No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar with Sea Salt Crunch
A rich no-bake dessert bar featuring a creamy peanut butter base topped with a smooth chocolate layer and a sprinkle of sea salt for a perfect sweet-salty balance. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 15 minutes layers creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, (1 stick), melted 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 210 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 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick), melted unsalted butter
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 tsp sea salt flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Line an 8x8-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. In a large bowl, mix 1 cup creamy peanut butter, 1 cup powdered sugar, and 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter until smooth and fully combined.
- Step 2: Press the peanut butter mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan using the back of a spoon or your hands to create an even layer.
- Step 3: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until melted and smooth, about 1-2 minutes total.
- Step 4: Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the peanut butter layer and spread with a spatula until smooth. Sprinkle 1/2 tsp sea salt flakes evenly on top.
- Step 5: Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours until firm. Use the parchment overhang to lift out, then cut into 12 squares. Keep refrigerated until serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar with Sea Salt Crunch 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 No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar with Sea Salt Crunch?
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 Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar with Sea Salt Crunch?
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 Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar with Sea Salt Crunch 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 Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar with Sea Salt Crunch?
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.
