No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Slice
A rich, no-bake dessert bar combining smooth peanut butter with a dense chocolate base, perfect for a quick sweet treat. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 25 minutes pairs unsalted butter, semi-sweet chocolate chips, creamy peanut butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 190 calories and feeds 16, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter and 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips together, stirring frequently until smooth and glossy.
- Step 3: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter and 1 tsp vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs with 1 cup powdered sugar.
- Step 5: Gradually add the graham cracker mixture to the chocolate peanut butter mixture, stirring until a thick dough forms.
- Step 6: Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press evenly using a spatula or your hands.
- Step 7: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm, then cut into squares and serve.
Frequently asked questions
How long does No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Slice take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Slice?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep unsalted butter from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Slice?
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 Slice 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 Slice?
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.
