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No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars Recipe

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4.3 from 89 reviews

These No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars are a delicious and easy-to-make treat featuring a crunchy salted cracker base combined with creamy peanut butter, topped with a smooth layer of melted chocolate and a sprinkle of flaky salt. Perfect for quick snacks or dessert, they require no oven time and set quickly in the fridge.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes (including chilling time)
  • Yield: 20 bars

Ingredients

Base Layer

  • 3/4 cup salted butter (12 tbsp), melted
  • 1 1/2 cups saltine crackers (about 40 crackers), finely crushed
  • 3 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter

Chocolate Topping

  • 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
  • Flaky finishing salt, for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Crush Crackers: Place the saltine crackers into a zip-top bag and crush them into fine crumbs using a rolling pin or mallet to ensure a uniform texture for the base.
  2. Mix Base Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and crushed crackers until even. Add the confectioners’ sugar and stir until a soft dough forms. Then, mix in the creamy peanut butter until the mixture is smooth and fully blended.
  3. Prepare Pan: Line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch square pan with parchment paper. Evenly press the peanut butter dough mixture into the pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even layer.
  4. Melt Chocolate Topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and 3 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter. Microwave in short bursts, stirring between each, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth.
  5. Cool Chocolate: Let the melted chocolate mixture cool for about 5 minutes to prevent melting the base when poured on top.
  6. Assemble Bars: Pour the cooled chocolate mixture evenly over the peanut butter base and spread with an offset spatula to cover the surface uniformly.
  7. Chill and Set: Refrigerate the bars for 20 minutes, then sprinkle with flaky finishing salt. Continue chilling for at least 2 hours or until fully set.
  8. Serve: Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into 20 equal bars and enjoy this delightful no-bake treat.

Notes

  • Use salted butter to balance the sweetness in the bars.
  • Crush crackers finely for a smooth base with no large chunks.
  • Microwave chocolate in short intervals to avoid burning.
  • Flaky finishing salt adds a nice contrast and enhances flavor.
  • Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/no-bake-peanut-butter-bars-recipe/