Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is the ultimate indulgence for peanut butter and chocolate fans. It offers the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors, with a creamy peanut butter base and a luscious chocolate topping. The best part? It's a no-bake treat, meaning you don't need to turn on the oven, saving you time and effort. With only a few ingredients and easy steps, these Reese's Peanut Butter No-Bake Bars are an incredibly satisfying and quick dessert that everyone will love.

Ingredients

For the Peanut Butter Layer:

• 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

For the Chocolate Topping:

• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ¼ cup creamy peanut butter

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, melted butter, powdered sugar, and graham cracker crumbs. Mix until smooth and well combined.
2. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish lined with parchment paper.
3. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until smooth and glossy.
4. Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the peanut butter layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
5. Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate is fully set.
6. Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the dish. Slice into squares and serve.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chilling Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 24 bars
• Calories: 280 kcal per bar

Variations

• Add Sea Salt: For a sweet-and-salty twist, sprinkle a little sea salt on top of the chocolate layer before refrigerating.
• Use Dark Chocolate: Swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate for a richer taste.
• Add Crushed Nuts: For extra texture, sprinkle crushed peanuts or other nuts on top of the chocolate layer.
• Peanut Butter Swirl: Before refrigerating, swirl extra peanut butter into the chocolate layer for added flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store these bars in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: These bars are meant to be served chilled. If you prefer a softer texture, you can allow them to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying.

FAQs

1. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars are perfect for making ahead! You can prepare them and refrigerate for up to a week or freeze them for longer storage.

2. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture, but creamy peanut butter will give the bars a smoother finish.

3. Can I substitute graham cracker crumbs?

Yes, you can substitute graham cracker crumbs with digestive biscuits or even vanilla wafer crumbs for a different flavor.

4. How thick should the peanut butter layer be?

The peanut butter layer should be about ½ inch thick, ensuring it holds up well when topped with chocolate.

5. Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?

Yes, you can substitute almond butter for peanut butter, but it will give the bars a different flavor.

6. How long do these bars need to chill?

The bars should chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate topping has set completely.

7. Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, you can freeze the bars in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw for a few minutes before serving.

8. What size pan should I use?

A 9x13-inch baking dish works perfectly for this recipe. It allows enough space for the bars to spread evenly.

9. Can I add other toppings to the bars?

Yes, feel free to experiment with different toppings like mini chocolate chips, crushed candy, or even a drizzle of caramel.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to make a larger batch. Just be sure to use a larger pan to accommodate the extra mixture.

Conclusion

Reese's Peanut Butter No-Bake Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the irresistible flavors of peanut butter and chocolate in a simple, no-bake treat. Perfect for gatherings, holidays, or just when you're craving something sweet, these bars are sure to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you enjoy them chilled, straight from the fridge, or with a little variation, they're a treat that's both easy to make and impossible to resist.