Oh, have you ever just craved something sweet and peanut buttery that doesn’t involve turning on that pesky oven? These no-bake peanut butter bars are like a warm hug on a chilly day—pure comfort with zero hassle. I remember when I first stumbled upon this gem of a recipe; it was like finding a hidden treasure in the back of the pantry.
Steps
- Prepare an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan by lining it with aluminum foil or parchment paper, then set it aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, and confectioners’ sugar. Add 1 cup of creamy peanut butter and mix until well combined, then press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
- Melt the remaining peanut butter together with chocolate chips, either in the microwave or on the stove, stirring until smooth. Spread this chocolate mixture evenly over the peanut butter layer in the pan.
- Chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours until completely set. Before cutting into squares, let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
- Store any leftover bars tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the bars and thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Ingredients
- bake chocolate peanut butter bars:
- 1/2 cup (8 tablespoons; 113g) salted butter, melted
- 1 cup (120g) graham cracker crumbs (approximately 8 full-sheet graham crackers)
- 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons (280g) creamy peanut butter, divided
- 1 cup (180g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2720 | Total Fat: 168g | Saturated Fat: 67g | Trans Fat: N/A | Cholesterol: 220mg | Sodium: 1360mg | Total Carbohydrates: 276g | Dietary Fiber: 11g | Sugars: 203g | Protein: 42g
FAQ
- What ingredients do I need to make no-bake chocolate peanut butter bars?
- You only need five ingredients: butter, graham cracker crumbs, creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and chocolate chips. You likely have these items in your kitchen already.
- Can I use natural or oily peanut butter for this recipe?
- It is recommended to use a processed creamy peanut butter, such as Skippy or Jif, for the best texture. Natural or oily peanut butter is not advisable as it might affect the consistency of the bars.
- How should I store the chocolate peanut butter bars?
- Store leftover bars tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to three months. If freezing, place the squares in a freezer-friendly container, separated by parchment paper layers.
- Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
- Yes, you can make these bars gluten-free by using gluten-free graham crackers instead of regular ones.
- How long do the bars need to chill before serving?
- After assembling the bars, chill them in the refrigerator until they are completely firm, which takes at least two hours. Let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
Tips
- Use Processed Peanut Butter: For the optimal texture in these bars, opt for a processed creamy peanut butter like Skippy or Jif. Avoid natural or oily varieties, as they can alter the consistency.
- Chill Before Cutting: Ensure the bars are completely set by chilling them in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Allow them to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- Freezing for Later: If you want to make these in advance, freeze the bars either whole or in squares for up to 3 months. Use parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
- Graham Cracker Substitute: If graham crackers are unavailable, you can substitute with ground digestive biscuits, using the same weight measurement to maintain the texture of the bars.
Equipment
- Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars that you might not have at home and may need to purchase:
- 8-inch or 9-inch Square Baking Pan
- Glass Mixing Bowls
- Rubber Spatula
