Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

No conversation about food combinations is complete without mentioning chocolate and peanut butter. There’s just something about the way those two ingredients come together that creates an amazing dessert like in our chocolate peanut butter bundt cake!

That’s why we keep an endless supply of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups in the pantry. They’re one of John’s favorites.

When I have some extra time, I try to make a batch of these no-bake chocolate peanut butter bars. When I don’t, John opts for the Reese’s.

But let’s talk about these bars for a minute. They are so easy to make!

The base is made with a combination of ground graham crackers, creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and melted butter. It’s full of sweet peanut butter flavor and is the perfect vehicle for the decadent chocolate topping.

For the topping we use a combination of, you guessed it, chocolate and peanut butter! It pairs perfectly with the sweet base.

And the best part? These dessert bars are no-bake, so no oven required! Meaning you can make them year round and not worry about heating up your house during the summer months!

How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

Before you start, line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Make sure that you leave some of the parchment paper hanging over the edge. That way you can easily grab onto it and pull the bars out when they’re done.

*Optional, but helpful: I like to grease the pan with some butter to help the parchment paper stick. The butter keeps the paper in place so you can easily add the peanut butter base without the paper sliding around.

Place the butter in a large mixing bowl, and microwave it until melted. Consider heating it in 10-15 second intervals and covering the bowl with paper towels in case the butter pops. Another option is to slowly heat the butter on the stove top and pour it into the bowl.

Add the peanut butter, and use an electric mixer to combine the ingredients. They should be smooth, creamy, and completely mixed.

Next, add the powdered sugar and continue mixing until well combined. Pour in the graham cracker crumbs next and mix until they’re fully incorporated.

While the mixture is still warm, scoop it into the prepared pan and use a spatula to press it into an even layer. Set aside while you make the chocolate topping.

In a small bowl, heat the semi-sweet chocolate chips and more peanut butter. Stir until the mixture becomes lump free and smooth.

Pour the chocolate peanut butter topping over the peanut butter base. Smooth it out into an even layer then refrigerate for 1-2 hours until the bars set.

Once the bars set and the chocolate topping is solid, cut into squares and serve!

Tips for Perfect Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

• Chill Time Matters: Ensure you allow enough time for the bars to fully set in the refrigerator. Trying to cut them too soon can lead to bars that are too soft and fall apart.
• Cutting Technique: For clean cuts, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it off before slicing. This technique helps in getting smooth edges.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter works better than crunchy. It’s easier to mix, press into an even layer, and has a better texture.

How to Store

Store leftover chocolate peanut butter bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

These dessert bars freeze well, too! Wrap the bars in plastic wrap followed by foil. Drop them into a freezer bag or freezer-safe container and they’ll stay good for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before serving.