There’s something so nostalgic about peanut butter bars for me. Growing up, I remember my mother whipping these up for family gatherings, and the scent of melting chocolate always filled our kitchen. Now, living in Morocco, I love how quick and easy these bars are to prepare, and how they bring a sweet taste of home to my table. Plus, when time is tight on busy days, they make for a delightful after-school treat for my little ones. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe handy!
What Makes This So Good
- No-bake dessert that’s easy to prepare
- Creamy peanut butter combined with chocolate
- Perfectly sweet, satisfying, and can be cut into bite-sized squares
Ingredients:
- 2 cups (200 g) graham cracker crumbs
- 2 cups (240 g) confectioners’ sugar
- 1 cup (225 g) butter or margarine, melted
- 1 cup (250 g) peanut butter
- 1.5 cups (255 g) semisweet chocolate chips
- 4 tablespoons (60 g) peanut butter
Smart Swaps:
- For gluten-free options, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs.
- Swap out the semisweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate if you prefer a richer flavor.
- Use almond butter instead of peanut butter for a nut-free alternative if you have allergies.
Directions:
Gather all ingredients to get started.
In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, confectioners’ sugar, melted butter or margarine, and 1 cup of peanut butter until everything is well-blended. At this stage, I made a bit of a mess, so don’t worry if some crumbs fly around!
Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 9×13-inch pan.
Place the chocolate chips and 4 tablespoons of peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high, stirring every 15 seconds, until the mixture is smooth. Be cautious; melted chocolate can be quite hot!
Spread the chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the crust.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before cutting into 12 squares. This waiting period is hard, but trust me, it’s worth it!
Pro Tips:
- Make-Ahead: These bars can be made a day in advance, making them perfect for parties or gatherings. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
- Transport: Cut the bars into squares and store them in an airtight container. They make for a great snack on-the-go!
- Re-Crisping: If they lose a bit of texture, simply pop them on a plate and microwave for a few seconds to soften.
Variations:
- Add Nuts: Fold in some chopped peanuts for extra crunch.
- Dried Fruit: Mix in some raisins or cranberries for a sweet-tart contrast.
- Drizzle: Top them off with a chocolate drizzle for an extra layer of indulgence.
Serving Ideas:
These peanut butter bars are perfect on their own, but you can also serve them with a side of fresh fruit or a glass of cold milk. They’re also fantastic crumbled over ice cream for a decadent dessert twist!
Storage & Reheating:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you need to reheat, simply microwave a square for a few seconds to enjoy that gooey chocolate experience again.
FAQs:
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, natural peanut butter works! Just ensure it’s well-stirred to avoid separation.
Can I freeze these bars?
Absolutely! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.
What if I don’t have graham crackers?
You can substitute with similar cookies such as Digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers.
Peanut Butter Bars
Delicious, creamy peanut butter bars topped with chocolate and perfect for any occasion.
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups (200 g) graham cracker crumbs
- 2 cups (240 g) confectioners’ sugar
- 1 cup (225 g) butter or margarine, melted
- 1 cup (250 g) peanut butter
- 1.5 cups (255 g) semisweet chocolate chips
- 4 tablespoons (60 g) peanut butter
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients to get started.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, confectioners’ sugar, melted butter or margarine, and 1 cup of peanut butter until everything is well-blended.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 9×13-inch pan.
- Place the chocolate chips and 4 tablespoons of peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high, stirring every 15 seconds, until the mixture is smooth.
- Spread the chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the crust.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before cutting into 12 squares.
Notes
These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. They are great as snacks on-the-go.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian