No-Bake Reese's Peanut Butter Bars

Name: No-Bake Reese's Peanut Butter Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 12 bars
Ingredients: 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 cups graham cracker crumbs; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Highlighted under: Sweet Cravings Bakery

I absolutely love making No-Bake Reese's Peanut Butter Bars because they're a quick and delicious treat that requires no oven time! The combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate creates a mouthwatering experience that's hard to resist. Plus, with just a few simple ingredients, these bars come together in no time. When I’m in need of a sweet fix or an easy dessert to share with friends, this recipe is my go-to. They always disappear within minutes, and the joy on everyone’s faces is truly rewarding!

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-01-07T22:42:28.650Z

When I first stumbled upon the idea of no-bake desserts, I was captivated by the simplicity and convenience they offered. I decided to experiment with my favorite chocolate and peanut butter combo, and that’s how these bars came to life! The best part is that I don’t have to worry about the oven and can still treat myself to something incredibly delicious.

These bars are not only easy to make, but they also hold their shape perfectly without baking. Using a mix of peanut butter, powdered sugar, and graham cracker crumbs, I achieved the ideal creamy texture while ensuring they have just the right amount of sweetness. A healthy drizzle of chocolate ganache on top seals the deal!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with creamy peanut butter
No oven required - perfect for hot summer days
Quick preparation makes them great for last-minute treats

      

The Role of Ingredients

Each ingredient in these No-Bake Reese's Peanut Butter Bars serves a specific purpose that contributes to the final texture and flavor. The creamy peanut butter is the backbone of the recipe, providing a rich, nutty flavor and a smooth texture. Powedered sugar is key for sweetness and helps the peanut butter layer to hold together firmly without making it grainy, while graham cracker crumbs add a slight crunch and binding. Unsalted butter not only enriches the flavor but also adds moisture to the crumb mixture, ensuring that the base is neither too dry nor too crumbly.

When it comes to the chocolate layer, using semi-sweet chocolate chips is crucial for achieving that perfect balance of sweetness and slight bitterness. The addition of butter while melting ensures a glossy finish, making the chocolate layer melt-in-your-mouth. If you ever decide to switch up the chocolate type, dark chocolate can provide a deeper flavor contrast, while milk chocolate will enhance the sweetness. Remember to adjust the sugar in the peanut butter layer accordingly if you opt for milk chocolate.

Chilling and Serving Tips

After assembling your bars, it’s crucial to chill them properly for at least 2 hours. This setting time allows the layers to firm up, so you'll get clean, sharp edges when slicing. If you're in a hurry, you can speed up the process by placing the pan in the freezer for about 30 minutes instead. Just be careful not to freeze them too long, or the bars may become overly hard and difficult to slice.

When it’s time to serve, I recommend cutting these into small squares, as they're quite rich. For added flair, you can drizzle some melted chocolate over the top or sprinkle additional crushed graham crackers for a nice presentation. These bars also store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, making them perfect for meal prep or for keeping as a quick snack throughout the week.

Ingredients

For the Peanut Butter Layer

1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup powdered sugar
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Chocolate Layer

1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Mix together thoroughly for the best result!

Instructions

Prepare the Peanut Butter Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, graham cracker crumbs, and melted butter. Mix well until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Press the Mixture into a Pan

Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. Press the peanut butter mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan. Make sure it's packed tightly.

Melt the Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine semi-sweet chocolate chips and butter. Heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.

Add the Chocolate Layer

Pour the melted chocolate over the pressed peanut butter layer. Spread it evenly with a spatula and tap the pan gently to level it out.

Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours until set. Once solid, lift the bars out using the parchment paper, slice into squares, and enjoy!

These bars are even better after chilling overnight!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, sprinkle chopped peanuts or flaky sea salt over the chocolate layer before chilling.

Storing and Freezing

These No-Bake Reese's Peanut Butter Bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. However, if you want to enjoy them later, they freeze beautifully! Cut the bars into squares, layer them with parchment paper in between, and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply take them out and let them thaw in the refrigerator for a couple of hours before serving.

One important tip is to ensure that the bars are completely set before freezing. If you try to freeze them while they’re still soft, they may become an unappetizing mess upon thawing. To avoid any freezer burn, make sure to seal your container tightly and minimize exposure to air.

Variations and Add-Ins

The beauty of these bars lies in their versatility! You can easily customize them with various add-ins. For a crunchier texture, consider folding in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the peanut butter layer. Alternatively, if you want to introduce another flavor dimension, mini marshmallows or chopped dried fruits such as cranberries or cherries make for exciting mix-ins. Keep in mind that if you add these extras, you may need to adjust the butter or graham cracker amounts slightly to maintain the texture.

For a gourmet twist, try sprinkling some coarse sea salt on top of the chocolate layer before it sets. This adds a delightful contrast to the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor experience. Additionally, you can experiment with flavored peanut butter, such as chocolate or honey-roasted varieties, to put a unique spin on the classic recipe.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, but the bars may turn out a little less creamy, and you may need to adjust the powdered sugar.

→ How long do they last in the fridge?

They can last up to 1 week when stored in an airtight container in the fridge.

→ Can I add toppings?

Absolutely! Consider adding crushed nuts, drizzled white chocolate, or even mini chocolate chips on top.

→ Is there a substitute for graham cracker crumbs?

You can use crushed digestive biscuits or even crushed vanilla wafers as a substitute.