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Get ready for a sweet treat you don’t need to bake You’ve got soft peanut butter holding hands with salty crunch and topped with a thick chocolate layer It’ll remind you of your childhood snacks Only this time it’s even better since it’s homemade Friends love these and you can put them together in a snap for parties or when that chocolate need hits hard
The first time these bars showed up at my family’s holiday table my little cousins kept coming back for more No one can really say no to all that peanut butter and chocolate together It’s the kind of dessert that always gets everyone grinning
Irresistible Ingredients
- Powdered sugar: this makes everything sweet and pulls the base together sift it and you won’t have any clumps
- Graham cracker crumbs: for a crunchy bite and sturdy base get the freshest you can find
- Salt: a little bit wakes up the sweetness use fine salt so it mixes in just right
- Creamy peanut butter: gives that smooth nut flavor choose a classic brand for best texture
- Vanilla extract: makes all the flavors shine real vanilla does the trick best
- Unsalted butter: makes the base soft melts easily and gives the best taste
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: you’ll get a nice chocolate top grab a good brand for best snap and shine
- Creamy peanut butter for topping: keeps the chocolate layer stay nice and smooth
- Butter for chocolate layer: helps the chocolate get glossy and soft just let it come to room temp before melting
Easy Step-by-Step
- Slice Into Bars:
- Lift cooled bars out with the parchment paper For crisp edges warm your knife with hot water and dry it off before each cut You’ll get clean cuts every time
- Chill and Set:
- Pop the pan in the fridge for two hours or longer Let both layers firm up so they slice neatly and the chocolate cracks just right
- Top With Chocolate:
- Spread the glossy chocolate topping all over with an offset knife or spatula Go all the way to every edge for maximum chocolate
- Melt and Mix Chocolate Topping:
- In a bowl that’s safe for the microwave mix your chocolate chips peanut butter and butter Melt in 30 second blasts making sure to stir each time until it’s fully melted and looks shiny Don’t let it scorch
- Spread Out the Base:
- Once your peanut butter mix is ready scoop it into the lined pan Press it down hard with your hands or the back of a cup Level off so every corner is packed and flat
- Add the Dry Mix:
- Toss the powdered sugar vanilla graham bits and salt into your bowl Mix it all up with a strong spoon until thick This will seem crumbly but stick together if you squeeze it
- Combine Peanut Butter and Butter:
- Mix your creamy peanut butter and melted butter in a big bowl Get it smooth and well blended This way the base won’t have awkward lumps later
- Line the Pan:
- Grab a 9 by 13 inch pan and line it with parchment so nothing sticks Lifting out the bars will be way easier after chilling
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I can’t get enough of that crazy thick chocolate top Sometimes I’ll even put on more chocolate since my family’s all about it We always end up cutting huge pieces first because we’re just too impatient
How to Store
Keep these treats in a closed container in your fridge so they stay fresh They’ll be good for at least a week Stash them in the freezer up to three months Just layer parchment paper between stacks so you can grab one anytime
Switch It Up
Swap in gluten-free graham crackers for a no-gluten treat Need vegan? Use plant-based butter and dairy-free chocolate chips If you like a bit more crunch try chunky peanut butter instead of creamy
Ways to Serve
Serve cold for the neatest pieces The chocolate will snap for the best bite They look great on a platter with berries or work as a grab-and-go pick-me-up My own favorite? One of these with cold milk or hot coffee
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Fun History
No bake treats like this have been popular in America since the 1950s That’s when easy desserts showed up in lots of cookbooks Families started making versions with whatever ingredients they had handy—no oven needed
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I keep peanut butter bars from sticking to the pan?
Stick some parchment in your pan, let it hang a little so it’s easy to pull your bars out and ditch the sticking problem.
- → Can I substitute crunchy peanut butter for creamy?
Sure thing, crunchy peanut butter makes them more textured and less smooth. Pick what you like best.
- → What's the best way to melt the chocolate topping?
Pop chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in the microwave for half a minute at a time. Stir often so it’s smooth and easy to pour.
- → How long should I chill the bars before cutting?
Give them two hours in the fridge. That way, the chocolate gets nice and firm and slicing is a breeze.
- → Do these bars need to be refrigerated after serving?
Yep, toss leftovers in a sealed container in your fridge. That keeps ‘em nice and fresh with the right texture.