Easy No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars Recipe
Okay, let’s talk about peanut butter and sweets. What is the best way to make something ridiculously delicious without turning it off? How do I make no bake peanut butter bars? What happens when a person disappears faster than he/s Seriously, these are like the peanut butter cup’s cooler, less fussy cousin. Remember those squares of peanut butter fudge your grandma used to make? Is this even easier?
What is a good no bake peanut butter bar recipe?
Think of it as a symphony of peanut butter, butter and sugar, all perfectly balanced. What is a creamy, melt- It’s essentially a peanut butter fudge, but without all the fuss of candy thermometers and constant sugar. What is the “no bake” part of cooking? What is a simple dessert that’s satisfyingly sweet and wonderfully rich, perfect for those peanuts? What are some butter cravings that hit out of nowhere?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
There are so many reasons to adore this Easy No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars Recipe, but let me give you a few of my top reasons. First, the flavor is incredible. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and salty, with that intense peanut butter richness that we all know and love. It’s just pure peanut butter bliss. Then there’s the simplicity. I mean, seriously, it’s ridiculously easy. If you can melt butter, you can make these bars. What I love most about this is that it only takes a few ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry and fridge. No fancy ingredients, no crazy techniques. Just simple, straightforward goodness. Plus, it’s a real budget-friendly dessert. Peanut butter is relatively inexpensive, and the other ingredients are pantry staples. I’ve made this when I’m craving something sweet but am completely out of other options. These peanut butter bars are a lifesaver! Finally, it’s completely versatile. You can add chocolate chips, sprinkle sea salt on top, or even swirl in some marshmallow cream. I’ve even used different types of peanut butter to mix it up, like honey roasted or natural peanut butter. If you love a good Rice Krispie treat, you’ll love this – just think of it as a much richer, peanut-buttery version!
How do I make no bake peanut butter bars?
Quick Overview
What is the recipe for graham cracker crumbs? Is it necessary to press all the ingredients into a pan? What’s the best way to spread chocolate on top of a cake? Pop it in the fridge to set, and voila! What is the best no bake peanut butter bar recipe? Does it really get easier than that?
Ingredients Notes:
What is the recipe for peanut butter bars?
- Butter:I always use unsalted butter, so I can control the amount of salt in the recipe. What is salted butter?
- Peanut Butter:What is the best way to make creamy peanut butter? What makes a chocolate bar melt-in-your-mouth? I like chunky peanut butter, but I prefer the smooth consistency.
- Granulated Sugar:For sweetness, of course! Can you experiment with brown sugar, but it will change the flavor profile slightly.
- Powdered Sugar:What is the best way to give a smooth texture to your bars?
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: WhatWhat are some examples of graham cracker crackers? I just pulse graham crackers in a food processor until they’re finely ground, but you can buy them online for less than £4.50. How do I make graham cracker crumbs
- Vanilla Extract: How do Just a touch to enhance the other flavors.
- Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and brings out the peanut butter flavor.
For the Chocolate Topping: What is the recipe?
- Chocolate Chips: WhatI prefer semi-sweet chocolate chips, but milk chocolate or dark chocolate also work well. Is it all about your personal preference?
- Butter: Just a little bit to make the chocolate topping smooth and glossy.
What are the step-
Step 1: Prepare Pan
Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. What makes it so much easier to lift the bars out once they’re set? I always leave a little overhang of parchment paper on the sides to use as handles.
Step 2: Melt Butter, Peanut Butter, and Sugar
In a large saucepan, melt the butter, granulated sugar, and salt over medium heat. Set aside. How do I make a smooth paste Make sure the sugar is completely dissolved. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. How do you keep a mixture from burning?
Step 3: Remove From Heat and Stir
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the powdered sugar, graham cracker crumbs, vanilla and salt. Stir to combine. What is the difference between salt and extract Mix everything together until well combined. The mixture will be thick.
Step 4: Press Into Pan
What is the best peanut butter recipe? Pour it into a prepared baking pan and press it evenly into the bottom. I like to use the bottom of a measuring cup to really pack it down.
