No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Bar
A rich, no-bake dessert bar combining creamy peanut butter and smooth chocolate layers for an irresistible treat. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 15 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
Instructions
- Step 1: Line an 8x8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Step 2: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter on high for 45 seconds, stirring halfway until smooth.
- Step 3: Stir 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 1 cup powdered sugar, and 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter into the melted butter until fully combined and thick.
- Step 4: Press the peanut butter mixture evenly into the prepared pan using the back of a spoon; chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to firm up.
- Step 5: Meanwhile, melt 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and glossy.
- Step 6: Pour the melted chocolate over the chilled peanut butter layer and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Step 7: Refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour until the chocolate is set before cutting into squares and serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Bar 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 Peanut Butter Chocolate Bar?
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 Peanut Butter Chocolate Bar?
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 Peanut Butter Chocolate Bar 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 Peanut Butter Chocolate Bar?
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.
