No-Bake Chilled Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
Rich, creamy layers of chocolate and peanut butter come together in a simple no-bake dessert perfect for any occasion. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 20 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 280 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
- 3/4 cup (190g) creamy peanut butter
- 1 1/2 cups (270g) semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
Instructions
- Step 1: Line an 8x8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter until fully liquefied. Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs, 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, and 3/4 cup (190g) creamy peanut butter until evenly combined into a thick, crumbly mixture.
- Step 3: Press the peanut butter crust mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan using the back of a spoon or your fingers. Place it in the refrigerator to chill for 20 minutes.
- Step 4: While chilling, combine 1 1/2 cups (270g) semisweet chocolate chips and 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring after each, until smooth and glossy.
- Step 5: Pour the chocolate ganache evenly over the chilled peanut butter crust, spreading with a spatula to cover the surface completely.
- Step 6: Refrigerate the dessert for at least 2 hours until the chocolate is firm and set. Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out, then cut into 12 squares before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does No-Bake Chilled 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 No-Bake Chilled 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 No-Bake Chilled 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 No-Bake Chilled 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 No-Bake Chilled 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.
