Does your week feel like a never-ending race? Well, let me tell you this: these Peanut Butter Bars will be your new best friend! They come together in about 30 minutes and, best of all, they’re no-bake. You might want to double the recipe because trust me, your family will love them! Feel free to switch up the ingredients based on what you have lying around so yes, it’s a perfect way to clean out the pantry. Let’s dive into this delightful treat!
Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s gather the stars of the show, shall we? Here’s what you’ll need:
2 cups graham cracker crumbs : (You can use crushed vanilla wafers if you want to mix it up a bit!)
2 cups confectioners’ sugar : (This gives our bars that perfect sweetness. You could swap some out with brown sugar for a richer flavor)
1 cup butter or margarine, melted : (Margarine works, but honestly? The best flavor comes from real butter.)
1 cup peanut butter : (Go for creamy! But chunky can be fun if you like those little bites of peanut.)
1.5 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips : (You can also use dark chocolate for a more indulgent experience!)
4 tablespoons extra peanut butter for topping : (Because why not? It’s peanut butter!)
Let’s Get Cooking!
Alright, grab your apron and your favorite mixing bowl. It’s time for some fun in the kitchen!
Gather all your ingredients. (This always makes it easier!)
In a medium bowl, combine those graham cracker crumbs, confectioners’ sugar, melted butter, and 1 cup peanut butter. Mix until well-blended. You want everything to be all cozy together, like a warm hug for your taste buds! (This should only take about 2 minutes. You got this!)
Next, you’re going to press the mixture into a 9×13-inch pan evenly and firmly. It feels like you’re making a cookie dough crust, so satisfying!
Grab another microwave-safe bowl and pop in your chocolate chips along with the 4 tablespoons of peanut butter. Melt in the microwave, stirring every 15 seconds until it’s all smooth and dreamy. (Trust me, you’ll want to take a moment just to inhale that amazing chocolate-peanut butter aroma, so good!)
Pour the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the graham cracker base and spread it evenly. It’s going to look so pretty!
Now, chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. (This is the hardest part, I know. But it’ll be worth it, I promise!)
Finally, once set, cut into 12 squares and serve cold. Enjoy the amazingness!
Why I Love This Recipe
This is my go-to recipe when I have a sweet craving or need a quick treat for my kids’ playdates. I’m a real sucker for anything with peanut butter, and these bars just hit the spot! They’re loaded with comfort-food goodness and are so versatile that you can totally use whatever you’ve got on hand. The best part is how quick and easy it is to whip up a batch, perfect for those busy weeknights when you just need a little something sweet!
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Low-FODMAP Peanut Butter Jam Bars, my Carrot Cake Overnight Oats, or my Easy White Chocolate Peppermint Pretzels!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This recipe really comes together in under 30 minutes! Just a little mixing and melting, and you’ll have an amazing treat ready to chill. It’s perfect for a last-minute dessert!
No-Bake
Who doesn’t love minimal clean-up, right? Just mix it up and let it chill, no oven required! Your kitchen stays cool, and you can enjoy these bars within an hour.
Budget-Friendly
The best part? This recipe uses affordable, everyday ingredients. You probably already have most of them at home! This is a great way to create a delicious dessert without breaking the bank.
Customizable
Wanna switch things up? Feel free to toss in some nuts, dried fruits, or even switch the chocolate for white chocolate chips if that’s your jam! It’s easy to make this recipe your own.
Crowd-Pleaser
Let’s be real, everybody loves peanut butter! You’ll find that these bars are a surefire hit with both kids and adults alike. I mean, who can resist that creamy chocolate-peanut butter combination?
Serving and Storage Tips
Let’s talk about how to enjoy these amazing bars:
Serving Suggestions
These bars are perfect for any occasion! Enjoy them as a sweet dessert at the end of dinner or pack them for lunch as a treat. They’re great for picnics, road trips, or just munching on after school.
Storage
Store any leftovers (if there are any!) in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll last for about a week that is, if you can resist the urge to eat them all in one go!
Reheating Instructions
Honestly? You don’t really need to reheat these. They’re best served cold, straight out of the fridge. But if you want them a little melty, zap them in the microwave for just a few seconds, don’t overdo it!
Freezer-Friendly
Yes! You can freeze these bars for up to 2 months. Just slice them up and store in a freezer-safe container with layers of parchment paper in between. Perfect for having a sweet treat on hand whenever you need it.
There you have it a delicious, easy, and fun recipe that’s perfect for your busy life and guaranteed to please the whole family! I’m just a little obsessed with making high-quality, delicious snacks that bring joy to everyone around the table.
And don’t forget to mix up the flavors and enjoy every bite, because this recipe is all about making it work for you!
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, and let’s bake up some love together!
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Print
Quick and Easy Peanut Butter Bars
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Quick and Easy Peanut Butter Bars are a delightful no-bake treat that come together in just 30 minutes, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and great for family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 cup butter or margarine, melted
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1.5 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 4 tablespoons extra peanut butter for topping
Instructions
- Gather all your ingredients.
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, confectioners’ sugar, melted butter, and 1 cup peanut butter. Mix until well-blended.
- Press the mixture into a 9×13-inch pan evenly and firmly.
- Melt chocolate chips and 4 tablespoons of peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 15 seconds until smooth.
- Pour and spread the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the graham cracker base.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Once set, cut into 12 squares and serve cold.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about a week. Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
