Easy No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
Make these simple, two-layer no-bake peanut butter bars with a creamy base and a rich chocolate topping. This quick dessert requires no oven and uses common pantry ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Total Time: 2 hr 15 min
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for topping)
Instructions
- Line an 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, 2 cups of peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Press this peanut butter mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Place the pan in the freezer while you prepare the topping.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, 1/2 cup of peanut butter, and 2 tablespoons of butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until the mixture is completely smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the chilled peanut butter layer. Spread it quickly and evenly to cover the entire surface.
- Return the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate layer is firm.
- Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Cut into squares before serving.
Notes
- For a Reese’s inspired flavor, use a mix of creamy and crunchy peanut butter in the base layer.
- If you prefer a firmer chocolate topping, add 1 teaspoon of coconut oil to the chocolate mixture before melting.
- These bars store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 6
- Cholesterol: 15