Satisfy your Reese’s cravings in the easiest way possible with these no-bake peanut butter bars! With a buttery graham cracker crust and a silky chocolate topping, these bars are the perfect dessert for any occasion. They’re quick to make, require no oven, and deliver all the irresistible flavors of chocolate and peanut butter.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No baking required: Ideal for when you want a sweet treat without turning on the oven.
- Quick to prepare: Just mix, layer, chill, and enjoy.
- Reese’s-inspired: Brings together the classic chocolate and peanut butter pairing.
- Crowd-friendly: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or sharing with family.
- Customizable: Add your own twist with mix-ins or toppings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (11 oz) bag milk chocolate chips
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls (medium and small)
- Spatula or spoon
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Microwave-safe bowl
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Butter Mixture
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, powdered sugar, peanut butter, and vanilla extract. Stir the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Assemble the Base Layer
Pour the peanut butter mixture into a 9×13-inch pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press it down evenly, creating a smooth and firm base layer.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate
Place the milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds to ensure the chocolate melts evenly and doesn’t burn.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate Layer
Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer in the pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate is set and the bars are firm. Once chilled, slice into bars and serve.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve these bars chilled or at room temperature for a softer texture. Pair them with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate treat.
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze the bars for up to 3 months.
- Transporting: If bringing these bars to a gathering, keep them chilled in a cooler to prevent the chocolate from melting.
Variations
- Crunchy Peanut Butter Bars: Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
- Dark Chocolate Topping: Swap milk chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
- Salty-Sweet Twist: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the chocolate layer before chilling.
- Oreo Crust: Substitute graham cracker crumbs with crushed Oreos for a fun twist.
- Peanut Butter Cup Topping: Chop Reese’s peanut butter cups and sprinkle them on top of the chocolate layer before chilling.
Helpful Notes and Tips
- Even layers: Use the flat side of a measuring cup to press the peanut butter layer evenly into the pan.
- Melting chocolate: Stir the chocolate frequently while microwaving to avoid overheating. Alternatively, melt the chocolate using a double boiler for more control.
- Clean cuts: For neat slices, run a sharp knife under warm water, dry it, and then cut through the bars. Repeat as needed between cuts.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Sally McKenney (Sally’s Baking Addiction): “When working with no-bake bars, line your pan with parchment paper. It makes removing the bars a breeze.”
- Christina Tosi (Milk Bar): “Add a pinch of salt to your peanut butter mixture to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavor.”
- Ina Garten: “Always use good-quality chocolate for the topping—it makes a big difference in the final taste.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but the texture may be softer due to the oil separation in natural peanut butter. Stir it well before using.
2. What if I don’t have graham cracker crumbs?
You can substitute graham crackers with digestive biscuits or crushed vanilla wafers.
3. Can I use white chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
Absolutely! White chocolate creates a deliciously sweet topping that pairs well with peanut butter.
4. How do I prevent the chocolate from cracking when cutting the bars?
Let the bars sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before slicing to soften the chocolate layer slightly.
5. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for a gluten-free version.
Reese’s Peanut Butter No-Bake Bars are a simple yet decadent dessert that’s guaranteed to be a hit. With their creamy peanut butter base and rich chocolate topping, they deliver big flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are a must-try for chocolate and peanut butter lovers!
Reese’s Peanut Butter No-Bake Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter melted
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 11 oz bag milk chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Peanut Butter Mixture: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, powdered sugar, peanut butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Base Layer: Pour the peanut butter mixture into a 9×13-inch pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Melt the Chocolate: Place the milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until fully melted.
- Add the Chocolate Layer: Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the bars for 1 hour or until set. Once chilled, cut into bars and serve.
Notes
- Even layers: Use the flat side of a measuring cup to press the peanut butter layer evenly into the pan.
- Melting chocolate: Stir the chocolate frequently while microwaving to avoid overheating. Alternatively, melt the chocolate using a double boiler for more control.
- Clean cuts: For neat slices, run a sharp knife under warm water, dry it, and then cut through the bars. Repeat as needed between cuts.