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No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars

These no-bake peanut butter bars are quick and easy treats made by mixing creamy peanut butter with honey and crunchy graham cracker crumbs, then pressing the mixture into a pan. Topped with melted chocolate and chilled until firm, they develop a rich, peanutty flavor with a satisfying crunch and a smooth chocolate finish.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter smooth and natural preferred
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup for sweetness and stickiness
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs crushed into fine crumbs
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional) adds extra crunch
  • 3/4 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate for topping, melted

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • 8x8 inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Spatula
  • Microwave or double boiler
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Line your baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and honey, stirring until smooth and well blended. You should notice a sticky, fragrant mixture that’s easy to scoop.
  3. Add the graham cracker crumbs and chopped nuts (if using) to the peanut butter mixture. Fold everything together until evenly incorporated and sticky.
  4. Pour the mixture into your prepared pan and press it down firmly with the back of a spatula or your fingers, creating an even layer. This helps the bars stay together when sliced.
  5. Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for about 1 hour, or until the mixture is firm enough to handle.
  6. Meanwhile, melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and glossy. You can also melt it using a double boiler on the stove.
  7. Once the peanut butter layer is set, pour the melted chocolate evenly over the top, spreading it out with a spatula to cover the entire surface.
  8. Return the pan to the refrigerator and chill for another 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely set and firm.
  9. Remove the bars from the fridge and cut into squares using a sharp knife. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Notes

Feel free to customize with dried fruit, vanilla extract, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the chocolate for extra flavor.