Go Back

No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars

These no-bake peanut butter bars are a quick and satisfying treat made with simple ingredients like peanut butter, graham crackers, and chocolate. They come together without any oven, resulting in a rich, salty-sweet layered bar with a crunchy base and glossy chocolate topping. Perfect for a comforting, nostalgic snack or dessert with a chewy, firm texture.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup peanut butter creamy or crunchy
  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs crushed into fine crumbs
  • 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1 cup chocolate chips semi-sweet or dark
  • 1 teaspoon coconut oil helps chocolate set smoothly

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • 9-inch square pan
  • Silicone spatula
  • Microwave or double boiler
  • Parchment paper

Method
 

  1. Line a 9-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, graham cracker crumbs, and honey. Mix with a spatula until the mixture is well blended and starts to hold together, smelling nutty and sweet.
  3. Press this mixture evenly into the prepared pan, using the back of a spatula or your fingers to create a smooth, compact layer. Chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm up.
  4. While it chills, melt the chocolate chips with the coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring well each time, until the chocolate is smooth, glossy, and completely melted—your kitchen will smell sweet and rich.
  5. Pour the melted chocolate over the chilled peanut butter layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula for a glossy, smooth top. Return the pan to the fridge and chill for at least another hour, or until the chocolate is set and shiny.
  6. Once the chocolate is firm and shiny, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang, then cut into squares with a warm, sharp knife for clean slices. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Notes

For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the chocolate before chilling. To customize, add chopped nuts or dried fruit into the peanut butter layer before pressing into the pan.