5 Ingredient Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars (NO BAKE!)
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Total Time
15 mins
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Servings
16
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Calories
248 kcal
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Course
Dessert
5 Ingredient Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars (NO BAKE!)
Description
The 5 Ingredient Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars start with a simple base made by mixing melted butter, crushed Marie crackers or graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and smooth peanut butter until combined, then pressing this mixture into a lined square pan. The topping consists of melting dark chocolate chips blended with peanut butter to form a smooth layer that is poured and spread over the base before chilling.
Chilling the bars for about 1.5 hours until set allows the chocolate topping to firm while the base remains chewy and slightly crumbly from the crushed crackers. The resulting bars combine creamy chocolate and peanut butter flavors with a sweet base that holds together well. Serving at room temperature helps the topping cut neatly and offers a pleasant texture contrast.
The recipe permits flexibility in biscuit choice, suggesting Digestives, oatmeal, or chocolate chip biscuits too, and advises using melting chocolate chips for smooth coverage. Storage of these bars is straightforward, keeping fresh about 5 days in an airtight container and refrigeration recommended in warm climates to maintain shape.
This easy no-bake treat provides a convenient dessert or snack option combining familiar pantry ingredients into a smooth and rich peanut butter-chocolate bar.
Ingredients
Base
- 115g / 1/2 cup / 1 US stick butter or unsalted butter + 1/4 tsp salt, melted, salted
- 1 cup Arnott's Marie crackers crushed (11 crackers) or graham cracker crumbs (8 crackers
- 1 cup icing sugar aka powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup peanut butter (smooth)
Topping
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips US: semi sweet) (Note 2, melting kind
- 2 tbsp peanut butter (smooth)
Instructions
- Butter and line a 8" / 20cm square dish or pan with baking paper.
- Place the Base ingredients in a bowl and mix until combined. Press into the prepared pan.
- Melt the Topping ingredients (I do it in the microwave in 2 x 30 second bursts). Pour and spread over the Base - smooth the top or do swirls (see photos for examples of each).
- Refrigerate until set - about 1 1/2 hours. Remove from fridge, allow to come to room temp slightly (so top cuts neatly). Cut into 16 squares (or whatever shape you want!). Best served at room temperature.
Notes
- Select biscuits that are sweet and crisp (not soft or filled) for the base, such as Digestives, Marie, or graham crackers, crushed finely.
- Use chocolate chips labeled for melting or baking to achieve a smooth topping that sets well.
- Bars keep well in an airtight container for about 5 days; refrigeration is advised in hot weather but serve slightly warmed to cut cleanly.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute with gluten-free pretzels or plain sweet gluten-free biscuits as the base.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 16Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 248 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 46g | |
| Calories | 248cal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 21.9g | 7% |
| Protein | 4.9g | 10% |
| Fat | 16.7g | 26% |
| Saturated Fat | 7.4g | 37% |
| Cholesterol | 18mg | 6% |
| Sodium | 156mg | 7% |
| Potassium | 142mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 1.4g | 6% |
| Sugar | 16.2g | 32% |
| Vitamin A | 200IU | 4% |
| Calcium | 20mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1.8mg | 10% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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