Irresistible No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars: Your Go-To Recipe for a 5-Ingredient Reese’s Dream

Discover the magic of these incredibly easy No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars – a dessert that tastes remarkably like your favorite Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, but in a convenient bar form! Requiring just 5 simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, these bars are the ultimate no-fuss treat.

*Originally published July 2015*

The Ultimate No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars Recipe

Welcome to an updated classic! I recently revisited this beloved recipe from the archives, not only to refresh its visuals but also to perfect the proportions. My goal was to make the peanut butter base even thicker and more luxurious, because, let’s be honest, can you ever have too much peanut butter? I think not!

If you’re a devoted fan of that iconic chocolate and peanut butter combination, specifically the kind found in Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, then prepare to fall head over heels for this homemade rendition. These bars capture that same irresistible flavor profile, but with the added convenience of being incredibly simple to make. You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up this decadent dessert with just five core ingredients: crunchy graham crackers, creamy peanut butter, fluffy powdered sugar, rich butter, and luscious chocolate chips. It’s a dessert that truly delivers on taste without demanding hours in the kitchen.

Why These No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars Will Become Your Favorite

There are countless reasons why these no bake bars have earned a permanent spot in my recipe rotation, and why I believe they’ll quickly become a staple in yours too. Beyond their simplicity, they offer a delightful experience for both the baker and the eater.

• Effortless Preparation: As the name suggests, there’s absolutely no baking involved! This means no preheating ovens, no worrying about rising, and no complex techniques. Just mix, press, chill, and enjoy. Perfect for hot summer days or when you simply don’t want to turn on the oven.
• Only 5 Ingredients: You read that right! With just graham crackers, peanut butter, powdered sugar, butter, and chocolate chips, you’re halfway to dessert heaven. These are all pantry staples, making impromptu dessert cravings easy to satisfy.
• Authentic Reese’s Flavor: The combination of the salty-sweet peanut butter base and the smooth chocolate topping perfectly mimics the taste of a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. It’s a nostalgic flavor that appeals to almost everyone.
• Crowd-Pleasing Perfection: Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a holiday party, a potluck, or just a treat for yourself, these bars are always a hit. Kids and adults alike devour them.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: These bars need chill time to set, which makes them ideal for preparing in advance. You can whip them up a day or two before an event, freeing up valuable time on the day itself. They even freeze beautifully!
• Customizable Delights: While the classic recipe is fantastic, there’s room to play! Experiment with different types of chocolate, add a sprinkle of sea salt, or even a layer of marshmallow fluff for an extra twist.

Diving Deeper into the Ingredients

Understanding the role of each ingredient ensures the best possible outcome for your No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars. Here’s a closer look at what makes them so special:

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: These form the foundational crust of your bars, providing a slightly crunchy texture and a subtle honeyed flavor that complements the peanut butter beautifully. The key here is to get them to a very fine crumb. A food processor is your best friend for this task, ensuring a uniform base that holds together well. If you don’t have graham crackers, similar plain biscuits like digestive biscuits or Nilla wafers can work as alternatives.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: This is where the magic truly happens! For this recipe, it’s crucial to use a processed, creamy peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy). Natural peanut butter, which often separates and requires stirring, tends to be too oily and runny for these bars, preventing them from setting properly. The firmness of conventional creamy peanut butter is essential for a stable and delicious base.
• Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): This fine sugar not only adds sweetness but also contributes significantly to the smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture of the peanut butter layer. Its finely milled consistency dissolves easily and helps the base firm up nicely without being gritty.
• Melted Butter: Butter acts as the binding agent for the graham cracker and peanut butter mixture. When melted and mixed in, it helps everything come together and creates a sturdy, yet yielding, base for the chocolate topping.
• Chocolate Chips: The choice of chocolate chips allows for some personal customization. For that authentic Reese’s taste, milk chocolate chips are definitely the way to go. However, if you prefer a richer, slightly less sweet profile, semi-sweet or even dark chocolate chips are fantastic. You can also get creative and use a combination of different chocolate types!

How to Achieve No Bake Bar Perfection: Tips & Tricks

While these bars are incredibly simple, a few expert tips can elevate them from great to absolutely outstanding:

