
Best No-Bake Chocolate-Topped Peanut Butter Bars
Dolce Flav
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Category
Peanut Butter Flavor
Author:
Dolce Flav
Servings
12
Prep Time
128 minutes
Cook Time
0 minutes
These No‑Bake Chocolate-Topped Peanut Butter Bars are a top‑ranked, simple yet indulgent dessert, combining a buttery peanut butter base with a decadent chocolate layer. Made in one bowl and set in the fridge, they're effortless to assemble—no oven required. The velvety peanut butter mixture is pressed into a pan, topped with smooth chocolate-peanut butter glaze, and chilled until firm. Keywords like “no-bake peanut butter bars”, “easy peanut butter dessert bars”, and “peanut butter chocolate bars” drive strong SEO, thanks to this recipe’s popularity and ease.
Ingredients
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1 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1¼ cups creamy peanut butter
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1¾ cups powdered
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2 cups graham cracker crumbs
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1½ cups semi‑sweet or milk chocolate chips
Directions
Prepare pan: Line an 8×8‑ or 9×9‑inch dish with parchment for easy removal.
Mix base: In a bowl, blend melted butter with 1¼ cups peanut butter until smooth. Stir in powdered sugar and graham crumbs until fully combined.
Press layer: Smooth the peanut butter mixture into the lined pan as an even base. Chill while preparing the topping.
Make topping: Melt chocolate chips with remaining ¼ cup peanut butter in the microwave, stirring in 30‑second intervals until silky.
Top base: Pour and spread the chocolate mixture evenly over the chilled base.
Chill & serve: Refrigerate until set—about 2 hours. Cut into 12 squares and enjoy a rich, creamy peanut butter-chocolate bar.
Recipe Note
10 Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Not recommended—natural varieties tend to be oily and can make the bars crumbly. Use a no‑stir commercial brand like Jif or Skippy.
Can I swap the graham crumbs?
Yes—optional swaps include crushed cookies (Oreos, digestive biscuits), cereals like cornflakes or Rice Krispies for extra crunch.
Chocolate alternatives?
Semi‑sweet is classic, but milk chocolate makes it sweeter and white chocolate adds novelty. You can also sprinkle chopped nuts, sea salt, or drizzle peanut butter on top.
Can it be gluten-free?
Yes—just use gluten-free graham crackers or cookies. All other ingredients are typically gluten-free.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. They hold shape best when chilled.
Can I freeze them?
Yes. After chilling, wrap or separate in an airtight container and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw before serving.
Why chill for so long?
Chilling allows the base to firm up and the chocolate topping to fully set, ensuring clean squares and rich flavor.
Can I cut smaller or thinner bars?
Absolutely. Using a 9×9‑inch pan makes thinner bars and yields up to 16 squares.
What makes this recipe high in SEO?
Search terms like “no-bake peanut butter bars”, “5‑ingredient peanut butter dessert”, and “easy peanut butter chocolate bars” are very popular, driving clicks and searches.
Any allergen swaps?
For dairy-free, substitute vegan butter and use dairy-free chocolate chips. Use oat or rice-based crumbs for gluten sensitivity.