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No Bake Peanut Butter Bars

These no bake peanut butter bars combine creamy peanut butter, honey, and crunchy graham cracker crumbs into a rich, gooey base topped with smooth melted chocolate. They come together quickly without oven use, resulting in a firm, glossy treat with a satisfying crunch and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfect for a spontaneous sweet fix with a homemade touch.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter unsweetened, natural
  • 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs or crushed digestive biscuits
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon butter melted until golden

Equipment

  • 20x20cm (8x8 inch) baking pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula
  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Parchment paper
  • Knife

Method
 

  1. Line your baking pan with parchment paper to make removal easy, then set it aside.
  2. In a microwave-safe bowl, warm the peanut butter for about 30 seconds until it’s soft and slightly runny, then stir it well to combine with a gentle, inviting aroma filling the kitchen.
  3. Add honey and vanilla extract to the melted peanut butter, then stir until the mixture is smooth, glossy, and fragrant, about 1 minute.
  4. Pour in the graham cracker crumbs and stir vigorously until the mixture thickens, becoming sticky and easy to spread, with a comforting nutty aroma.
  5. Transfer this mixture into your prepared pan, pressing it down firmly with a spatula or your fingers until it forms an even, compact layer. Chill in the fridge for about 20-30 minutes to set.
  6. Meanwhile, place the chocolate chips and melted butter in a microwave-safe bowl, then melt in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring each time until the chocolate is smooth, glossy, and fragrant.
  7. Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the chilled peanut butter layer, using a spatula to spread it smoothly across the surface, creating a shiny, tempting top.
  8. Refrigerate the entire pan for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate is fully set and the bars are firm enough to slice without crumbling, revealing a glossy, enticing finish.
  9. Lift the set bars out of the pan using the parchment paper and place on a cutting board. Slice into squares with a sharp, warmed knife for clean, neat edges.
  10. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. For best texture, enjoy the bars slightly chilled, with the chocolate top crisp and the peanut butter filling creamy.

Notes

For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup and use dairy-free chocolate chips. To add extra crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts or dried fruits on top before the chocolate layer. Keep the bars refrigerated to maintain their firm, glossy appearance.