Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These no-bake bars are a delightful blend of graham cracker crumbs, creamy peanut butter, and a luscious layer of chocolate, creating a treat that is both sweet and satisfyingly indulgent. Not only are they quick to prepare, but they also deliver that rich, familiar flavor that peanut butter and chocolate lovers crave. This recipe is an easy and delicious way to recreate a favorite candy at home.

Recipe: Reese’s Peanut Butter No-Bake Bars

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ¼ cup creamy peanut butter

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Butter Base

Start by taking a large mixing bowl and combining the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and 1 cup of creamy peanut butter. Mix these ingredients together until they are smooth and well combined. Once mixed, press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating a solid base layer.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate Topping

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips along with ¼ cup of creamy peanut butter. Heat the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until everything is smooth and melted. Be patient, as it’s important to not overheat the chocolate.

Step 3: Spread the Chocolate Layer

Once your chocolate mixture is ready, pour it over the peanut butter base that you prepared earlier. Use a spatula to spread the chocolate evenly over the surface, making sure to cover all the edges.

Step 4: Chill the Bars

Place the baking dish in the refrigerator and allow the bars to chill for at least 1 hour, or until they’re firm and the chocolate topping has set nicely.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

After chilling, remove the dish from the fridge. Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares. Serve immediately and enjoy the wonderful blend of peanut butter and chocolate flavors!

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving:

For the best texture and flavor, enjoy these bars chilled. Whether you’re serving them as a dessert at a party or indulging in a sweet snack, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Storage:

Keep any leftover bars stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Alternatively, you can freeze them for up to two months. Just make sure to thaw them in the fridge before serving to maintain their delightful texture.

Helpful Notes

• Room Temperature Slicing: Give the bars a few minutes at room temperature before slicing to avoid cracking the chocolate layer.
• Topping Ideas: For a little extra flair, consider sprinkling crushed peanuts or a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the chocolate layer before chilling.
• Peanut Butter Options: If you want a different texture, feel free to try using chunky peanut butter in the base layer for added crunch.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Milk chocolate will provide a sweeter flavor, perfect if that’s your preference. Semi-sweet chocolate gives a great balance to the overall sweetness of the bars.

Q2: Can I make these bars dairy-free?
Yes! Simply replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use dairy-free chocolate chips to keep it compliant with your dietary needs.

Q3: Is it okay to use natural peanut butter?
While natural peanut butter is delicious, it may be too oily for this specific recipe. For best results, stick with a classic creamy peanut butter for optimal texture.

Q4: How can I make the bars less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet treat, reduce the powdered sugar in the base layer by half a cup for a subtly less sugary flavor.

Q5: Can I add other mix-ins to the base layer?
Certainly! Feel free to experiment by mixing in chopped peanuts, mini chocolate chips, or even a pinch of sea salt for added texture and flavor.