Ingredients
Base
- ½ cup salted butter
- 2 cups smooth peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
Topping
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 2 Tablespoons smooth peanut butter
Instructions
- Prepare pan: Line a 9-inch square pan with parchment paper and set aside to prevent sticking and allow for easy removal of bars once set.
- Heat base ingredients: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the ½ cup salted butter and 2 cups of smooth peanut butter. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth.
- Add vanilla: Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract thoroughly into the melted peanut butter and butter mixture for enhanced flavor.
- Mix dry ingredients: Gradually add the 3 cups of sifted powdered sugar and 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs to the wet mixture. Stir well until the mixture is uniformly combined into a thick dough-like consistency.
- Press base into pan: Evenly spread the peanut butter mixture into the prepared pan, pressing down firmly to create a compact base layer. Set aside for the topping.
- Melt topping ingredients: In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine 2 cups of chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons of smooth peanut butter. Heat in 15-second increments, stirring after each until the chocolate and peanut butter are completely melted and smooth.
- Top the base: Pour the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture evenly over the peanut butter base layer in the pan, spreading gently to cover the entire surface.
- Chill to set: Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for about 2 hours or until the bars are firm and set enough to cut into squares.
- Serve: Once chilled and set, remove the bars from the pan using the parchment paper and cut into 16 equal servings. Enjoy your no bake chocolate peanut butter bars!
Notes
- Use smooth peanut butter for a creamy texture; chunky can alter the consistency.
- Make sure to sift the powdered sugar to avoid lumps in the base mixture.
- Press the base mixture firmly to ensure bars hold together when cut.
- If desired, you can substitute salted butter with unsalted butter and add a pinch of salt.
- Store bars in the refrigerator to keep them firm and fresh for up to one week.
- For quicker setting, you may chill the bars in the freezer for about 45 minutes, but watch carefully to prevent freezing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
