Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars (Print version)

Creamy peanut butter base with smooth chocolate topping makes these no-bake bars an irresistible sweet treat.

# What goes in:

→ Base Layer

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

→ Chocolate Topping

05 - 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
06 - 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

# Cooking steps:

01 - Line a 9x9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter and 1 cup creamy peanut butter, stirring until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and graham cracker crumbs, mixing until a thick, uniform dough forms.
03 - Transfer the dough to the prepared baking dish and press it evenly across the bottom. Use a spatula to smooth the surface.
04 - In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until completely melted and smooth.
05 - Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the peanut butter base, spreading it into an even layer with a spatula.
06 - Refrigerate the pan for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate topping is set and firm to the touch.
07 - Lift the slab out of the dish using the parchment overhang. Cut into 16 even squares and serve.
08 - Keep any remaining bars in an airtight container stored in the refrigerator.

# Tips from flavorandfeast:

01 -
  • No oven required, which means you can make these even on the hottest summer day without heating up your whole house.
  • The combination of creamy peanut butter and a silky chocolate topping is genuinely irresistible, and people always ask for the recipe.
02 -
  • Do not rush the chilling time because cutting warm bars will leave you with a smeared mess instead of neat squares.
  • If your kitchen is very warm, the chocolate topping may bloom or look streaky, so keep the bars stored in the refrigerator until right before serving.
03 -
  • Run your knife under hot water and dry it between each cut for bakery perfect edges that make people think you bought these from a shop.
  • A scant quarter teaspoon of vanilla extract stirred into the peanut butter base adds a subtle warmth that most people cannot quite identify but absolutely love.

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