• Finely Crushed Graham Crackers are Key: Don’t skip this step! Large crumbs will make your base crumbly and difficult to press firmly. A food processor makes quick work of this, turning your crackers into a fine, sand-like powder. If you don’t have one, place crackers in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin until very fine.
• The Right Peanut Butter Matters: As mentioned, steer clear of natural, “stir and refrigerate” peanut butters. Their oil content is higher and separation is common, which can lead to a greasy, less stable bar. Stick to the classic creamy varieties for guaranteed success.
• Don’t Overheat the Chocolate Topping: When melting your chocolate chips and peanut butter for the topping, do so gently. Overheated chocolate can seize or become grainy. Use short intervals in the microwave, stirring well after each, or a double boiler for a smooth, glossy finish.
• Chill Time is Non-Negotiable: Patience is a virtue when it comes to no-bake desserts. The minimum 4-hour chill time (or ideally, overnight) allows the butter in the base to firm up and the chocolate topping to set completely. Rushing this step will result in messy, unformed bars.
• For Cleaner Cuts, Warm Your Knife: To prevent the chocolate topping from cracking and to get perfectly neat squares, dip a sharp knife in hot water, wipe it dry, and then make your cuts. Repeat this process as needed.
• Personalize Your Bars: Feel free to experiment! Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the chocolate for a gourmet touch, mix in miniature chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the peanut butter base, or even drizzle with white chocolate for extra visual appeal.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

One of the many benefits of these No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars is how well they store, making them an excellent choice for meal prep or entertaining:

• Refrigeration: Once the chocolate topping has fully set, store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for about 5-7 days. Keeping them chilled also maintains their firm texture.
• Freezing: For longer storage, these bars freeze beautifully! After the chocolate has set completely, cut the bars into squares. Place them in a single layer in an airtight freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator for a few hours or at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
• Make Ahead: Since these bars require significant chill time, they are perfect for making several days in advance of when you plan to serve them. This takes the pressure off on the day of an event, allowing you to focus on other preparations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are answers to some common questions you might have about making these delightful bars:

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

While you can, it will change the texture of the base significantly, making it less smooth. For the classic Reese’s-like experience, creamy peanut butter is highly recommended. If you love crunch, you could add some finely chopped peanuts to the top of the chocolate layer instead.

Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?

Absolutely! Vanilla wafers, digestive biscuits, or even shortbread cookies can be substituted for graham crackers. Just make sure to crush them into a very fine crumb for the best consistency.

Why is my chocolate topping cracking when I cut the bars?

This usually happens if the bars are too cold when you try to cut them. Allow them to sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before cutting. Using a warm, dry knife (as mentioned in the tips section) also helps prevent cracking and ensures clean, smooth edges.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute gluten-free graham crackers or other gluten-free plain cookies for the regular graham crackers. All other ingredients are typically gluten-free, but always check labels to be sure.

Is there a way to make them dairy-free?

You can substitute vegan butter for regular butter and use dairy-free chocolate chips. Ensure your peanut butter is also dairy-free (most are, but it’s good to check).

More Irresistible Chocolate & Peanut Butter Desserts to Try

If you’re anything like me and can’t get enough of that heavenly chocolate and peanut butter combination, then you’re in luck! Here are a few other delightful desserts that celebrate this classic pairing. They’re perfect for satisfying any craving and expanding your repertoire of favorite treats:

• Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake: A moist chocolate cake infused with peanut butter deliciousness.
• Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter No Bake Cheesecake: Seriously, this one is SO GOOD and another fantastic no-bake option for cheesecake lovers!
• Peanut Butter Cup Rice Krispie Treats: A fun twist on a childhood favorite, loaded with peanut butter cup goodness.

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No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars – are an easy no bake dessert that taste almost like a Reese’s! They only need 5 ingredients to make and you probably already have them in your pantry! 

Servings: 9 bars

Author: Countryside Cravings

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Prep Time: 15 minutes mins

Chill time: 4 hours hrs

Total Time: 15 minutes mins

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Ingredients

Base:

• ▢ 1/2 cup (113g) butter, melted
• ▢ 2 cups (190g) powdered sugar
• ▢ 1 1/2 cup (400g) creamy peanut butter
• ▢ 1 1/2 cup (140g) graham cracker crumbs

Topping:

• ▢ 1 cup (165g) milk chocolate chips
• ▢ 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

Instructions

• Line a 9 inch square baking pan with foil and grease with butter, set aside.
• In a large bowl combine all the base ingredients and spread into the bottom of the prepared pan.
• In a small microwave safe bowl heat topping ingredients until melted. Stir frequently and don’t overheat. Spread over the peanut butter base and refrigerate until cool.  (At least 4 hours)
• For easier cutting allow bars to sit at room temperature (this way the chocolate topping doesn’t crack) Using foil lift the bars out of the pan and with a sharp knife to cut into small squares. Store in the refrigerator.

Notes

1. These do require chill time to firm up so you will need to plan ahead.
2. Make ahead: these can be made several days (5-7) in advance and stored tightly covered (after the chocolate has set) in the refrigerator.  Or freeze tightly covered for up to 2 months.
3. Be sure to get the graham crackers to a very fine crumb.  Use a food processor for this.  I have a mini food processor that works great for these small tasks!
4. Don’t use the natural stir and refrigerate kind of peanut butter for these bars.  It is a little too runny and the bars don’t hold up quite as well.
5. For a truer to Reese’s flavor use milk chocolate chips.  But if you are like me go on the wild side and use semi-sweet or dark or use a combination!

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