If you’re searching for a treat that’s both nostalgic and entirely irresistible, you can’t go wrong with Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars. Imagine sinking your teeth into a bar with a creamy peanut butter base that gets a subtle crunch from graham cracker crumbs, all topped with a thick, glossy layer of chocolate. These bars are a breeze to whip up, require no oven time, and always disappear quickly at gatherings—trust me, they’re the first thing to go wherever I bring them!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about this recipe is its simplicity—the ingredients are pantry staples, but each one does crucial work to create that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and sweetness. Here’s what gets you from an idea to your first batch of dreamy Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars.

Unsalted Butter (1 cup, melted): Gives the base wonderfully rich flavor and helps the bars hold together.
Graham Cracker Crumbs (2 cups): Add delicious crunch and body, balancing out the softness of the peanut butter and serving as the structural hero.
Powdered Sugar (2 cups): Sweetens things up without grittiness, and gives the bars a smooth, creamy finish.
Creamy Peanut Butter (1 cup for base, plus 1/4 cup for topping): The star ingredient—super creamy and packed with that nutty flavor we crave.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1 1/2 cups): Melting these with a touch of peanut butter for the topping creates that dreamy chocolate layer that makes these bars so hard to resist.

How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars

Step 1: Make the Peanut Butter Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and 1 cup of creamy peanut butter. Stir everything together until the mixture looks even, glossy, and perfectly smooth. This layer should almost look like a thick peanut butter cookie dough—it’s what makes the bottom of your Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars so satisfyingly rich and slightly crunchy.

Step 2: Press the Base Into the Pan

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and either grease it lightly or line it with parchment paper for easy bar removal. Press the peanut butter mixture firmly and evenly onto the bottom of the dish, making sure to get into all the corners. Take your time here—a flat, even layer ensures every bite has that awesome base-to-topping ratio!

Step 3: Make the Chocolate-Peanut Butter Topping

In a microwave-safe bowl, add the semi-sweet chocolate chips and the remaining 1/4 cup of peanut butter. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring well in between, until everything is melted and velvety smooth. The extra bit of peanut butter in the topping gives the chocolate a silky finish and marries the flavors together beautifully.

Step 4: Spread and Chill

Pour the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture over your prepared base. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, swirling it into the corners so every bar will get a generous chocolate layer. Pop the pan into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, until the topping is set and won’t smudge when touched. Patience pays off—the cool set ensures ultra-clean slices!

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Once everything is set, remove the bars from the pan. For the cleanest cuts, run a sharp knife under warm water, wipe it dry, and slice into squares or rectangles (about 24). Each one will have that signature layered look, with perfectly even lines of buttery graham, creamy peanut butter, and glossy chocolate topping.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars

Garnishes

Dress up your Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a scattering of crushed peanuts, or even a little drizzle of melted white chocolate for eye-catching flair. If you want to make them truly party-worthy, add a tiny swirl of extra peanut butter on top before the chocolate sets—your guests will feel like they’re being served at a high-end bakery!

Side Dishes

These bars are fantastic all on their own, but if you’re putting together a dessert platter, they pair nicely with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream. For coffee time, try serving alongside a cold brew or a hot latte—the flavors balance each other like a dream!

Creative Ways to Present

Turn dessert into an experience: layer the bars, cut into small squares, with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for a decadent sundae-style treat. Or, serve each bar in a decorative cupcake liner for effortless, grab-and-go presentation at a potluck or picnic. Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars are always the star of any dessert table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars in an airtight container. For the firmest texture, keep them in the refrigerator—they’ll stay beautifully fresh and easy to slice for up to a week. If you prefer a softer, fudgier bite, you can leave them out at room temperature for a day or two, just be mindful of very warm kitchens.

Freezing

These bars freeze fantastically, making them a perfect make-ahead treat. Place sliced bars in a single layer, separated by parchment paper, in an airtight freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

Reheating

No need to reheat these bars, but if you enjoy them with a gooier chocolate top, you can pop one in the microwave for about 8–10 seconds. Just a quick zap softens the chocolate layer a bit, making it extra luscious. Be careful not to overdo it—just enough to take the chill off and make each bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious!

FAQs

Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?

Definitely! Chunky peanut butter will add a bit more texture and a pleasant nutty crunch to your Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars, which can be a lovely twist. Just note the bars might be a touch crumbier, so press the mixture down firmly.

What if I don’t have graham cracker crumbs?

No graham crackers? No problem. You can substitute with crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers, or even a mix of finely crushed pretzels for a salty kick. Each variation gives the base a unique flavor.

How do I cut the bars cleanly without cracking the chocolate?

Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water, then wiped dry before slicing. Repeat this between cuts. This method warms the blade and allows it to glide smoothly through the cold chocolate layer for those picture-perfect bar edges!

Can I make these Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap out regular graham cracker crumbs for a gluten-free version, widely available at most grocery stores. Be sure to check that your other ingredients are gluten-free, too, and you’re set.

Why isn’t my chocolate layer setting properly?

It could be that the chocolate-peanut butter topping needs more time to chill, or your fridge isn’t cold enough. Leave the pan in for a little longer, and be sure you’re using full-fat chocolate chips; reduced-fat or imitation kinds sometimes don’t firm up well.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a quick, no-fuss dessert that’s bound to impress, these Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars were practically born for your kitchen. Grab your ingredients, clear a little fridge space, and get ready to watch these bars vanish faster than you can say “save me one!” Happy snacking!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including chill time)
Yield: 24 bars 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the delicious combination of peanut butter and chocolate with these easy-to-make Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars. A no-bake dessert that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!

Ingredients

Scale

Peanut Butter Base:

1 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup creamy peanut butter

Chocolate Topping:

1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup peanut butter (for topping layer)

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Instructions

Prepare Peanut Butter Base: In a large bowl, combine melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and 1 cup of peanut butter. Mix until smooth.
Press Into Pan: Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking dish.
Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and 1/4 cup peanut butter in 30-second intervals until smooth.
Layer and Chill: Pour the chocolate mixture over the peanut butter base, spread evenly, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.
Serve: Cut into bars before serving.