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No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars

These no-bake peanut butter chocolate bars are a nostalgic treat made by combining creamy peanut butter, sweetened condensed milk, and graham cracker crumbs, then topped with melted chocolate. The mixture is pressed into a pan and chilled until firm, resulting in a rich, chewy, and crunchy layered bar with a glossy chocolate finish. Perfect for quick dessert cravings, they require no oven and come together with pantry staples for a satisfying, homemade snack.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes
Servings: 16
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 240

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter Natural, smooth variety preferred
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter Melted
  • 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk Sticky, sweet binder
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs Fine powder for even mixing
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips For melting and topping

Equipment

  • 8-inch square baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Microwave-safe bowls
  • Spatula
  • Sharp knife
  • Rubber spatula or back of spoon

Method
 

  1. Line your 8-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter and butter. Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring each time until the mixture is smooth, fragrant, and slightly bubbly—about 1 minute total.
  3. Add the sweetened condensed milk to the melted peanut butter mixture. Stir until fully blended and glossy—this sticky mixture will be thick and fragrant.
  4. In a separate bowl, crush the graham cracker crumbs into a fine powder. Fold the crumbs into the peanut butter mixture, stirring gently until evenly incorporated and thick.
  5. Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press it evenly into the corners and smooth the surface. Press firmly to compact the layer.
  6. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 15-second bursts, stirring until smooth and shiny. If needed, add a tiny splash of coconut oil to achieve a glossy, smooth consistency.
  7. Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to settle the chocolate and remove air bubbles.
  8. Place the pan in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate is fully firm and the bars feel set when gently pressed.
  9. Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Use a sharp knife to cut into 16 equal squares, wiping the knife clean between cuts for neat edges.
  10. Let the sliced bars sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving, so the chocolate softens slightly and the flavors meld. Enjoy these rich, chewy, and crunchy bars!