Peanut Butter Bars
These Peanut Butter Bars are the perfect no-bake dessert for any occasion. With a delightful blend of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate, they satisfy cravings in just a few simple steps. These bars are great for parties, holidays, or simply as a sweet treat at home. Plus, they can be easily customized with your favorite toppings, making them a versatile choice for all peanut butter lovers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, these bars come together effortlessly.
- No Baking Required: Enjoy a delicious dessert without the hassle of preheating your oven.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of peanut butter and chocolate creates an irresistible taste that everyone will adore.
- Customizable Toppings: Add festive sprinkles or nuts to personalize your bars for any occasion.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 25 servings, these bars are ideal for gatherings or as gifts.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making these Peanut Butter Bars, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Parchment paper
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric hand mixer: This tool ensures that your peanut butter and butter blend smoothly without much effort.
- Parchment paper: Lining your dish with parchment makes it easy to remove the bars later without sticking.
- Microwave-safe bowl: Perfect for melting chocolate chips quickly and evenly, ensuring a smooth topping.
Ingredients
These Peanut Butter Bars are made with simple ingredients that create a creamy, delicious treat.
- 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 too wet)
- 1 ½ cups chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons festive sprinkles (optional)
How to Make Peanut Butter Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Dish
- Line an 8×8” or 9×9 dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix Peanut Butter and Butter
- In a large bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and softened butter.
- Blend on medium speed with an electric hand mixer until smooth.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Salt
- Add vanilla extract and salt, then blend until well combined.
Step 4: Incorporate Powdered Sugar
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed between additions.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed until the mixture resembles large crumbles.
Step 5: Press Into Dish
- Pour the dough into the prepared pan.
- Press it down into an even layer using your hands or a flat object covered with parchment paper for a smoother finish.
Step 6: Melt Chocolate Topping
- In a microwave-safe bowl, place the chocolate chips and coconut oil.
- Heat for 30 seconds, stir, then repeat for two more intervals until fully melted.
Step 7: Top with Chocolate
- Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle with festive toppings while the chocolate is still wet.
Step 8: Chill to Set
- Place bars in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes to set properly.
Step 9: Serve & Enjoy!
- Cut into squares and enjoy chilled or at room temperature!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Bars
Peanut Butter Bars are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a snack, there are plenty of creative options to make the most of these delicious treats.
With Ice Cream
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream: Serve your Peanut Butter Bars with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast in flavors.
- Drizzle with hot fudge: Enhance the dessert by adding warm hot fudge over the top for an indulgent treat.
As Party Favors
- Cut into bite-sized pieces: Offer smaller portions for easier sharing among guests at parties or gatherings.
- Wrap in festive packaging: Present the bars in colorful wrappers or boxes to make them more appealing as gifts.
Topped with Fruit
- Serve with sliced bananas: Pairing the bars with fresh banana slices adds a refreshing twist and complements the peanut butter flavor.
- Add berries on the side: Serve with strawberries or raspberries to introduce a tart contrast to the sweetness of the bars.
With Beverages
- Pair with milk: A classic combination, milk balances the richness of the bars and enhances their flavor.
- Enjoy with coffee: The nutty taste of coffee pairs well with Peanut Butter Bars, making it a perfect afternoon snack.
How to Perfect Peanut Butter Bars
To ensure your Peanut Butter Bars turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips. Achieving that ideal texture and flavor is key!
- Use creamy peanut butter: For a smooth and consistent texture, creamy peanut butter works best. It blends easily with other ingredients.
- Soften butter adequately: Ensuring your butter is softened will help it mix thoroughly with peanut butter, resulting in a smooth mixture.
- Measure powdered sugar correctly: Start with 4 cups and adjust as necessary to achieve the right consistency without making it too sweet.
- Chill before cutting: Allowing the bars to chill completely helps them set properly, making them easier to cut into neat squares.
- Experiment with toppings: Feel free to customize your bars by adding nuts, chocolate drizzles, or sprinkles for extra flair and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Peanut Butter Bars
Peanut Butter Bars can be paired beautifully with several side dishes that enhance their flavor. Here are some great options to consider:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness alongside rich peanut butter flavors.
- Chocolate Milkshake: A thick chocolate milkshake complements the bars perfectly, creating a satisfying dessert experience.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and fruit for a delightful contrast that balances sweetness and creaminess.
- Chilled Lemonade: The tartness of lemonade refreshes the palate when paired with sweet Peanut Butter Bars.
- Nutty Granola: A crunchy granola mix provides texture and enhances the nutty elements found in the bars.
- Coffee Cake Muffins: These muffins offer a rich flavor that pairs well with dessert bars, perfect for brunch settings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Peanut Butter Bars can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes ensures they turn out perfectly. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:
- Using too much powdered sugar: Adding excessive powdered sugar can make your bars overly sweet and dry. Start with 4 cups and only add more if the mixture is too wet.
- Not softening the butter: If the butter isn’t softened, it will be hard to blend with the peanut butter. Always use room temperature butter for a smooth texture.
- Skipping the parchment paper: Without parchment paper, your bars may stick to the pan, making them difficult to cut. Always line your dish for easy removal.
- Overheating the chocolate: Heating chocolate too long can burn it. Heat in intervals of 30 seconds and stir in between to avoid this.
- Not letting them cool properly: Cutting into the bars before they’ve set can cause them to fall apart. Allow them to chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Peanut Butter Bars in an airtight container in the fridge.
- They will stay fresh for up to 1 week.
Freezing Peanut Butter Bars
- Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Reheating Peanut Butter Bars
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), warm bars for about 5-10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat one bar at a time for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place a bar in a non-stick skillet over low heat until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Peanut Butter Bars:
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, using crunchy peanut butter will add texture and still taste delicious!
How do I customize my Peanut Butter Bars?
You can mix in nuts, use different types of chocolate, or even add a layer of caramel for extra flavor.
Are these Peanut Butter Bars gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it does not contain any gluten-based ingredients.
How long do Peanut Butter Bars last?
When stored correctly, they last up to one week in the refrigerator and up to three months in the freezer.
Final Thoughts
These delightful Peanut Butter Bars are not only quick and easy to make, but also versatile enough for any occasion. Feel free to customize them with your favorite toppings or mix-ins for added flavor. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite!
Peanut Butter Bars
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Makes approximately 25 servings 1x
Description
Peanut Butter Bars are the ultimate no-bake dessert that perfectly blends creamy peanut butter with rich chocolate for a treat that satisfies any sweet tooth. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a holiday, or simply craving something sweet at home, these bars are quick to prepare and require no baking. With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious dessert ready to chill in your fridge. Plus, they’re easily customizable with your favorite toppings, making them a versatile choice for peanut butter lovers everywhere.
Ingredients
- 2 cups creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4–5 cups powdered sugar
- 1 ½ cups chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Line an 8×8” or 9×9" dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, blend the peanut butter and softened butter until smooth using an electric mixer.
- Add vanilla extract and salt, blending until combined.
- Gradually mix in powdered sugar until the mixture resembles large crumbles.
- Press the mixture into the prepared dish evenly.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in intervals of 30 seconds, stirring until smooth.
- Pour melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and spread it evenly.
- Optional: Sprinkle with toppings while the chocolate is still wet.
- Chill for about 20 minutes to set before cutting into squares.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: No cooking required
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (40g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
