—it makes a huge difference in taste.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’ll need to make no bake peanut butter bars:

How to Make No Bake Peanut Butter Bars

Follow these simple steps to make a pan of creamy, chocolatey goodness:

1. Prepare the Base
   • In a medium bowl, stir together melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and peanut butter until smooth.
   • Spread the mixture evenly into a lined 9×13-inch pan.
   • This base is the heart of your no bake peanut butter bars—it should be firm but easy to press down.
2. Make the Chocolate Topping
   • Melt chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons of peanut butter in the microwave (stir every 30 seconds until smooth).
   • Pour the chocolate mixture over the peanut butter base and spread evenly.
   • This step gives your no bake peanut butter bars their signature layered look.
3. Chill & Slice
   • Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
   • Slice into squares or bars, and enjoy!
   • For clean cuts, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it between slices.

Troubleshooting & Pro Tips

Even though no bake peanut butter bars are super easy to make, a few little tricks can make them even better:

• Bars too soft? Add a little extra powdered sugar to firm up the base.
• Chocolate cracking when slicing? Warm your knife under hot water, dry it, and cut slowly for smooth edges.
• Base layer too crumbly? Make sure the butter is fully melted and mixed well with the graham cracker crumbs.
• Chocolate not setting? Refrigerate longer, or add a spoonful of coconut oil when melting to help it firm up evenly.
• Want cleaner layers? Chill the peanut butter base for 10–15 minutes before adding the chocolate topping.

These small tweaks ensure your no bake peanut butter bars turn out perfect every single time!

Why You’ll Love This Dessert

There are so many reasons to fall in love with no bake peanut butter bars—they’re one of those treats that check all the boxes for busy days and sweet cravings. Here’s why they’ll become your go-to recipe:

• Quick & Easy: No oven, no fuss—just mix, chill, and slice.
• Minimal Ingredients: Only 5 pantry staples you probably already have at home.
• Perfect Flavor Combo: Creamy peanut butter layered with smooth chocolate.
• Crowd-Pleaser: From kids to adults, everyone grabs seconds.
• Versatile Treat: Great for holidays, potlucks, or late-night snacks.

If you’re craving a simple dessert that delivers big flavor without the hassle, these no bake peanut butter bars are exactly what you need.

Variations & Tips

One of the best parts about no bake peanut butter bars is how flexible they are. With just a few swaps or add-ins, you can give them a whole new twist:

• Crunchy Texture: Use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy for extra bite.
• White Chocolate Swirl: Melt half white chocolate and swirl it into the topping for a marbled effect.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap in gluten-free graham crackers so everyone can enjoy.
• Nut-Free Swap: Try sunflower seed butter or cookie butter for an allergy-friendly version.
• Topping Ideas: Sprinkle with sea salt, crushed pretzels, or even mini M&Ms before the chocolate sets.

Pro tip: Store your bars in the fridge for the best texture, but let them sit for 5 minutes at room temp before serving to soften slightly.

With these easy tweaks, you’ll never get bored—every batch of no bake peanut butter bars can be unique!

You can even make layered bars like my caramel slice if you want another no-bake-inspired treat with a different flavor profile.”

Storage & Freezing Guide

Knowing how to store your treats makes all the difference! Luckily, no bake peanut butter bars hold up really well.

• In the fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• In the freezer: Wrap bars individually or layer with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They’ll last up to 2 months.
• Serving tip: Let frozen bars thaw at room temperature for about 10 minutes before eating—they taste just as fresh as day one.

When to Serve These Bars

These bars aren’t just for snacking—they fit into almost any occasion. Here are some of my favorite times to bring out no bake peanut butter bars:

• Holidays: A quick sweet treat to add to dessert platters.
• Potlucks & Parties: Easy to transport, and they’re always the first dessert gone!
• After-School Snacks: Kid-approved and mess-free.
• Movie Nights: A sweet bite to share without the fuss of baking.

They’re versatile enough to shine anywhere, and they always get rave reviews.

During the holidays, these bars pair perfectly with festive sweets like my Christmas crack recipe for a dessert platter that disappears fast.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

While no bake peanut butter bars are amazing on their own, you can easily dress them up or pair them with other treats to make them extra special:

• With Coffee or Tea: Their sweetness balances perfectly with a hot cup of black coffee or a chai latte.
• As an Ice Cream Topping: Crumble the bars over vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a decadent sundae.
• Party Platters: Mix them with cookies, brownies, or truffles for a dessert tray that looks impressive but takes little effort.
• With Fresh Fruit: Strawberries, bananas, or even apple slices pair beautifully with the peanut butter and chocolate flavors.
• Holiday Twist: Cut them into bite-sized squares and add them to festive tins or dessert boxes for gifting.

These ideas make your no bake peanut butter bars not just a treat, but a versatile dessert for any occasion.

Serve them alongside classics like Anzac biscuits for a perfect afternoon tea or coffee treat.

Nutrition & Calories

If you’re curious about the nutrition side of these sweet treats, here’s a breakdown. Keep in mind values may vary depending on the exact brands you use:

• Serving Size: 1 bar (out of 20 bars from a 9×13 pan)
• Calories: ~290
• Total Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Sugar: 21g
• Protein: 5g

While no bake peanut butter bars are definitely an indulgence, they also offer a small protein boost thanks to the peanut butter. For lighter versions, you can cut smaller portions, use less sugar, or swap in dark chocolate for a healthier topping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Recipe

Yield: 20 bars

no bake peanut butter bars

Print

These no bake peanut butter bars are the ultimate quick dessert—creamy, chocolatey, and ready with just 5 ingredients. Perfect for holidays, parties, or anytime you crave something sweet without turning on the oven!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Chill Time:: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits)
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 ½ cups chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter (for topping layer)

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and 1 cup peanut butter. Mix until smooth.
2. Spread the mixture evenly into a 9x13-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper.
3. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons peanut butter in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
4. Pour the chocolate mixture over the peanut butter base and spread evenly.
5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
6. Slice into squares or bars and enjoy!

Notes

• For cleaner slices, warm your knife in hot water before cutting.

• Bars can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 week or frozen for up to 2 months.

• Try variations: swap white chocolate, add sea salt, or use gluten-free graham crackers.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 20 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 290Total Fat: 18gCarbohydrates: 28gSugar: 21gProtein: 5g

Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients used. Always double-check with your own nutritional calculator if you have dietary restrictions.

And there you have it—simple, sweet, and oh-so-delicious no bake peanut butter bars that come together in minutes! With just a handful of ingredients and zero oven time, this recipe is proof that desserts don’t need to be complicated to taste amazing.

These bars are creamy, chocolatey, and guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you’re making them for family, friends, or just for yourself, you’ll quickly see why no bake peanut butter bars are always a crowd favorite.