Peanut Butter Bars

These Peanut Butter Bars are the ultimate no-bake dessert! With a creamy, slightly crumbly peanut butter base topped with a luscious chocolate layer, these bars are easy to make and beyond satisfying. Perfect for any occasion and customizable with festive sprinkles or a sprinkle of sea salt, these bars are a treat everyone will love.

Jump to Recipe

Ingredients 🛒

Let’s take a closer look at each ingredient and what they bring to this delightful dessert:

• 2 cups creamy peanut butter
  Provides the rich, nutty foundation of these bars. For best results, use classic peanut butter (not natural), which holds up better without becoming too oily.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)
  Adds creaminess and structure to the bars. Softened butter blends better with the peanut butter, creating a smooth, cohesive base.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  Enhances the sweetness and adds a warm depth of flavor that complements the peanut butter and chocolate.
• ½ teaspoon salt
  Balances the sweetness and brings out the nuttiness in the peanut butter. If using salted butter, skip the added salt.
• 4-5 cups powdered sugar
  This is the binder that turns the mixture into a dough-like consistency. Start with 4 cups and add more if the dough feels too wet.
• 1 ½ cups chocolate chips
  The rich chocolate topping! You can use semi-sweet, milk, dark, or even white chocolate for variety.
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil
  Helps the chocolate topping become smooth and adds a nice shine. Use refined coconut oil for no coconut flavor, or skip if preferred.
• 2 tablespoons festive sprinkles (optional)
  Perfect for a holiday twist! You can also use flaky sea salt for a sophisticated sweet-salty touch.

Instructions: Step-by-Step 🌟

Step 1: Prepare Your Dish 📏

1. Line an 8×8” or 9×9″ Dish with Parchment Paper
   Lining your dish with parchment paper makes it easy to remove the bars once they’ve set. Ensure there’s some overhang on each side for a simple lift-out after chilling.

Tip: For thicker bars, use an 8×8” pan; for slightly thinner bars, a 9×9″ pan works best.

Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Base 🍯

1. Blend the Peanut Butter and Butter
   In a large bowl, combine 2 cups creamy peanut butter and ½ cup softened butter. Using an electric hand mixer (or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment), blend on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
2. Add Vanilla and Salt
   Next, add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and ½ teaspoon salt to the mixture. Blend briefly to incorporate. The vanilla adds depth, while the salt balances the sweetness and enhances the peanut flavor.
3. Gradually Add Powdered Sugar
   Add the powdered sugar 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed between each addition. Start with 4 cups, and if the mixture is still too wet, add more powdered sugar, up to 5 cups. The dough should hold together well but still be slightly crumbly.
4. Press into Prepared Pan
   Transfer the peanut butter mixture to your prepared pan and press it down evenly to form a smooth layer. For an extra-smooth surface, place a sheet of parchment or wax paper on top and press down firmly.

Tip: Avoid overpacking the powdered sugar when measuring. Use a spoon to gently fill the measuring cup, then level it off with a knife.

Step 3: Make the Chocolate Topping 🍫

1. Melt Chocolate Chips with Coconut Oil
   In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 ½ cups chocolate chips and 1 teaspoon coconut oil. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until fully melted and smooth. This usually takes about 90 seconds in total.
2. Pour and Spread the Chocolate Topping
   Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, reaching all the corners.
3. Add Sprinkles or Toppings
   If you’d like, sprinkle festive sprinkles or a dash of flaky sea salt over the chocolate while it’s still warm. This will add both color and texture to the bars!

Step 4: Chill to Set 🕒

1. Refrigerate for 20 Minutes
   Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for about 20 minutes or until the chocolate layer is fully set.
2. Slice and Serve
   Once chilled, remove the bars from the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Use a sharp knife to slice into squares or rectangles. For clean cuts, warm your knife under hot water, then dry it before each cut.

Tips for the Perfect Peanut Butter Bars ✨

• Choose the Right Peanut Butter
  Stick with regular creamy peanut butter instead of natural. Natural peanut butter can be oily, affecting the bar’s texture and making them harder to set.
• Room Temperature Ingredients
  Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature. Cold butter won’t blend as smoothly and could create lumps.
• Adding Powdered Sugar Gradually
  Adding powdered sugar gradually ensures it’s fully incorporated and gives you control over the dough’s consistency.
• Make it Your Own!
  Try experimenting with different toppings or chocolate varieties. White chocolate or even a mix of milk and dark chocolate are great twists to try.

Storage & Serving Suggestions 🍪

1. Refrigerator
   Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Chilling them helps the bars hold their shape and keeps the chocolate layer firm.
2. Freezing
   For longer storage, wrap each bar individually in parchment paper, then store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
3. Serving Options
   Enjoy the bars chilled for a firmer bite or at room temperature for a softer, creamier texture. They’re a great snack on their own or a fun addition to a dessert platter!

Flavor Variations and Customizations 🎉

• Chocolate Choices
  Feel free to swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate for a different flavor experience.
• Peanut Butter Crunch
  Add a little crunch by using a mix of creamy and crunchy peanut butter.
• Holiday Twist
  Dress up the bars with themed sprinkles for the holidays red and green for Christmas, pastel for Easter, or orange and black for Halloween.
• Sweet and Salty
  Top with flaky sea salt instead of sprinkles for a sophisticated sweet-salty contrast that highlights the chocolate and peanut butter flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️

These Peanut Butter Bars deliver all the nostalgia of a peanut butter cup, but in a more decadent, rich, and satisfying format. They’re quick, no-bake, and completely customizable to suit any occasion or taste preference. With a creamy, perfectly balanced peanut butter base and a melt-in-your-mouth chocolate topping, these bars are simple yet impressive ideal for gatherings or a little weekday indulgence.

Whether for a holiday, a bake sale, or just a well-deserved treat, these bars are sure to become a go-to favorite. Enjoy!