When you need a sweet treat that’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to please both kids and adults, these No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars are the answer! They taste like a homemade Reese’s—only better. These bars come together in just 15 minutes, require no oven time, and are perfect for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or weekend family treats.
Why We Love These No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars
When you need a sweet treat that’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to please both kids and adults, these no-bake peanut butter chocolate bars are the answer. With a creamy peanut butter base and a smooth, glossy chocolate topping, they taste like a homemade Reese’s—only better. These bars come together in just 15 minutes, require no oven time, and are perfect for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or weekend family treats.
Because they’re made with simple pantry staples, you can whip up a batch anytime—and since they chill in the fridge, they’re also great for make-ahead desserts. Rich, satisfying, and full of peanut buttery goodness, these bars are a classic kid-friendly recipe that’s easy enough for little helpers in the kitchen.
Tips for the Best No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars:
- Cut clean slices: Warm your knife in hot water, wipe dry, and slice for sharp edges.
- Prevent crumbly bars: Press the peanut butter base firmly and evenly before chilling.
- Speed it up: Pop them in the freezer for 45 minutes if you’re in a hurry.
Storage:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Substitutions & Variations:
- Nut-free option: Use sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter instead of peanut butter.
- Dairy-free: Swap butter for coconut oil or vegan butter and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Sweetness level: Use dark chocolate chips for a less sweet topping.
- Add crunch: Stir in chopped pretzels, nuts, or crispy rice cereal to the peanut butter base.
- Swirl topping: Before chilling, swirl in a drizzle of white chocolate for a fun look.
More Easy Dessert Recipes:
No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars
Kid-friendly, no-bake bars with a rich peanut buttery base and smooth chocolate topping—easy to make and perfect for family snacks or lunchbox treats!
Servings: 16
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Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
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In a large bowl, stir together the peanut butter, melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, salt and vanilla until the mixture is thick and holds together like a thick dough.
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Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan, pressing down firmly and evenly using a spatula or clean hands.
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Chill the base for about 10 minutes while you prepare the chocolate topping.
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In a microwave safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and 2 tbsp peanut butter in 20-30 second increments, stirring well between each, until smooth and glossy.
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Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the peanut butter base using a spoon or offset spatula. Refrigerate the bars for 2 hours or until the chocolate layer is firm and set.
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Let the bars sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before cutting into bars. Store leftovers in a covered container in the fridge.
