Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
Chewy chocolate bars layered with creamy peanut butter over a graham cracker base and finished with flaky sea salt. This American-inspired recipe, ready in about 20 minutes, layers semi-sweet chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter, unsalted butter 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 190 calories and feeds 16, 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 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 tsp sea salt flakes
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Line an 8x8 inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup unsalted butter and 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter over low heat. Stir continuously until melted and smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 3: Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups powdered sugar and 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs until fully incorporated, creating a thick dough.
- Step 4: Press the peanut butter mixture evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Step 5: Melt 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until smooth and glossy.
- Step 6: Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and spread evenly.
- Step 7: Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon sea salt flakes evenly over the chocolate layer.
- Step 8: Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours until firm before slicing into squares.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (15 min prep + 5 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 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 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 Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 16 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 16). 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 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.
