These Easy No Bake Reese’s Peanut Butter Bars are the ultimate treat for peanut butter lovers! They have all the flavors of a classic Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup but in bar form—perfect for sharing and easy to make with just a handful of ingredients. These bars are rich, chocolatey, and filled with creamy peanut butter, making them an irresistible dessert that requires no baking. Let’s jump into this simple and delicious recipe!
Table of Contents
- Ingredients for No Bake Reese’s Peanut Butter Bars
- Instructions for No Bake Reese’s Peanut Butter Bars
- Cooking Tips & Notes
- Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Ingredients for No Bake Reese’s Peanut Butter Bars
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter (for the topping)
Instructions for No Bake Reese’s Peanut Butter Bars
Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Butter Base
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, creamy peanut butter, and powdered sugar. Stir until well combined and a thick dough forms.
- Press the peanut butter mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Use the back of a spoon or an offset spatula to smooth the surface.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Topping
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and 1/4 cup peanut butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
Step 3: Spread the Chocolate
- Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the peanut butter base, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Chill the bars in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours, or until the chocolate is set.
Step 4: Cut and Serve
- Once set, remove the bars from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before cutting into squares to prevent the chocolate from cracking.
- Cut into squares and enjoy!
Cooking Tips & Notes
- Lining the Pan: Line your baking dish with parchment paper to make it easier to remove the bars for cutting.
- Mixing the Base: Make sure the graham cracker crumbs are finely crushed so the base has a smooth texture.
- Room Temperature Cutting: Let the bars sit at room temperature for a few minutes before cutting to ensure clean slices without cracking the chocolate.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Dark Chocolate Version: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a richer flavor.
- Crunchy Peanut Butter: Substitute creamy peanut butter with crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Reserve a few tablespoons of melted peanut butter to drizzle over the chocolate layer for a decorative swirl effect.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I store No Bake Reese’s Peanut Butter Bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months—just thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
2. Can I use natural peanut butter?
It’s best to use regular creamy peanut butter for this recipe. Natural peanut butter tends to separate and may not set properly.
3. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers to make the bars gluten-free.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! You can double the recipe and use a larger pan or make two separate batches if needed for larger gatherings.
These Easy No Bake Reese’s Peanut Butter Bars are the perfect no-fuss dessert that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With a creamy, sweet peanut butter base and a rich chocolate topping, they taste just like Reese’s but are even easier to make at home. Whether for a party, a bake sale, or just a treat to have on hand, these bars are guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. Give this easy recipe a try, and enjoy every bite!
Happy snacking, and enjoy this peanut butter-chocolate delight!