Description
Indulgent no-bake peanut butter bars blend creamy richness with chocolate’s smooth embrace, offering a simple dessert that satisfies sweet cravings. Minimal ingredients and zero oven time make these bars a perfect treat you can whip up quickly for instant dessert bliss.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
Sweeteners:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
Instructions
- Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine graham cracker crumbs, creamy peanut butter, and melted unsalted butter until the mixture becomes uniform and slightly crumbly.
- Gradually incorporate powdered sugar and vanilla extract into the crumb mixture, stirring until a smooth, moldable consistency forms.
- Transfer the peanut butter mixture into the prepared pan, using a spatula or clean hands to press it evenly and firmly across the entire surface.
- Prepare the chocolate topping by melting chocolate chips with coconut oil in a microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until completely smooth and glossy.
- Carefully pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer, using a spatula to spread it evenly to the edges, creating a seamless chocolate coating.
- Refrigerate the bars for approximately 1 hour or until the chocolate sets completely and becomes firm to the touch.
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the entire dessert from the pan and slice into square or rectangular portions.
- Store the no-bake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, allowing them to slightly soften at room temperature before serving.
Notes
- Customize texture by adjusting graham cracker crumb fineness for smoother or more rustic bars.
- Swap traditional peanut butter with almond or sunflower seed butter for alternative dietary needs or nut allergies.
- Use dark, milk, or white chocolate for the topping to create diverse flavor profiles and visual variations.
- Enhance nutrition by sprinkling chopped nuts, sea salt, or protein powder into the peanut butter mixture for added crunch and complexity.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: None
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg