Chilled No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
Rich layers of chocolate and peanut butter come together in these no-bake bars that set perfectly in the fridge for a quick, satisfying dessert. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 15 minutes layers (113g) unsalted butter, (150g) graham cracker crumbs, (120g) 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 290 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
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 1 cup (260g) creamy peanut butter
- 1 1/2 cups (270g) semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter completely. Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs, 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, and 1 cup (260g) creamy peanut butter until fully combined and smooth.
- Step 2: Press the peanut butter mixture evenly into the bottom of an 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking pan lined with parchment paper, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Step 3: In a heatproof bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups (270g) semisweet chocolate chips and 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until the chocolate is fully melted and glossy.
- Step 4: Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the peanut butter layer, spreading evenly with an offset spatula.
- Step 5: Refrigerate the pan for at least 2 hours until firm before cutting into 12 bars and serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Chilled 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 Chilled 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 Chilled 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 Chilled 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 Chilled No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars?
American 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.
