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No Bake Peanut Butter Bars

No bake peanut butter bars layer a firm, buttery graham cracker and peanut butter base with a smooth semisweet chocolate topping. Chill until firm, then cut into 24 bars for an easy make-ahead dessert.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Chilling and resting 2 hours 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 28 minutes
Servings: 24 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 270
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the peanut butter layer
  • 1 cup butter unsalted
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 cup peanut butter creamy
For the chocolate topping
  • 1.5 cups semisweet chocolate chips
  • 0.25 cup peanut butter creamy

Equipment

  • 1 9x13-inch baking dish

Method
 

Make the peanut butter layer
  1. Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang to lift out the bars.
  2. Melt the butter in a large microwave-safe bowl for 45 to 60 seconds.
  3. Stir in the graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and peanut butter until evenly combined.
  4. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared dish.
Make the chocolate topping
  1. Combine the chocolate chips and peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, for 1 to 2 minutes total, until smooth.
  3. Spread the chocolate mixture evenly over the peanut butter layer.
  4. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, until the topping is firm.
  5. Lift the bars from the dish using the parchment.
  6. Let stand at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  7. Cut into 24 bars.

Notes

For clean cuts, make sure the topping is firm before slicing. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; these bars can be frozen. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs.