Description
These Peanut Butter Bars are a delicious no-bake treat featuring a buttery graham cracker crust combined with creamy peanut butter and topped with a smooth, rich chocolate layer. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with minimal effort, they are chilled to set and cut into convenient portions.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Base
- 3/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 cups graham crackers, crushed
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/4 cups creamy peanut butter
Topping
- 2 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish: Line a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper and set aside to prevent sticking and make removing bars easier.
- Mix Base Ingredients: Using a stand mixer or handheld mixer, combine the melted butter, powdered sugar, and crushed graham crackers thoroughly until well blended.
- Add Peanut Butter to Base: Stir in 1 ¼ cups of creamy peanut butter into the mixture just until fully incorporated, forming a sticky and cohesive base.
- Form Base Layer: Evenly press and spread the peanut butter mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, smoothing it out for an even layer.
- Melt Chocolate Topping: In a heat-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips with the remaining 3 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter. Heat in 30-second intervals in the microwave, stirring well between each until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
- Top Base with Chocolate: Spread the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture evenly over the peanut butter base layer in the dish.
- Chill to Set: Place the baking dish in the refrigerator and chill for 1 hour to allow the bars to firm up properly.
- Serve: Remove from refrigerator and let bars sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before cutting into 16 squares and serving.
Notes
- For easier slicing, use a sharp knife and warm it slightly in hot water, then dry before cutting the bars.
- Ensure the chocolate chips and peanut butter are fully melted together to create a smooth and shiny topping.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week for optimal freshness.
- Use creamy peanut butter for best texture and spreading; chunky varieties may alter consistency.
- The bars can be wrapped individually and frozen for up to a month; thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approx. 2-inch square)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
