Peanut Butter Bars Recipe

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • No-Bake Convenience: No need to turn on the oven; these bars set beautifully in the refrigerator.
  • Simple Ingredients: Utilizes pantry staples, making it easy to whip up a batch anytime.
  • Quick Preparation: With minimal hands-on time, you’ll have a delicious dessert ready in no time.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: The classic peanut butter and chocolate combination is universally loved.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 cup butter or margarine, melted
  • 1 cup peanut butter
  • 1½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
  • 4 tablespoons peanut butter

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. Prepare the Base: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, confectioners’ sugar, melted butter, and 1 cup of peanut butter. Mix until well-blended.
  2. Form the Crust: Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 9×13-inch pan.
  3. Prepare the Topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine semisweet chocolate chips and 4 tablespoons of peanut butter. Microwave on high, stirring every 15 seconds, until smooth.
  4. Assemble: Spread the melted chocolate mixture over the peanut butter crust.
  5. Set and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before cutting into squares.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 12 bars
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Additional Time: 1 hour (refrigeration)
  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Variations

  • Crunchy Texture: Incorporate chopped nuts or crispy rice cereal into the peanut butter layer for added crunch.
  • Alternative Toppings: Drizzle white chocolate or caramel over the top for a different flavor profile.
  • Healthier Option: Use natural peanut butter and dark chocolate chips to reduce sugar content.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
  • Freezing: These bars freeze well. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQs

What type of peanut butter works best for this recipe?

Both creamy and crunchy peanut butter work well. However, using natural peanut butter may alter the texture slightly due to its oil content.

Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Yes, milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips can be used based on your preference.

Is it necessary to refrigerate the bars before serving?

Yes, refrigerating helps the bars set properly, making them easier to cut and serve.

Can I substitute margarine for butter?

Yes, both butter and margarine work well in this recipe.

How do I prevent the chocolate layer from cracking when cutting?

Allow the bars to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before cutting to prevent the chocolate from cracking.

Can I add toppings to the chocolate layer?

Absolutely! Sprinkles, sea salt, or chopped nuts make great additions.

What can I use instead of graham cracker crumbs?

Crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers are good alternatives.

Are these bars gluten-free?

To make them gluten-free, use gluten-free graham crackers.

Can I make these bars dairy-free?

Yes, substitute dairy-free margarine and chocolate chips to make the recipe dairy-free.

How long do these bars last at room temperature?

They can be kept at room temperature for a few hours, but for best results, store them in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

These Peanut Butter Bars are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate in a simple, no-bake recipe. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet indulgence at home, they’re sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

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Peanut Butter Bars Recipe

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  • Author: Isabella
  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 12 bars
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Description

Indulge in the classic combination of peanut butter and chocolate with these delightful Peanut Butter Bars. This no-bake recipe features a rich, creamy peanut butter base topped with a smooth layer of chocolate, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 cup butter or margarine, melted
  • 1 cup peanut butter
  • 1½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
  • 4 tablespoons peanut butter

Instructions

  • Prepare the Base: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, confectioners’ sugar, melted butter, and 1 cup of peanut butter. Mix until well-blended.
  • Form the Crust: Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 9×13-inch pan.
  • Prepare the Topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine semisweet chocolate chips and 4 tablespoons of peanut butter. Microwave on high, stirring every 15 seconds, until smooth.
  • Assemble: Spread the melted chocolate mixture over the peanut butter crust.
  • Set and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before cutting into squares.

Notes

  • To prevent the chocolate layer from cracking, let the bars sit at room temperature for a few minutes before cutting.
  • For a crunchy texture, add chopped nuts or crispy rice cereal to the peanut butter mixture.
  • Use natural peanut butter and dark chocolate chips for a healthier option.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Additional Time:: 1 hour (refrigeration)
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American

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