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No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars

These no-bake peanut butter bars are quick and simple to make, combining creamy peanut butter, honey, and crushed graham crackers into a firm base. Topped with smooth melted chocolate, they develop a rich, sweet, and salty flavor with a satisfying chewy texture and glossy finish. Perfect for a comforting treat without turning on the oven.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup cup creamy peanut butter preferably natural
  • 1/2 cup cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups cups graham cracker crumbs crushed into fine crumbs
  • 1 cup cup chocolate chips semi-sweet or dark
  • 1 teaspoon teaspoon vegetable oil optional, for shine

Equipment

  • 20x20 cm (8x8 inch) square pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Microwave or double boiler
  • Spatula or back of a spoon
  • Knife or pizza cutter

Method
 

  1. Line your square pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and slightly fluffy, with a pleasant peanut aroma filling the air.
  3. Add the crushed graham cracker crumbs to the peanut butter mixture. Fold them in thoroughly until every crumb is coated and the mixture starts to come together into a sticky dough.
  4. Press this dense, sticky mixture firmly into the prepared pan, using the back of a spoon or spatula to smooth the surface evenly. This helps create a compact base that holds together nicely once chilled.
  5. Place the pan in the fridge and chill for about 30 minutes, allowing the mixture to firm up and relax, making it easier to cut later.
  6. While the base chills, melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second bursts, stirring well after each, until smooth and glossy. Add a teaspoon of vegetable oil if you like a shinier finish.
  7. Remove the pan from the fridge and pour the melted chocolate evenly over the firm peanut butter layer. Use a spatula to spread it out smoothly, ensuring full coverage with a glossy surface.
  8. Refrigerate the assembled bars for at least 2 hours or until the chocolate is completely set and the bars are firm.
  9. Once chilled, lift the bars out using the parchment overhang. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut into squares or rectangles, wiping the blade clean between cuts for neat edges.
  10. Serve the bars immediately or store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’re perfect straight from the fridge or at room temperature for a softer bite.