Description
These no-bake peanut butter bars are the perfect effortless, crowd-pleasing dessert for summer cookouts. With a chewy peanut butter base, graham cracker crumbs, and a rich chocolate topping, they require no oven and can be made in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
- 1½ cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- ½ cup (60g) salted peanuts, chopped
- a pinch of salt
Instructions
- Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on the long sides, and lightly spray with cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and melted butter. Mix until smooth and glossy.
- Add the powdered sugar, graham cracker crumbs, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until fully incorporated and the mixture forms a thick, dough-like consistency.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Press it down firmly and evenly into the corners using a spatula or the bottom of a measuring cup.
- Refrigerate the base for at least 15 minutes to firm up.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until mostly melted. Stir vigorously until smooth.
- Remove the pan from the fridge. Pour the melted chocolate over the chilled base and spread evenly to the edges.
- Sprinkle chopped salted peanuts over the wet chocolate and press gently to adhere.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely set.
- Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment sling and slice into 24 squares.
Notes
Use creamy, processed peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) rather than natural peanut butter, as natural butter is too oily and won’t set properly. Do not skip the chilling time for the base, or the chocolate will mix with the peanut butter layer. For clean cuts, wipe the knife between slices and warm it slightly under hot water if the chocolate cracks. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14
- Sodium: 85
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
Keywords: no-bake, peanut butter bars, labor day dessert, summer dessert, easy dessert, crowd-pleasing, chocolate peanut butter, graham cracker bars