Save to Pinterest Rich, creamy peanut butter bars layered with smooth chocolate—an irresistible treat that comes together in minutes without turning on the oven.
This was a favorite in my household, perfect for quick desserts and easy to make ahead of time.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240 g) creamy peanut butter: Base ingredient for peanut butter layer
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness to the base
- 2 cups (200 g) powdered sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the base
- 1 cup (100 g) graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits, finely crushed): Provides structure and crunch
- 1 1/2 cups (260 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips: Forms the chocolate layer
- 1/4 cup (60 g) creamy peanut butter: Mixed with chocolate for smoothness
Instructions
- Line the Pan:
- Line an 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Make Base:
- In a large bowl, combine 1 cup peanut butter, melted butter, powdered sugar, and graham cracker crumbs. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Press Base:
- Press the peanut butter mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan using a spatula or your hands.
- Melt Chocolate:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips with 1/4 cup peanut butter in 30-second intervals, stirring after each until smooth.
- Pour Chocolate:
- Pour the chocolate mixture over the peanut butter base and spread evenly.
- Refrigerate:
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until fully set.
- Serve:
- Remove from the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into 16 bars with a sharp knife. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Save to Pinterest My family enjoys these bars during weekend gatherings, especially the kids who love the peanut butter and chocolate combo.
Notes
For a saltier finish, sprinkle flaky sea salt on the chocolate layer before chilling. For added crunch, mix chopped peanuts into the base.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, spatula, 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking pan, microwave-safe bowl, parchment paper, sharp knife
Allergen Information
Contains peanuts, dairy, and gluten from graham crackers. Use certified gluten-free graham crackers for a gluten-free option. Always check ingredient labels to confirm absence of allergens.
Save to Pinterest These bars are an effortless, crowd-pleasing dessert that can be prepared anytime without heating up the kitchen.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute the peanut butter in the base?
Yes, almond or sunflower seed butter can be used to accommodate allergies or vary the flavor.
- → How long should the bars be chilled?
Chill the bars for at least 2 hours to ensure they set firm and slice cleanly.
- → Is it possible to add crunch to the bars?
Adding chopped peanuts to the base creates a crunchy texture that complements the creamy layers.
- → What can be used as a gluten-free substitute for graham crackers?
Certified gluten-free graham crackers or digestive biscuits ensure the base remains gluten-free.
- → How can I enhance the flavor of the chocolate layer?
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt before chilling adds a delicious salty contrast to the sweet chocolate topping.