If you have a soft spot for the perfect balance of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate, you are going to absolutely fall in love with this Peanut Butter Bars Recipe. It’s the ultimate no-bake treat that brings together a crunchy, buttery base with a luscious peanut butter filling topped by a shiny, smooth chocolate ganache. Every bite melts in your mouth, delivering a nostalgic yet indulgent flavor that’s perfect for sharing with friends, family, or simply enjoying as a sweet pick-me-up anytime. Trust me, once you try these bars, they’ll become your go-to dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients together for this Peanut Butter Bars Recipe is as straightforward as it is rewarding. Each item plays a crucial role, whether it’s providing that buttery, crunchy crust or the silky peanut butter filling, all topped off by the perfect chocolate layer. These simple staples come together to create a mouthwatering classic.
- Unsalted butter, 1 cup melted: Adds richness and helps bind the base with a velvety smooth texture.
- Graham cracker crumbs, 2 cups: Provide a crisp, slightly sweet foundation that holds everything together.
- Powdered sugar, 2 cups: Sweetens the base with a fine texture that blends perfectly.
- Creamy peanut butter, 1 cup plus 1/4 cup: The star ingredient that adds that irresistible creamy, nutty flavor.
- Semisweet chocolate chips, 1 1/2 cups: Create the luscious ganache topping with just the right balance of sweetness and depth.
How to Make Peanut Butter Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Start by lining a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper. This simple prep step ensures your bars come out perfectly clean and ready to slice. In a large bowl, mix together the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and 1 cup of creamy peanut butter. Stir thoroughly until the texture is smooth and well combined. This mixture forms the delightfully crunchy yet creamy base for the bars.
Step 2: Form the Crust
Once combined, press the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared dish. This will create a solid foundation that holds the bars together and delivers that satisfying crunch every time you take a bite. Make sure to spread it evenly for consistent thickness across the entire pan.
Step 3: Make the Chocolate Ganache
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips with the remaining 1/4 cup of creamy peanut butter. Heat in 30-second increments, stirring well between each interval, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth. This luscious ganache will be poured right over the peanut butter layer, adding a dreamy chocolate finish.
Step 4: Assemble and Chill
Pour the warm ganache evenly over the peanut butter base, spreading it gently with a spatula to cover every inch. Once the top layer looks perfectly glossy and inviting, place the dish in the refrigerator. Allow it to chill for at least 1 hour, or until the ganache is fully set and firm. This chilling step is key to getting those perfect, clean squares that hold their shape.
Step 5: Cut and Serve
After chilling, simply lift the entire slab out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into 24 squares and serve chilled or at room temperature. These bars are the perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, and chocolatey goodness that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Peanut Butter Bars Recipe by sprinkling a touch of sea salt flakes on top of the chocolate ganache right before chilling. This little finishing touch creates a beautiful flavor contrast that highlights the nutty sweetness. You can also try adding chopped peanuts or a drizzle of caramel for an extra special presentation.
Side Dishes
These bars shine brightly as a dessert all on their own but also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A cup of hot coffee or strong black tea complements the richness perfectly and rounds out the experience with warmth and comfort.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or potluck, cut the bars into bite-sized squares and place them on decorative toothpicks. Or serve them on a beautiful platter lined with parchment paper and garnished with fresh berries for a pop of color and freshness. Wrapping individual squares in parchment and tying with twine makes them charming homemade gifts that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Peanut Butter Bars Recipe chilled in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to a week, maintaining their perfect texture without becoming soggy or dry.
Freezing
If you want to make these bars ahead of time for a special occasion, they freeze beautifully. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
These bars are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, but if you prefer them slightly softened, let them sit on the counter for about 10 minutes or microwave gently for 10-15 seconds. Avoid overheating so the ganache remains glossy and intact.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will give the bars a little added texture and some delightful peanut bits throughout, making the experience even more interesting for your taste buds.
Is it possible to substitute the graham cracker crumbs?
Yes, if you don’t have graham crackers on hand, you can use digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even crushed pretzels for a salty twist. Just make sure to crush them finely for an even base.
Do I need to refrigerate these bars?
Refrigerating is recommended so the layers set properly and hold together when sliced. They taste delicious chilled but can also be left at room temperature for short periods if serving immediately.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, use dairy-free butter or margarine and vegan chocolate chips. Choose a peanut butter brand without added honey or animal products, and you’ll have a delightful vegan peanut butter bars recipe.
How long do these bars last once made?
Stored in the fridge inside an airtight container, these bars stay fresh for up to one week, maintaining their chewy, creamy, and chocolatey goodness day after day.
Final Thoughts
There is something genuinely comforting and joyous about sharing a homemade batch of Peanut Butter Bars Recipe with loved ones. The combination of creamy peanut butter, crunchy base, and silky chocolate topping is simply irresistible. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, these bars are a fun, easy, and guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So go ahead, whip up a pan today—you won’t regret it!
Print
Peanut Butter Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These easy-to-make Peanut Butter Bars combine a crunchy graham cracker base with creamy peanut butter and a rich chocolate ganache topping. Perfectly sweet and satisfying, these no-bake bars are chilled to set and make an ideal treat for parties, snacks, or dessert anytime.
Ingredients
Base Layer
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
Chocolate Ganache
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Peanut Butter Bars: Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removing the bars easier.
- Mix Base Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and 1 cup of creamy peanut butter. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is evenly combined and has a crumbly yet sticky texture suitable for pressing.
- Press Base Mixture: Evenly press the peanut butter mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a compact and uniform layer that will serve as the base of the bars.
- Prepare the Chocolate Ganache: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips with 1/4 cup of creamy peanut butter. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until the chocolate and peanut butter are completely melted and the ganache is smooth and glossy.
- Assemble and Chill: Pour the warm chocolate ganache over the pressed peanut butter base, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure full coverage.
- Refrigerate to Set: Place the dish in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or until the chocolate topping is firm and the bars are set.
- Serve: Once set, remove the bars from the dish using the parchment paper edges, cut into 24 squares, and serve chilled or at room temperature for a delicious treat.
Notes
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and clean slicing.
- For a crunchier texture, try adding chopped peanuts into the base mixture.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- These bars can be frozen for up to one month; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Adjust chocolate type according to preference: dark or milk chocolate chips can also be used.
