Are you ready to indulge in a dessert that requires zero baking but delivers maximum flavor? Say hello to the No Bake Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Bars! These irresistible treats are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the hassle of turning on the oven. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a mere 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a batch of these creamy, crunchy, and chocolaty delights that will have everyone begging for seconds. Trust us, once you try them, you’ll want to keep this recipe on repeat!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Line an 8x8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter and powdered sugar. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well blended and form a smooth, consistent mixture.
- Add the graham cracker crumbs to the peanut butter mixture. Stir until all ingredients are completely incorporated and the mixture becomes slightly crumbly but holds together when pressed.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan, creating a compact base layer.
- Melt the chocolate chips using either a double boiler or microwave. If using a microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to prevent burning.
- Once the chocolate is completely melted and smooth, pour it evenly over the peanut butter base, using a spatula to spread it to the edges.
- Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for approximately 1-2 hours, or until the chocolate layer has fully set and hardened.
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the entire block out of the pan and place on a cutting board.
- Cut into 16 equal squares using a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for neat edges.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Allow to sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Tips
- Choose the Right Peanut Butter: For the best flavor and texture, opt for creamy peanut butter. Natural peanut butter can also work, but make sure it’s well stirred to avoid separation.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: If you don’t have store-bought crumbs, simply crush whole graham crackers in a food processor or place them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin.
- Melting Chocolate: Be cautious when melting chocolate in the microwave. Heat it in short bursts and stir frequently to prevent burning. Alternatively, use a double boiler for a more controlled melting process.
- Chill Time Matters: Allow the bars to chill in the fridge for at least 1-2 hours to ensure the chocolate sets properly. Patience pays off for a perfect texture!
- Cutting the Bars: For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it between slices to keep edges neat. If the chocolate is too hard, let the bars sit at room temperature for a few minutes before cutting.
- Storage Tips: Keep your bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to a week, but we doubt they’ll last that long!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 189kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
