Description
Delight in these No-Bake Easter Peanut Butter Bars, a perfect treat for spring celebrations. Combining a rich peanut butter base with a smooth chocolate topping and festive pastel candy eggs, these bars offer a sweet, crunchy texture without any oven time. Easy to prepare, they chill into creamy, flavorful bars ideal for Easter gatherings or anytime you crave a no-bake dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Layer
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Topping
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Decoration
- 1/2 cup pastel-colored candy-coated chocolate eggs (such as Cadbury Mini Eggs)
- 2 tablespoons pastel sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal of the bars once set.
- Make the Base Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, creamy peanut butter, and vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Press the Base: Evenly press the peanut butter mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating a firm, level layer to serve as the base.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, add the semisweet chocolate chips and vegetable oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
- Top with Chocolate: Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the peanut butter base, using a spatula to spread it smoothly over the entire surface.
- Add Decorations: While the chocolate layer is still soft, evenly sprinkle the pastel-colored candy-coated chocolate eggs and pastel sprinkles on top to create a festive look.
- Chill to Set: Place the baking dish in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours or until the chocolate topping is fully set and firm.
- Serve: Once set, lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang, cut into 24 individual bars, and serve chilled.
Notes
- Bars can be prepared up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
- For a nut-free alternative, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.
- Variations include swapping the candy eggs for pastel M&Ms or jelly beans for different festive toppings.