Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars (Printable)

Chewy peanut butter base topped with luscious chocolate layer. No baking required.

# What You'll Need:

→ Base

01 - 1 cup creamy peanut butter
02 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
03 - 2 cups powdered sugar
04 - 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
05 - 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

→ Topping

06 - 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
07 - 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

# Directions:

01 - Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on the sides to lift the bars out easily after setting.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, graham cracker crumbs, and vanilla extract. Stir until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture holds together when pressed.
03 - Transfer the peanut butter mixture into the prepared pan and press it down firmly into an even layer, smoothing the surface with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
04 - Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips and peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each burst, until the mixture is completely melted and glossy smooth.
05 - Pour the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the pressed base and spread it into an even layer using a spatula, ensuring full coverage to the edges.
06 - Refrigerate the pan for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate topping is firm to the touch and no longer soft when gently pressed.
07 - Lift the slab out of the pan using the parchment overhang and place it on a cutting board. Cut into 16 even squares. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • No oven required, so your kitchen stays cool and you get dessert in barely any time at all.
  • The chocolate topping sets into a glossy, snappable layer that makes every bite feel indulgent.
  • They freeze beautifully, which means you can hide a batch for yourself and thaw one whenever the mood strikes.
02 -
  • Chill time is non-negotiable, because cutting too early gives you a gooey mess instead of tidy bars.
  • If your peanut butter is very salty, taste the base before pressing it in and adjust the sugar if needed.
03 -
  • Wet your fingers slightly before pressing the base into the pan to keep it from sticking to your hands.
  • A hot knife dipped in warm water and dried off gives you bakery-perfect edges on every single cut.

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