Craving something rich, chocolatey, and irresistibly peanut buttery? These Reese’s Peanut Butter No-Bake Bars are the ultimate treat that satisfies every sweet tooth. Perfect for parties, after-dinner indulgence, or just a late-night craving, these bars deliver that iconic peanut butter and chocolate combo in a super easy-to-make recipe.
Decadent No-Bake Reese’s Bars
What makes these bars so special? It’s their luscious layers! A crumbly graham cracker base studded with chocolate chips supports a rich, creamy peanut butter filling. Then, a smooth, glossy layer of chocolate tops it all off, making each bite a heavenly experience.
No need to turn on your oven or spend hours in the kitchen; this recipe is simple, quick, and full of nostalgic Reese’s flavor. The hardest part is waiting for them to chill before digging in! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, these no-bake bars are sure to impress everyone who takes a bite.
Ingredients for Reese’s Peanut Butter No-Bake Bars
Creating these mouthwatering bars is effortless, and you only need a few pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Graham Cracker Crumbs – A crunchy and slightly sweet base for the bars. You can crush graham crackers at home or use pre-made crumbs.
- Powdered Sugar – Adds sweetness and ensures a smooth, non-grainy texture for the peanut butter layer.
- Peanut Butter – Use creamy peanut butter for that classic Reese’s flavor. Natural peanut butter works too, but ensure it’s well-stirred.
- Unsalted Butter – Helps bind the base and makes the peanut butter filling rich and velvety.
- Chocolate Chips – Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips are perfect for the chocolate layer, though you can adjust based on your preference.
- Optional Add-ins – Mini Reese’s Pieces or extra chocolate chips can be added to the layers for extra texture and flavor.
How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter No-Bake Bars
Making these bars is as easy as mixing, layering, and chilling. Follow these simple steps to bring it all together:
Step 1:
Prepare a 9×9-inch square baking dish by lining it with parchment paper. This makes removing the bars and cleanup a breeze.
Step 2:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, melted butter, and 1 cup of peanut butter. Stir until the mixture is well blended and forms a slightly crumbly, dough-like consistency.
Step 3:
Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, creating a firm, compact base. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a flat measuring cup for a smooth surface.
Step 4:
Melt the chocolate chips and remaining 1/2 cup of peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and glossy.
Step 5:
Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the peanut butter layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Add a sprinkle of extra chocolate chips on top, if desired, for added texture.
Step 6:
Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate is firm and the layers are set.
Step 7:
Once chilled, remove the bars from the baking dish using the parchment paper. Slice into squares or rectangles and enjoy your homemade Reese’s Peanut Butter No-Bake Bars!
How Long to Chill Reese’s Peanut Butter No-Bake Bars
Chilling is the most important step to ensure your bars set properly and are easy to slice. Here’s a breakdown of how long you’ll need to refrigerate them:
- Minimum Chill Time – Chill the bars for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator. This allows the chocolate layer to harden and the peanut butter base to firm up.
- For Best Results – For the cleanest slices and perfect texture, let the bars chill for 3-4 hours or even overnight.
If you’re in a hurry, you can pop them in the freezer for about 45 minutes to speed up the process, but avoid freezing them long-term, as this can affect the texture.
How to Store Reese’s Peanut Butter No-Bake Bars
These bars store beautifully, making them great for meal prep, parties, or anytime snacking. Follow these tips to keep them fresh:
- Refrigerator – Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. This keeps the chocolate firm and the layers intact.
- Freezer – For longer storage, freeze the bars for up to 2 months. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. Let them thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.
Tips for Perfect Reese’s Peanut Butter No-Bake Bars
Here are some tricks to ensure your bars turn out perfectly every time:
- Use Smooth Peanut Butter – This makes the filling creamy and cohesive. Avoid chunky peanut butter unless you want added texture.
- Compact the Base Well – Firmly press the graham cracker mixture into the dish to ensure the base holds together when sliced.
- Microwave Chocolate Carefully – Melt the chocolate in short bursts, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Alternatively, use a double boiler for more control.
- Slice Cleanly – Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry for clean, precise slices.
With these tips, your Reese’s Peanut Butter No-Bake Bars will be flawless, every single time!
PrintReese’s Peanut Butter No-Bake Bars
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
Description
These Reese’s Peanut Butter No-Bake Bars are a no-fuss, indulgent treat packed with creamy peanut butter, crunchy graham cracker crumbs, and a rich chocolate topping. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are as simple as mix, layer, and chill!
Ingredients
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter (divided)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Optional: Mini Reese’s Pieces or extra chocolate chips for garnish
Instructions
- Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, melted butter, and 1 cup of peanut butter until combined into a dough-like texture.
- Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish to create the base layer.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and remaining 1/2 cup of peanut butter in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the base layer and spread evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the bars are firm and set.
- Slice into squares or rectangles and serve.
Notes
- For added crunch, sprinkle chopped peanuts or extra chocolate chips on top before chilling.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- For easier slicing, warm your knife under hot water, wipe it dry, and cut into clean squares.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours