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No‑Bake Peanut Butter Flavor Extract Dream Bars – Easy, Creamy, Reese‑Inspired
Dolce Flav
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Category
Peanut Butter
Author:
Dolce Flav
Servings
12
Prep Time
75 minutes
Cook Time
0 minutes
These dreamy, no-bake Peanut Butter Dream Bars layer a buttery cookie crust with a fluffy peanut butter–cream cheese filling, infused with peanut butter flavor extract for an intensified, aromatic kick—and topped with a silky chocolate drizzle. Super simple to assemble and requiring just a brief chill time, the extract boosts the nutty aroma without the density of extra peanut butter, making these bars irresistibly light, creamy, and perfect for any dessert stash.
Ingredients
Crust:
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16 oz peanut butter sandwich cookies, crushed into crumbs
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Peanut Butter Filling:
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6 oz cream cheese, softened
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½ cup powdered sugar
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⅓ cup creamy peanut butter
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½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
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¼ teaspoon peanut butter flavor extract (start low—typically use 0.25%–4% of recipe volume)
Chocolate Topping (optional):
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¼ cup milk chocolate chips
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2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
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A few extra drops of peanut butter flavor extract (optional, for aromatic enhancement)
Directions
Make the crust. Mix cookie crumbs with melted butter in a bowl. Press firmly into an 8×8-inch pan to form an even base.
Blend the filling. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, peanut butter, vanilla extract, and peanut butter flavor extract until smooth and creamy.
Layer it. Spread the peanut butter filling evenly over the chilled crust using a spatula for a smooth finish.
Prepare the topping. Heat the chocolate chips and cream in short bursts, stirring until glossy and fluid. If desired, add a few extra drops of peanut butter flavor extract and stir for extra aroma.
Top and chill. Pour the chocolate topping over the filling, gently spread, then chill for at least 1 hour until firm.
Serve. Slice into 12 bars and enjoy chilled.
Recipe Note
10 FAQs About This Recipe
Can I omit peanut butter and use just the flavor extract?
Yes—but the filling will be lighter in texture. The extract enhances aroma, not structure, so some peanut butter is recommended for creaminess.
How strong is the peanut butter flavor extract?
It’s highly concentrated—start at around 0.25%, and you can go up to 4% depending on your taste.
Is the extract allergen-free?
Yes, top brands produce vegan, kosher, gluten-free, and allergen-free extracts.
Can I use a different crust—like graham or pretzel?
Absolutely! Graham crackers, shortbread, or even pretzel crusts offer fun texture and flavor variations.
How long do these bars keep?
Stored airtight in the fridge, they’re good for up to 5 days. For room temperature, enjoy within 2–3 days.
Can these bars be frozen?
Yes! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving for best texture.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Use dairy-free cream cheese, vegan butter, non-dairy milk, and dairy-free chocolate chips to make it vegan.
What if I skip the chocolate topping?
They still shine as creamy, peanut butter-forward bars. Sprinkle crushed peanuts or sea salt as garnish if skipping the glaze.
How can I boost peanut aroma even more?
Add a drop or two of extract into the crust or swirl into the topping for a triple-layered aroma boost.
What if I don’t have extract on hand?
Substitute with ½ to ¾ cup natural peanut butter—but the bars will be denser and less aromatic than using extract.