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No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars Recipe That Actually Sticks

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Who says dessert has to be complicated? These easy 6-ingredient No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars pair salty, creamy peanut butter with rich dark chocolate. They’re chewy, sweet, and satisfyingly simple—perfect for when you want a homemade treat without turning on the oven.

peanut butter bars on parchment paper with two bars stacked.

Peanut butter and chocolate are a classic duo. If you love peanut butter desserts, these bars are for you. They have the flavor of a peanut butter cup with the ease of a no-bake snack—quick to put together and crowd-pleasing every time.

Just 6 Simple Ingredients

Here’s what you need:

  • Butter: Helps bind the base and adds richness.
  • Peanut Butter: Use creamy, smooth peanut butter (not natural varieties) for the best texture and for the bars to set properly.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and rounds the flavor.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the peanut butter base.
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provide structure. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free graham crumbs.
  • Chocolate Chips: Melted with a bit of peanut butter to create the chocolate topping.
peanut butter dough in glass bowl.
melted chocolate in glass bowl.

How to Make Them

Line a 9-inch square pan with parchment and set aside. Melt ½ cup salted butter with 2 cups smooth peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl in short increments, stirring until smooth. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla. Mix in 3 cups powdered sugar and 2 cups graham cracker crumbs until the mixture forms a thick dough. Press it firmly and evenly into the prepared pan.

In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt 2 cups chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons smooth peanut butter in 15-second bursts, stirring until glossy and combined. Pour the chocolate mixture over the peanut butter base and spread evenly. Refrigerate until fully set, about 2 hours, then slice into squares.

overhead image of peanut butter bars.

More Peanut Butter & Chocolate Recipes:

  • Soft & Chewy Bakery-Style Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

  • Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting

  • Peanut Butter Chocolate Marble Cookies

  • Homemade Peanut Butter Cups (Vegan & Gluten Free)

  • Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Blossoms

  • No Bake Peanut Butter Pie with Chocolate Cookie Crust

When you make these Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars, leave a comment below — we enjoy hearing from you! Tag your photos on social media with #BakersTable.

Happy baking!
x, Caylie

peanut butter bars on parchment paper with two bars stacked.

No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

Author: Traci Crossland
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these easy no-bake bars. Rich, chewy, and made with a handful of pantry staples—perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Refrigeration Time 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 10 mins
Servings: 16 bars

Ingredients

  • ½ cup salted butter
  • 2 cups smooth peanut butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 2 cups chocolate chips
  • 2 Tablespoons smooth peanut butter (for the chocolate)

Instructions

  1. Line a 9-inch square pan with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. In a large microwave-safe bowl, heat the butter and 2 cups peanut butter in 30-second increments until melted and smooth.
  3. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. Mix in the powdered sugar and graham cracker crumbs until a thick dough forms.
  5. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan and set aside.
  6. In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons peanut butter in 15-second increments, stirring until smooth.
  7. Pour the chocolate over the peanut butter base and spread evenly.
  8. Refrigerate until set, about 2 hours. Remove and cut into bars.

Notes + Tips

How to Store Your Bars

Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They can be served at room temperature, but are best slightly chilled.

Tips for Success

  • Use creamy peanut butter: Natural peanut butter won’t set the same way.
  • Press the base firmly: Pack the base well to avoid crumbling when cutting.
  • Let the bars set completely: Chilling fully helps them hold their shape.
  • Use a warm, sharp knife: For clean slices, warm the blade and wipe it between cuts.
  • Mix-ins: Add chopped nuts, extra chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of sea salt if desired.
  • No graham crumbs?: 1½ packs of graham crackers equals about 2 cups of crumbs.
  • No unsalted butter?: Use salted and reduce or omit any extra added salt.

Tools You May Need (affiliate links)

  • Mixing bowls
  • Rubber spatula
  • 9-inch square pan
When you make this recipe, tag @bakerstble or use #BakersTable on social media!

– Still Hungry? –

Here are a few recipes you may like:

  • My Favorite Peanut Butter Balls

  • Homemade Strawberry Toaster Strudel

  • Best Homemade Yellow Cake with Chocolate Frosting