These easy no-bake peanut butter bars are a decadent treat!
With a buttery crust, creamy filling, and rich chocolate topping, they're a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. These are a 5 ingredient recipe that taste just like Reese's!
This is an easy No Bake Dessert that can be ready in about two hours, only because you have to chill the bottom layer.
In our house, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups disappear by the handful (my husband's the biggest culprit!). But these homemade peanut butter bars have become a new family favorite.
They're incredibly easy to make, the hardest part is waiting for the layers to set!
Looking for more easy dessert recipes? Try my No Bake Peanut Butter Cups, Chocolate Peanut Butter Eggs or my Reese's Peanut Butter Hearts...yummy!
Table of Contents
What can I make with Peanut Butter?
There is so much more to peanut butter than just the humble sandwich! It's a versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide range of dishes, from sweet to savory including sauces, dips, baked goods and smoothies.
Here are a few of our readers' favorites:
- Peanut Butter Cookies from a Cake Mix
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Stuffed Cupcakes
- 5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Balls
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies
Helpful Baking Tools
More InformationMore InformationMore InformationMore Information
Main Ingredients Needed
Here's a quick overview of the ingredients for this recipe. Find the exact amounts and click the Instacart button to easily add them to your cart – all in the printable recipe card below!
- Melted Butter
- Powdered sugar
- Creamy peanut butter
- Graham cracker crumbs - about 12 full graham cracker sheets.
- Milk chocolate chips or Semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- The recipe uses semi-sweet chocolate chips, but you can easily swap them for milk chocolate chips for a sweeter treat.
- Try using crunchy peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter for those with nut allergies.
- Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the chocolate layer to enhance the flavors.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: In a large bowl, mix together the melted butter, powdered sugar, creamy peanut butter and graham cracker crumbs. Using a wooden spoon, stir to combine completely.
Step 2: Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9X13 baking pan. Place the baking dish in the refrigerator so it can chill for about an hour before adding the second layer.
Make the Chocolate Layer
Step 3: Once the first layer is firm, melt chocolate chips with the additional peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl (heat in one-minute intervals, stirring until smooth). Spread this over the peanut butter layer, chill for an hour, then slice.
Perfect Peanut Butter Bar Slices
Step 4: After the bars have chilled for at least an hour, remove them from the refrigerator. Using a sharp knife, cut the bars into squares or rectangles. For easier slicing and cleaner cuts, let the bars sit at room temperature for a few minutes before cutting, or use a hot knife.
Before You Begin!
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Storing and Freezing Tips
Pantry: For room temperature storage, keep sliced bars in an airtight container with waxed or parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They'll be fresh for about 3-5 days, but watch them to make sure they're not melting.
Refrigerator: If your kitchen is warm, or you live in a warmer climate, store the sliced bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their texture and prevent them from becoming too soft. They'll remain fresh for about 7 days.
Freezer: To freeze, wrap bars tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
More Recipes to Love
Looking for more No Bake Desserts and Recipes? Try my Chocolate Peanut Butter Eggs or my Reese's Peanut Butter Hearts...yummy!
📖 Recipe Card
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No Bake Homemade Peanut Butter Bars
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Peanut Butter Layer
- 1 cup butter melted
- 3 ¾ cups powdered sugar
- 1 ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 ½ cup graham cracker crumbs
For the Topping
- 2 cups milk or semi-sweet chocolate chips; see note below
- 1 ½ cup creamy peanut butter
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the ingredients for the peanut butter layer.
- Press into a 13X9 inch baking pan.
- Chill for one hour.
- Place chocolate chips and peanut butter into a microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave for one minute. Stir until melted and smooth. Repeat if necessary until all the chocolate chips are melted.
- Pour over the peanut butter layer. Chill for another hour or until firm.
- Slice and enjoy!
Notes
This recipe has been updated since it first appeared in 2016 with new photos and a new printable recipe card that includes nutritional information. I hope you enjoy the updates as much as I enjoyed working on them!
Melissa says
Have you tried it with white chocolate chips?
