No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Barlets
Rich and chewy no-bake bars combining smooth peanut butter and dark chocolate in a quick, satisfying dessert. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 20 minutes layers creamy peanut butter, (1 stick) unsalted 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 210 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 creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup creamy peanut butter and 1/2 cup unsalted butter over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth and combined, about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 2: Remove the saucepan from heat and gradually stir in 2 cups powdered sugar and 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs until fully incorporated and a thick dough forms.
- Step 3: Press the peanut butter mixture evenly into the bottom of an 8x8-inch square pan lined with parchment paper, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
- Step 4: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips and 2 tbsp vegetable oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is completely melted and glossy.
- Step 5: Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter base, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm.
- Step 6: Once set, cut into 16 bars and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Frequently asked questions
How long does No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Barlets 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 Chocolate Peanut Butter Barlets?
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 Barlets?
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 Barlets 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 No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Barlets?
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.