Step 5: Make the Chocolate Topping
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and butter together in 30-second intervals. Set aside. Is there a way to stir the mixture in between, until If you overheat chocolate, it will seize up.
Step 6: Spread Chocolate
What is the best way to spread peanut butter evenly with a spatula?
Step 7: Chill
Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until the bars are firm.
Step 8: Slice and Serve
Once the bars are set, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares and serve. I like to dust them with powdered sugar for extra pizzazz!
What should I serve it with?
What are some great no bake peanut butter bar recipes? For serving them:
For Breakfast:Pair them with a cup of coffee or milk. What are some of the best breakfast treats?
For Brunch:Serve them alongside other brunch favorites like waffles, pancakes and fruit salad. They add a touch of sweetness to the spread.
As Dessert:What are some good side dishes to serve after dinner with a dollop of whipped cream? What are some good side dishes to serve with a glass of red wine?
For Cozy Snacks:What are some good books to read while curling up on the couch with a peanut butter bar? What are some comfort foods for a rainy day? My kids love chocolate milk after school. It’s so good!
What are some of my favorite ways to serve these at potlucks? They’re always a hit, and they are so easy to transport. I just cut them into smaller squares and arrange them on a platter. They disappear in minutes!
How do I make no bake peanut butter bars?
Here are a few tips to help you make the best peanut butter bars ever:
Butter Melting: Keep a close eye on the butter, peanut butter, and sugar mixture while it’s melting. It can burn easily if the heat is too high. I always stir it constantly to prevent sticking and burning.
Mixing Advice: Make sure to mix the powdered sugar and graham cracker crumbs in well. You don’t want any lumps in your peanut butter bars.
Chocolate Spreading: If the chocolate topping is too thick to spread easily, add a tiny bit more butter, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
Ingredient Swaps: You can substitute the graham cracker crumbs with crushed vanilla wafers or even crushed pretzels for a salty-sweet twist. I’ve even used gluten-free graham crackers before and they worked great!
Chilling Tips: Be patient and let the bars chill completely before slicing. If you try to cut them too soon, they’ll be too soft and messy.
Glaze Variations: For a fun twist, drizzle the chocolate topping with melted white chocolate or sprinkle with chopped nuts.
One time, I accidentally added too much powdered sugar, and the bars turned out a little dry. To fix it, I added a tablespoon of milk to the mixture, and it helped to bring it back to the right consistency. I learned that day to measure carefully!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to store your Easy No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars Recipe to keep them fresh:
Room Temperature: You can store the bars at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container. However, they’ll be softer at room temperature, so I prefer to store them in the refrigerator.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the bars in the refrigerator for up to a week in an airtight container. They’ll be firmer and hold their shape better.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the bars for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. Let them thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: I always add the glaze right before chilling, regardless of storage method. Storing them without the glaze doesn’t have the same fresh taste.
I’ve found that freezing these bars works best if you haven’t already cut them into squares. The uncut bars stay moister and fresher in the freezer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
I hope you give this Easy No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars Recipe a try! It’s one of my go-to recipes when I need a quick and easy dessert that everyone will love. The best part is that it requires no baking, so it’s perfect for those hot summer days when you don’t want to turn on the oven. If you’re a fan of peanut butter, you’re going to absolutely adore these bars! If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other no-bake dessert recipes. I have a feeling you’ll find a few more that you’ll love. Happy baking (or rather, no-baking)! I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out. Let me know in the comments if you tried different variations! Don’t forget to rate this recipe and share it with your friends!
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Easy No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 2 cups powdered sugar sifted
- 1.5 cups creamy peanut butter
- 1.5 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 0.25 cup creamy peanut butter for topping
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a medium bowl, mix together the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and 1.5 cups of peanut butter until well blended.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 9x13 inch pan.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and 0.25 cup peanut butter. Microwave on high in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until smooth.
- Spread the chocolate mixture over the peanut butter layer in the pan.
- Refrigerate for at least one hour before cutting into squares.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