Lois says
It will be a completely different taste, but I don't see why it wouldn't work. Reese's does sell a white chocolate peanut butter cup! Let me know how it works for you.
Cindy Bree says
I used Nilla Wafers instead of graham crackers.
It was heavenly good.
I’m sure it’s way better this way.
NickiDE says
Scrumptious! So easy to make and just the thing in our current heatwave. Taste really good right from the refrigerator. I might even try them with shortbread cookie crumbs sometime.
Lois says
Glad you enjoyed the recipe. Thank you!
Carla says
If I use Graham cracker crumbs instead of crackers, how many cups do you think I should use?
Lois says
I have listed in the recipe card: 1 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs. Hope you enjoy the recipe!
Donna @ Modern on Monticello says
I think these would definitely be worth the wait no matter how long it takes. Looks so good! #HomeMattersParty
MAGGIE says
For some reason, the chocolate layer separates from the peanut butter layer. I followed the instructions exactly. any suggestions?
Diane King says
You mentioned that these may have to be refrigerated at certain times of the year. Do they have to be refrigerated in hot or cold weather? I would like to make these in the winter I am wondering if they will hold up if left out of the fridge for long periods of time?
Lois says
I sent you a personal email as well Diane, I hope you received it! If not, please check your spam folder.
Depending on where you live, the temperature of the room, etc these peanut butter bars hold up well when left on the counter or buffet table. If you were leaving them out on a picnic table, the chocolate would start to get soft because of the heat after awhile. Except for the hotter months of the year, I leave the container on our kitchen counter. Thank you for visiting my site and reaching out to me. I hope you enjoy the recipe!
Ellen says
You state we can't use semi sweet chocolate chips. Why not?
Lois says
I sent you a personal email Ellen regarding your question. I prefer milk chocolate chips because of the taste. They make the bars taste just like Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. You're welcome to try semi-sweet if that's the flavor you prefer. Thank you for visiting!
Jessica says
These homemade peanut butter bars are so easy to make! YUM.
Lois says
Thank you Jessica!
Richella J Parham says
These look delicious!! Reese's pb cups are a favorite candy around here, so I'm excited to try these. I love the idea of using peanut butter in the chocolate topping as well as the bottom. I imagine this makes the topping softer and more pliable. I've pinned this!
Thank you so much for joining the Grace at Home party at Imparting Grace! I'm featuring you this week.
Lois says
Thank you for the feature Richella!
Mother of 3 says
That sounds so yummy! I haven't made peanut butter bars in so long but I do find the key is patience and letting those layers really cool off and harden together. Pinned.
Lois says
Yes, you're right! Thanks for visiting!
joan dix says
you say 11/2 cup of peanut butter. Do you use 1/2 for each layer?
Lois says
No, in the recipe card it gives the full ingredient list showing you need 1 1/2 cups of peanut butter for BOTH layers. I hope you try the recipe and enjoy it as much as my family does!
Michelle Frank | Flipped-Out Food says
I have an unhealthy obsession with Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, so this recipe may be my undoing! Especially since these homemade peanut butter bars are so easy to make! YUM.
Karen says
What is the size of the bag of chocolate chips? I have a very large bag, somehow don’t think it will work...size always matters.
Lois says
You need 2 cups of chocolate chips. I will update the recipe card with that correct info. Thank you Karen.
Linda says
It says 2 cups in the recipe.
Lois says
Thanks Linda!
Lisa Conforto says
Hi nice to meet you, this recipe is going to be a hit with my full of chocolate and Peanut butter lovers... Lisa@ Sweet Tea N' Salty Air
Kimberlee Gibson says
Thanks for sharing this recipe. I have one that is similar but only makes an 8 by 8 pan - it doesn't have any peanut butter in the chocolate either. My kids love the recipe - I am looking forward to trying this on as it makes a bigger pan - pinned.
Shirley Wood says
I like the combination of chocolate and peanut butter. Thanks for sharing your yummy recipe with us at Merry Monday!
Catherine says
Dear Lois, these bars look magnificent! Anything with peanut butter is right up my alley...these are calling to me. xoxo, Catherine