If you are looking for the ultimate combination of flavors and textures, these easy no-bake peanut butter bars are the perfect solution. With a creamy, peanut-infused filling that offers a lovely crunch from graham crackers, topped with a layer of melt-in-your-mouth chocolate, this dessert is arguably even better than a traditional peanut butter cup. This recipe is ideal for warm days when you want a sweet treat without turning on the oven.
Ingredients
The Filling
- Butter: 1 cup (226g), melted.
- Peanut Butter: 1 ¼ cups (330g).
- Powdered Sugar: 1 ¾ cups (210g).
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: 2 cups (240g).
The Chocolate Topping
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: 1 ½ cups (270g).
- Peanut Butter: ¼ cup (66g).
Instructions
- Prepare the Wet Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and 1 ¼ cups of peanut butter. Using a handheld mixer on medium speed, beat the mixture until it is fluffy and fully combined.
- Add Sweetness: Add the powdered sugar to the peanut butter mixture. Continue to mix on medium speed until the batter is nice and smooth, ensuring there are no remaining clumps of sugar.
- Fold in the Crumbs: Add the graham cracker crumbs to the bowl. Switch to a spatula and fold the crumbs in until everything is evenly mixed.
- Form the Base: Line an 8×8 or 9-inch dish with parchment paper or foil so the bars can be easily removed later. Transfer the filling mixture into the pan and smooth it out into a beautiful, even layer using your spatula. Place the pan in the refrigerator to set slightly while you prepare the topping.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a medium bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips with ¼ cup of peanut butter. Microwave the mixture on high power in 30 to 40-second bursts, stirring in between each burst, until the chocolate is completely smooth.
- Top and Chill: Pour the smooth chocolate mixture over the chilled peanut butter base. Use an offset spatula to spread it into a glossy, even layer. For a decorative finish, you can drag your spatula back and forth to create a ripple effect.
- Set and Serve: Return the pan to the refrigerator for at least one hour to allow the bars to set. Once firm, lift the bars out of the pan, slice them, and enjoy the perfect balance of salty and sweet.
Baker’s Tips for Success
- Cookie Variations: If you aren’t a fan of graham crackers, you can substitute them with shortbread cookies or any other crisp, crumbly cookie. Crushing your own cookies can also provide larger pieces for a crunchier texture.
- Peanut Butter Choice: Most recipes utilize processed peanut butter containing emulsifiers, sugar, and salt. If you prefer to use natural peanut butter, ensure it is mixed very well and consider adding a bit more sugar and salt to taste.
- Custom Mix-ins: Treat the filling as a blank canvas; you can add roughly chopped honey-roasted peanuts, chocolate chips, toffee bits, or other nuts for added texture. You can also mix in a teaspoon of vanilla for a flavor boost.
- Storage: These bars will last for about a week in the refrigerator. For longer storage, you can freeze them for a month or two.
