Hey y'all! If you're looking for a ridiculously easy treat that combines creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate in every bite, these No Bake Peanut Butter Bars (5 Ingredients) are your new best friend. They're chewy, decadent, and whip up in minutes—no oven required! Whether you’re hosting a party, packing lunchboxes, or just want a quick snack, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This No Bake Peanut Butter Bars (5 Ingredients) Recipe
- Ready in just 10 minutes with zero baking required.
- Rich, sweet, and creamy texture with a satisfying chocolate-peanut butter flavor.
- Only five pantry staple ingredients needed—so easy!
- Perfect for parties, after-school snacks, or a quick dessert fix.
- Easily customizable for gluten-free or vegan diets.
Ingredients for No Bake Peanut Butter Bars (5 Ingredients)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full sheets)
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Step-by-Step Directions: How to Make No Bake Peanut Butter Bars (5 Ingredients)
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Line an 8x8-inch or 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Base
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the melted butter, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and graham cracker crumbs until smooth and well combined. The mixture should be thick and dough-like.
Step 3: Press the Mixture
Transfer the peanut butter mixture into the prepared pan. Using a spatula or your hands, press it down firmly into an even layer.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate Layer
Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter base and spread evenly with a spatula.
Step 5: Chill and Set
Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate is set and the bars are firm.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Slice into 16 squares and enjoy!
Notes & Tips for Perfect No Bake Peanut Butter Bars (5 Ingredients)
- Use natural or regular peanut butter, but avoid very oily or dry varieties for best texture.
- For even cutting, let the bars sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Want to learn about the different types of peanut butter? Check out this peanut butter guide.
Variations on No Bake Peanut Butter Bars (5 Ingredients)
- Gluten-Free: Swap graham cracker crumbs for gluten-free graham crackers or oat flour.
- Vegan: Use vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Crunchy: Stir in ½ cup chopped roasted peanuts for added texture.
Required Equipment for No Bake Peanut Butter Bars (5 Ingredients)
- 8x8-inch or 9x9-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Microwave-safe bowl
Storage Instructions
Store your No Bake Peanut Butter Bars (5 Ingredients) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze bars for up to 2 months, separating layers with parchment paper.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Pair with a cold glass of milk or a cup of coffee for a classic treat.
- Serve alongside fresh berries for a fruity contrast.
- Add to a dessert platter with cookies and brownies for parties.
Pro Tips for the Best No Bake Peanut Butter Bars (5 Ingredients)
- Use a metal spatula warmed with hot water for cleaner chocolate cuts (read more tips here).
- For thicker bars, use an 8x8-inch pan; for thinner bars, use a 9x9-inch pan.
- Chill bars thoroughly before slicing to prevent cracking.
FAQ: No Bake Peanut Butter Bars (5 Ingredients)
- Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
- Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a nice texture, so feel free to substitute it for creamy.
- Do I have to use graham crackers?
- Nope! You can use digestive biscuits or even oat flour as a substitute for graham crackers.
- Can I make these bars ahead of time?
- Yes, these bars keep well in the fridge and actually taste even better after a day or two.
Want to learn more about no bake desserts? Check out this detailed no bake dessert guide for more inspiration!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
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1Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
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2In a large bowl, mix together the melted butter, peanut butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
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3Add the powdered sugar and graham cracker crumbs to the peanut butter mixture. Stir until well combined and a thick dough forms.
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4Press the peanut butter mixture evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
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5Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and spread evenly.
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6Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set. Lift out of the pan and cut into bars before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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