No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars

Introduction

There’s something irresistible about the combination of peanut butter and chocolate, and when it’s made into a no-bake bar, it’s even better! I first made these No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars for a family gathering, and they quickly became a favorite. They are incredibly easy to make and are always a hit with both kids and adults. The creamy peanut butter filling, topped with a rich chocolate coating, makes these bars a perfect treat for any occasion. What I love most about this recipe is how quickly it comes together—no baking, just a little mixing and chilling—and the fact that everyone loves them. The festive sprinkles on top add a nice touch, especially during the holidays, but they are delicious year-round. If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s both satisfying and simple to make, these No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars will quickly become your go-to recipe!

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make these delicious bars:

• 2 cups creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 4-5 cups powdered sugar (start with 4 cups and add more if the mixture is too wet)
• 1 ½ cups chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons festive sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Pan: Start by lining an 8×8” or 9×9” dish with parchment paper to prevent the bars from sticking and to make for easy removal later.
2. Mix the Peanut Butter and Butter: In a large bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and softened butter. Use an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment to blend the two ingredients on medium speed until smooth.
3. Add Flavorings: Add the vanilla extract and salt to the peanut butter mixture and blend to combine.
4. Incorporate the Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed after each addition. Start with 4 cups of powdered sugar and increase as needed if the mixture is too wet. Continue mixing until the dough looks like large crumbles.
5. Press the Mixture into the Pan: Pour the peanut butter mixture into the prepared pan. Use your hands or the back of a spoon to press the mixture into an even layer. For an extra smooth top, place a piece of parchment or wax paper over the top and press down until it’s flat.
6. Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil. Heat in the microwave for 30 seconds, then stir. Repeat the heating process in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
7. Top the Peanut Butter Layer: Pour the melted chocolate over the pressed peanut butter layer and spread it out evenly to cover the entire surface.
8. Add the Sprinkles: If desired, sprinkle festive sprinkles on top of the melted chocolate while it’s still wet.
9. Chill to Set: Place the bars in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes to allow the chocolate to set and the bars to firm up.
10. Serve and Enjoy: Once the bars are chilled, cut them into squares and enjoy! You can serve them chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts
(Per serving – assuming 16 servings)

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 24g
• Sodium: 140mg
• Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 24g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars

How to Serve

• Serve at Room Temperature: These bars are delicious chilled or at room temperature, so you can serve them based on your preference.
• For a Sweet Treat: Serve them as a quick dessert after dinner or as an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or tea.
• Gift Option: These bars make an excellent gift for friends and family during the holidays. Just package them in a festive box or treat bag.
• Party Dessert: Serve them at your next holiday or birthday party for a crowd-pleasing treat.
• With a Scoop of Ice Cream: For an extra indulgence, pair these peanut butter bars with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream.

Additional Tips

1. Use Natural Peanut Butter: While creamy peanut butter works best for this recipe, if you prefer a healthier option, you can use natural peanut butter, but the texture might be slightly different.
2. Don’t Overheat the Chocolate: Make sure to heat the chocolate in short intervals to avoid burning. Stir the chocolate well between each interval.
3. Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet bar, start with 4 cups of powdered sugar and adjust to your taste.
4. Use Different Sprinkles: You can customize the look of your bars by using different types of sprinkles based on the occasion, such as red and green sprinkles for Christmas or pastel sprinkles for Easter.
5. Chill Longer for Firmer Bars: If you want the bars to be firmer, chill them for a longer period in the refrigerator, up to an hour.

Recipe Variations

• Add Nuts: Stir in chopped peanuts, almonds, or cashews for extra crunch and flavor.
• Use Dark Chocolate: Swap out milk chocolate chips for dark chocolate for a richer taste.
• Peanut Butter and Pretzels: Add crushed pretzels into the peanut butter mixture for a salty-sweet twist.
• No Coconut Oil: If you don’t have coconut oil, you can substitute it with vegetable oil or just omit it entirely; the chocolate will still work fine.
• Vegan Version: Use a dairy-free peanut butter, vegan butter, and dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan-friendly version of this treat.

Serving Suggestions

• As a Dessert Platter: Serve these no-bake peanut butter bars alongside other desserts like brownies, cookies, and cupcakes for a fun dessert spread.
• Holiday Desserts: They make great additions to any holiday dessert table, especially when paired with other peanut butter-based or chocolate desserts.
• For School Parties: These bars are easy to pack and make a great snack or treat for school parties or bake sales.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store these peanut butter bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezing: These bars freeze well! After cutting them into squares, wrap them individually and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make these bars without coconut oil?
   Yes, coconut oil is optional. You can omit it or replace it with another oil like vegetable oil.
2. Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
   Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will give the bars an extra texture, but creamy peanut butter creates a smoother consistency.
3. Can I use natural peanut butter instead?
   Yes, but natural peanut butter has less sugar, so the texture might be different and the bars may be less sweet.
4. How long should I chill the bars?
   Chill the bars for at least 20 minutes to set the chocolate, but longer chilling will make the bars firmer.
5. How do I prevent the chocolate from cracking?
   Ensure the chocolate is melted gently and smoothly, and don’t over-chill the bars to avoid cracking.
6. Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
   Yes, almond butter is a great substitute if you prefer it over peanut butter.
7. What size pan should I use?
   An 8×8 or 9×9 inch pan works best for this recipe, but you can also use a slightly larger pan for thinner bars.
8. How do I store leftover bars?
   Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator or at room temperature for up to a week.
9. Can I add more chocolate?
   Yes, if you prefer a thicker chocolate layer, feel free to add more chocolate chips.
10. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
    Yes, these bars can be made a day or two ahead and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Conclusion

No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars are the perfect treat when you want something quick, easy, and irresistibly delicious. The combination of creamy peanut butter and smooth chocolate makes for a satisfying dessert that both kids and adults will love. Whether you’re serving them at a party, giving them as gifts, or simply enjoying them at home, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Plus, with their simple ingredients and minimal prep time, they’re the perfect sweet snack for busy days. Enjoy!

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