No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge Bars
Simple five-ingredient no-bake bars combining peanut butter and chocolate for a creamy, rich dessert without an oven. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 15 minutes layers creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, (1 stick), melted unsalted butter 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
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick), melted unsalted butter
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, mix 1 cup creamy peanut butter, 2 cups powdered sugar, and 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter until smooth and fully combined into a thick dough.
- Step 2: Press the peanut butter mixture evenly into an 8x8-inch lined baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Step 3: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips with 1 tbsp vegetable oil in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until silky and melted.
- Step 4: Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and spread evenly to cover the surface.
- Step 5: Refrigerate the pan for at least 1 hour until the bars are firm enough to slice into 16 squares for serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge Bars 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 Fudge Bars?
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 Fudge Bars?
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 Fudge Bars 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 Fudge Bars?
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.
