Name: Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 cups graham cracker crumbs; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter (for topping)

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If you’re looking for a sweet, soul-satisfying treat that strikes the perfect balance between salty and sweet, these Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars are about to become your new obsession. With luscious layers of creamy peanut butter, buttery graham crackers, and rich chocolate, these bars are a snap to make and even easier to fall in love with. No baking required—just a few simple ingredients, a little mixing, and a short chill in the fridge before you’re digging into pure dessert bliss. Whether you’re hosting friends, craving something sweet after dinner, or just treating yourself to a midday snack, Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars are a guaranteed hit every single time.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Whipping up these Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars couldn’t be simpler, and each ingredient really pulls its weight to create that crave-worthy texture and flavor. Here’s why each item matters and a handy tip to help make your bars the best ever.

Unsalted Butter (1 cup, melted): Using unsalted lets you control the overall saltiness, and it adds a decadent richness to the base.
Graham Cracker Crumbs (2 cups): These create a sturdy, slightly crunchy foundation with a classic flavor everyone recognizes.
Powdered Sugar (2 cups): This dissolves smoothly for a creamy, silky-sweet filling.
Creamy Peanut Butter (1 cup for filling, plus 1/4 cup for topping): Provides the signature nutty flavor and a smooth, spreadable consistency. For a fun variation, try crunchy peanut butter!
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1 1/2 cups): The perfect amount of chocolatey goodness without being overpowering—melts beautifully for a glossy top layer.

How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Butter Base

Start by grabbing a medium bowl, then combine your melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and one cup of creamy peanut butter. Mix it up until everything is smooth and gorgeously blended. You want a thick mixture that holds together easily so your bars will set perfectly later—no crumbly messes around here! Once it’s uniform, press it firmly into the bottom of a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking dish. Take your time to get an even layer; this will make a huge difference when you bite into the finished bars.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Peanut Butter Topping

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and that extra 1/4 cup of creamy peanut butter. Microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring after each until the chocolate is completely melted and glossy. This little addition of peanut butter keeps the chocolate soft and sliceable straight from the fridge, and it gives the top layer a beautiful shine.

Step 3: Layer and Chill

Pour the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the pressed peanut butter base. Use a spatula to gently spread the chocolate all the way to the corners, covering the base completely for that picture-perfect finish. Once you’ve smoothed out the top, pop the dish in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2 hours. This crucial step gives the Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars time to firm up so they’re easy to cut and handle.

Step 4: Slice and Serve

Once the bars are set and the chocolate topping feels firm to the touch, lift them out of the pan using the parchment, or run a knife around the edges if you skipped that step. Cut them into even squares or rectangles—whatever feels right. If you want really clean edges, warm your knife in hot water and wipe it dry between slices. Now, it’s time to dive into that first fudgy, peanut-buttery bite!

How to Serve Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars

Garnishes

Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars are delicious all on their own, but a little garnish adds eye-catching flair and extra flavor magic. Try sprinkling on flaky sea salt for a savory pop, drizzling with melted white chocolate, or topping each bar with a few mini chocolate chips or chopped roasted peanuts. These simple details really make each bar special, especially for parties or gifting.

Side Dishes

Pair your Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars with classic dessert accompaniments! A scoop of vanilla ice cream is a dreamy partner for the bars’ richness, and a tall glass of cold milk or hot coffee brings out the best of the chocolate-peanut butter combo. If you’d like something lighter, fresh strawberries or raspberries cut through the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to have fun with your presentation. Stack bars on a rustic wooden board for a casual treat table, or arrange them in colorful cupcake liners for easy serving at potlucks. For special gifts, wrap individual bars in parchment and tie with twine—a little homemade note completes the perfect package. No matter how you serve them, Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars are sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars keep beautifully in the fridge for up to a week, making them ideal for busy weeks or make-ahead party treats. Just place the cut bars in an airtight container, stacking with sheets of parchment or wax paper in between layers to prevent sticking. They’re ready whenever you need a little pick-me-up!

Freezing

If you’d like to stash some bars away for longer, freezing works perfectly. Arrange the sliced bars on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. They’ll last up to three months—just thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before biting in for that same fabulous texture.

Reheating

Good news: these bars are best enjoyed chilled or at room temp, so no real reheating required! If you prefer a slightly softer, fudgier bite, let a bar sit out at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes before enjoying. For an ultra-gooey pop, zap an individual square in the microwave for just 5–10 seconds—pair with ice cream for instant decadence.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a wonderful texture and extra peanut pieces in every bite. You can also mix in a handful of chopped roasted peanuts or crushed pretzels for another tasty twist on classic Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars.

Do I really need to chill the bars for a full 2 hours?

Chilling is key for the perfect set and slice, but if you’re short on time and your fridge is extra cold, you can sometimes get away with an hour. Just make sure the bars are firm before cutting so the layers stay distinct and tidy.

Will other types of chocolate work for the topping?

Definitely! While semi-sweet is crowd-pleasing and keeps things from getting too sweet, you can swap in bittersweet, dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips. Just melt them with the same method for a delicious layer atop your Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars.

How do I make clean cuts without the chocolate cracking?

For perfect squares, dip a sharp knife in hot water, wipe dry, and slice through the bars. Repeat this between cuts. It helps the chocolate glide smoothly and creates those show-stopping, bakery-worthy edges you see in photos.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

You sure can! Just double all the ingredients and use two standard 9×13-inch pans (or a larger pan if you’ve got one that fits), then follow the steps as written. Your guests will thank you when there’s enough Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars to go around!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about a dessert that’s both incredibly easy and irresistibly delicious. Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars check every box—no baking, pantry-friendly ingredients, and a wow-worthy payoff with every bite. Give them a try the next time you want to share a seriously tasty treat—your friends and family (and taste buds!) will be cheering for more.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including chilling)
Yield: 24 bars 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in these irresistible Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars that are the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and creamy flavors in every bite. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a luscious peanut butter filling, and a decadent chocolate topping, these bars are a true crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

1 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup creamy peanut butter

For the Topping:

1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter (for topping)

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Instructions

Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and 1 cup peanut butter. Mix until smooth and well blended. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking dish.
Make the Topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and 1/4 cup peanut butter together in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth. Pour the chocolate mixture over the peanut butter layer and spread evenly with a spatula.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm. Cut into bars before serving.