No-Bake Double Peanut Butter Bars Recipe

No-Bake Double Peanut Butter Bars Recipe Ever Made

Creamy peanut butter bars dance across my taste buds with irresistible charm.

Sweet treats like these always spark childhood memories.

Layers of rich chocolate and nutty goodness create pure magic.

My kitchen becomes a playground of delectable delights when mixing these simple ingredients.

Minimal effort delivers maximum flavor in this quick dessert.

Chocolate and peanut butter combine in a match made in culinary heaven.

You’ll devour these bars faster than you can imagine.

Grab a plate and let deliciousness unfold!

No-Bake Double Peanut Butter Bars That Hit the Sweet Spot

  • Super simple recipe requiring no oven and just mixing ingredients, perfect for novice bakers wanting delicious results without complex techniques.
  • Preparation takes only 15-20 minutes, with minimal chilling time of 1-2 hours, making it an ideal spontaneous dessert for sudden sugar cravings.
  • Combines beloved peanut butter and chocolate flavors that appeal to all ages, easy enough for children to help prepare and guaranteed to please picky eaters.
  • Portable, shareable bars work wonderfully for potlucks, game nights, birthday parties, and casual gatherings where people want a delightful homemade sweet without complicated baking.

What You’ll Need to Make Double Peanut Butter Bars

Base Ingredients:
  • Peanut Butter: Creamy base that provides rich flavor and binds the bars together. Natural or commercial peanut butter works well.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, soft texture. Unsalted butter recommended for better control of sweetness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor and adds depth to the dessert. Pure vanilla extract preferred over imitation.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize the base mixture. Sifted sugar prevents lumps.
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides structure and texture to the base. Fresh crumbs create better consistency.
Chocolate Topping Ingredients:
  • Chocolate Chips: Creates a smooth, glossy chocolate layer. Semi-sweet or milk chocolate options work great.
  • Peanut Butter: Adds extra peanut flavor to the chocolate topping. Smooth peanut butter recommended for even mixing.
Preparation Ingredients:
  • Parchment Paper: Ensures easy removal and clean cutting of bars. Essential for no-stick preparation.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Peanut Butter Bar Goodness

Step 1: Create Tasty Base Layer

  • Line a square baking pan with parchment paper, letting edges hang over sides
  • Grab a mixing bowl
  • Add peanut butter
  • Mix in melted butter
  • Pour vanilla extract
  • Stir ingredients until silky smooth
  • Sprinkle powdered sugar
  • Add crushed graham crackers
  • Mix everything thoroughly
  • Press mixture firmly into pan, creating an even surface

Step 2: Whip Up Chocolate Drizzle

  • Select a microwave-safe bowl
  • Toss chocolate chips
  • Add peanut butter
  • Microwave in short bursts, stirring between each
  • Continue heating until mixture becomes glossy and completely melted
  • Pour chocolate mixture over base layer
  • Spread evenly with spatula

Step 3: Chill And Slice

  • Transfer pan to refrigerator
  • Let bars set for minimum one hour
  • Check for firm consistency
  • Lift parchment paper to remove bars from pan
  • Slice into squares or rectangular pieces
  • Serve chilled
  • Store remaining bars in sealed container

Tips for Slicing and Serving Peanut Butter Bars

  • Prevent Sticking: Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting of bars.
  • Smooth Mixing Technique: Use room temperature ingredients and mix thoroughly to create a uniform, creamy peanut butter base.
  • Chocolate Melting Hack: Microwave chocolate and peanut butter in short intervals, stirring between each to avoid burning and ensure a silky texture.
  • Chill for Perfect Texture: Refrigerate bars for at least 1 hour to allow them to set completely, which helps achieve clean, crisp cuts.
  • Customize with Toppings: Sprinkle crushed peanuts, sea salt, or drizzle extra melted chocolate on top for added flavor and visual appeal.

Storage Guide for No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars

  • Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days, keeping them fresh and maintaining their delightful texture.
  • Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container to preserve for 2-3 months, perfect for make-ahead treats.
  • Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving, allowing them to soften gently.
  • Always enjoy chilled for the best taste and texture, as the chocolate and peanut butter layers remain perfectly firm and creamy.

Best Pairings for Double Peanut Butter Bars

  • Complement the sweet, nutty bars with a steaming hot espresso or dark roast coffee, creating a delightful balance of bitter and sweet flavors that enhance the peanut butter's richness.
  • A scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream alongside these bars provides a cool, velvety contrast to the dense, rich chocolate-peanut butter layers, making each bite more refreshing.
  • Grab a cold glass of whole milk or chocolate milk to cut through the intense sweetness and creamy texture, helping to cleanse the palate between decadent bites of the no-bake bars.
  • Try an almond milk or hazelnut-flavored drink that echoes the peanut butter's nuttiness, creating a harmonious flavor profile that feels like a culinary embrace.

