5-Ingredient No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
A simple, no-bake dessert featuring rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter with just five ingredients. This desserts ready in about 15 minutes layers graham cracker crumbs, smooth peanut butter, powdered sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Step 1: Line an 8x8 inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving edges overhanging for easy removal.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 1 cup smooth peanut butter, and 1 cup powdered sugar. Stir until the mixture is evenly combined and forms a crumbly dough.
- Step 3: Melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat until fully liquid, about 2-3 minutes. Pour the melted butter into the peanut butter mixture and stir thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Step 4: Press the peanut butter mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, smoothing the surface with the back of a spoon.
- Step 5: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until melted and smooth. Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the peanut butter base and spread with an offset spatula.
- Step 6: Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours until the chocolate layer is firm. Cut into 12 bars and serve chilled.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does 5-Ingredient No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover 5-Ingredient No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in 5-Ingredient No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale 5-Ingredient No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with 5-Ingredient No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars?
Desserts desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
