Peanut Butter Bars (Printable)

Chewy peanut butter bars with a graham base and chocolate topping; chill until set for a rich no-bake treat.

# What You Need:

→ Base

01 - 1 cup creamy peanut butter
02 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
03 - 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
04 - 2 cups powdered sugar

→ Chocolate Topping

05 - 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
06 - 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

# How-To:

01 - Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on the sides to lift the bars out later.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, stir together the creamy peanut butter and melted unsalted butter until completely smooth and well blended.
03 - Add the graham cracker crumbs and powdered sugar to the peanut butter mixture. Stir vigorously until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is uniform in texture.
04 - Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and press it down firmly and evenly using a spatula or your hands to create a flat, compact layer.
05 - Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each burst, until the mixture is completely melted and silky smooth.
06 - Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the peanut butter base and spread it into an even layer using a spatula, ensuring full coverage to the edges.
07 - Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate topping is firm and set completely.
08 - Lift the slab out of the dish using the parchment paper overhang. Place on a cutting board and slice into 16 even bars. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • No oven required, which means you can satisfy your sweet tooth without heating up the entire house.
  • The texture lands somewhere between a fudgy brownie and a candy bar, and they disappear faster than anything else on a dessert table.
02 -
  • If you cut these before the chocolate is fully set, the topping will smear and the layers will separate into a mess.
  • Warming your knife under hot water and drying it between cuts gives you perfectly clean edges every single time.
03 -
  • Use a piece of wax paper or the bottom of a measuring cup to press the base layer flat and avoid sticky fingers.
  • The ratio of chocolate to peanut butter in the topping is the secret to that perfect snap without cracking your teeth.

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