Flavor Mix-Ins for Peanut Butter Bar Fans

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour to make the recipe celiac-friendly and safe for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Swap butter with coconut oil, use dairy-free chocolate chips, and select a plant-based peanut butter to create a completely vegan-friendly dessert.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute powdered sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the rich peanut butter flavor.
  • Nutty Protein Boost: Add chopped roasted peanuts or chia seeds into the base mixture for extra crunch and increased protein content, perfect for fitness enthusiasts.

Questions About No-Bake Double Peanut Butter Bars Answered

  • Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?

Yes, you can use natural peanut butter, but choose a variety that’s not too runny. Stir it well before measuring to ensure proper consistency.

  • How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan?

Always line the pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang to easily lift out the bars after chilling. This prevents sticking and makes cutting easier.

  • What if I don't have graham cracker crumbs?

You can substitute with crushed vanilla wafers, digestive biscuits, or oats. These alternatives will provide similar texture and binding properties to the original recipe.

  • Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free graham crackers or graham cracker crumbs, and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. The recipe can be easily adapted for gluten-sensitive individuals.

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No-Bake Double Peanut Butter Bars Recipe

No-Bake Double Peanut Butter Bars Recipe


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4.8 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Creamy no-bake double peanut butter bars blend rich chocolate and smooth peanut butter into an irresistible dessert. Sweet layers of indulgence promise quick satisfaction that delivers pure comfort with minimal effort.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (250 g / 8.8 oz) creamy peanut butter
  • 1 ½ cups (150 g / 5.3 oz) graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 cup (180 g / 6.3 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Binding and Sweetening Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (115 g / 4 oz) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups (240 g / 8.5 oz) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract

Topping Ingredient:

  • ¼ cup (60 g / 2.1 oz) creamy peanut butter

Instructions

  1. Create a foundational layer by lining a square baking vessel with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage of bottom and sides.
  2. Whisk peanut butter with melted butter and vanilla extract in a spacious mixing bowl until the texture becomes silky and homogeneous.
  3. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar and pulverized graham crackers into the liquid mixture, stirring consistently until a unified dough forms.
  4. Transfer the consolidated mixture into the prepared pan, applying firm, even pressure to establish a compact base layer.
  5. Prepare the decadent chocolate-peanut butter coating by combining chocolate chips and additional peanut butter in a microwave-safe container.
  6. Heat the chocolate-peanut butter blend in brief intervals, pausing to stir between each session, until achieving a glossy, thoroughly melted consistency.
  7. Gently cascade the molten chocolate mixture across the peanut butter foundation, utilizing a spatula to distribute evenly and create a seamless surface.
  8. Transfer the constructed dessert to the refrigerator, allowing it to solidify and set for approximately 90-120 minutes.
  9. Once the bars have completely chilled and hardened, extract from the refrigerator and slice into symmetrical squares or rectangular portions.
  10. Serve chilled and relish the rich, indulgent treat.

Notes

  • Achieve a perfectly smooth base by ensuring all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing, which helps prevent lumps and creates a more uniform texture.
  • Experiment with different types of peanut butter like natural, creamy, or crunchy to customize the bar’s flavor and texture according to personal preference.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or ground nuts like almonds to maintain the recipe’s structure and taste.
  • Control chocolate topping thickness by using a small offset spatula or the back of a spoon to create an even, thin layer that complements the peanut butter base without overwhelming it.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 40 g
  • Cholesterol: 180 mg
Jessica Martinez

Jessica Martinez

Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Organic Baking Techniques, Gluten-Free Recipe Development, Southwestern Dessert Specialties, Food Styling and Photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)

  • Program: Certificate in Patisserie
  • Focus: Cultivating disciplined kitchen preparation for a safe, organized, and sanitary workstation; mastering the timely production of nutritious, visually appealing pastries; safely operating standard pastry equipment; and honing core patissier techniques for professional pastry work.

Jessica brings the sweet side to Urban Organic with her passion for baking and love for the Southwest. She trained at Santa Fe Community College and has built a career creating beautiful, gluten-free, and organic desserts that feel both nostalgic and new.

She believes baking should be fun, creative, and open to everyone, no matter your diet or skill level. Jessica’s recipes are simple enough to follow, but special enough to remember.

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