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No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars

These no-bake peanut butter bars are a nostalgic treat that come together quickly with pantry staples. Made with creamy peanut butter, honey, graham cracker crumbs, and melted butter, they develop a chewy, gooey texture with a glossy finish after chilling. Perfect for a sweet, salty snack that’s rich and satisfying without any oven time.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter natural preferred for rich flavor
  • 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted until fragrant and slightly nutty
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs digestive biscuits work well too
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips semi-sweet preferred
  • Pinch sea salt to enhance flavor

Equipment

  • 8x8 inch baking dish
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula
  • Knife
  • Microwave or double boiler

Method
 

  1. Line your 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, honey, and melted butter. Stir vigorously until the mixture is smooth, glossy, and fragrant—about 2 minutes. The mixture should feel sticky but pliable.
  3. Gradually fold in the graham cracker crumbs until fully incorporated; it will form a crumbly but sticky dough that holds together when pressed.
  4. If you like, fold in half of the chocolate chips for added richness and bits of melty chocolate throughout.
  5. Transfer the mixture into your prepared dish. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to evenly press and flatten the mixture into the pan, creating a smooth, compact surface. Press firmly to ensure everything sticks together well.
  6. Place the dish in the fridge and chill for at least 2 hours, or until the mixture is firm and set. For quicker results, you can chill for 30 minutes in the freezer, but avoid freezing solid.
  7. While the mixture chills, melt the remaining chocolate chips in a microwave or double boiler until smooth and glossy. This only takes about 30 seconds in the microwave, stirring every 10 seconds.
  8. Once set, lift the peanut butter block out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Place on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to slice into 12 bars or squares.
  9. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the top of each bar for a glossy finish. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top for enhanced flavor contrast.
  10. Let the topped bars sit for 10 minutes to allow the chocolate to set before serving. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Notes

For extra crunch, fold in chopped nuts or pretzels. To make it vegan, use coconut oil instead of butter and dairy-free chocolate chips. These bars taste best after chilling for a few hours, allowing flavors to meld and texture to firm up.