No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars with Sea Salt
Rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter come together in these easy no-bake bars, topped with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a perfect sweet-salty balance. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 15 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 220 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
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 tsp flaky sea salt
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 cup creamy peanut butter and 1/2 cup unsalted butter together, stirring frequently until smooth and combined, about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 3: Remove from heat and whisk in 2 cups powdered sugar and 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs until the mixture is thick and evenly combined.
- Step 4: Press the peanut butter mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan using a spatula or your fingers.
- Step 5: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each, until fully melted and smooth.
- Step 6: Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the peanut butter base and spread gently with an offset spatula.
- Step 7: Sprinkle 1/2 tsp flaky sea salt over the chocolate layer while still warm to enhance the flavors.
- Step 8: Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours until firm before slicing into 12 squares and serving chilled.
Frequently asked questions
How long does No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars with Sea Salt 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 Bars with Sea Salt?
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 Bars with Sea Salt?
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 Bars with Sea Salt 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 Bars with Sea Salt?
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.
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