No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Bar Slices
A decadent layered dessert with a crunchy base, creamy peanut butter center, and glossy chocolate topping perfect for quick gatherings. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 20 minutes layers graham cracker crumbs, (1 stick), melted 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 180 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 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup (1 stick), melted unsalted butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs and 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8x8-inch square pan lined with parchment paper to form an even crust.
- Step 2: In another bowl, mix 1 cup creamy peanut butter and 1 cup powdered sugar until smooth and thick. Spread this peanut butter mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust.
- Step 3: In a small saucepan, heat 1/4 cup heavy cream over medium heat until it just starts to simmer, then remove from heat and stir in 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips until the chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth.
- Step 4: Pour the chocolate ganache evenly over the peanut butter layer and smooth the top with a spatula. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm.
- Step 5: Once set, lift the dessert from the pan using the parchment paper and cut into 16 small squares to serve.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Bar Slices take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (20 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 Slices?
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 Slices?
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 Slices 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 Peanut Butter Chocolate Bar Slices?
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.
