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No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars

These no-bake peanut butter bars are simple, rich treats made with pantry staples like peanut butter, graham crackers, and chocolate. They come together without an oven, resulting in a sticky, chewy base topped with glossy chocolate that sets into firm, bite-sized squares. Perfect for a quick, comforting dessert or snack that feels like a warm hug.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 16
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 210
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup Creamy peanut butter preferably sweet and smooth
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted butter melted until golden
  • 2 cups Graham cracker crumbs finely crushed
  • 1 cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips for melting
  • 1 tablespoon Honey or corn syrup optional, helps with stickiness
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract adds depth of flavor
  • a pinch Sea salt for sprinkling on top

Equipment

  • Baking dish
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula
  • Microwave
  • Parchment paper
  • Knife

Method
 

  1. Line your baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal.
  2. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter and melted butter. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until the mixture is smooth, shiny, and well blended.
  3. In a separate bowl, crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs—use a food processor or seal in a bag and crush with a rolling pin for an even texture.
  4. Add the crushed graham crackers to the peanut butter mixture. Stir thoroughly until everything is evenly coated and sticky.
  5. Press the mixture firmly into the prepared dish, spreading it out with your spatula to create an even layer. Chill in the fridge for 15 minutes to set.
  6. Meanwhile, melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 15-second bursts and stirring until glossy and smooth.
  7. Pour the melted chocolate over the chilled peanut butter layer, spreading it evenly with your spatula. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt on top for flavor contrast.
  8. Refrigerate the assembled bars for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate is fully set and the bars are firm to the touch.
  9. Once set, lift the bars out using the parchment overhang and place on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut into 16 neat squares.
  10. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage—just thaw slightly before enjoying.

Notes

For extra crunch, stir in chopped nuts or dried fruit into the peanut butter mixture before pressing into the pan.