Introduction

Dark Chocolate No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars are a delightful and indulgent treat that combines the rich flavors of dark chocolate and creamy peanut butter. These bars are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a quick and easy dessert or a sweet snack to satisfy your cravings. The best part? They require no baking, making them a hassle-free and convenient option. Let’s dive into the world of these mouthwatering bars and learn how to make them step by step.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

For the base:

– 2 cups of crushed graham crackers

– 1 cup of melted unsalted butter

– 1/4 cup of granulated sugar

– 1/4 teaspoon of salt

For the peanut butter filling:

– 1 1/2 cups of creamy peanut butter

– 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar

– 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter

– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

– 1/4 teaspoon of salt

For the chocolate topping:

– 2 cups of dark chocolate chips

– 1/4 cup of creamy peanut butter

– Optional: crushed peanuts for garnish

Steps

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Dark Chocolate No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars:

Step 1: Prepare the base

In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated.

Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish, creating a firm and compact base for your bars. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the peanut butter filling

In a separate mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, melted unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and all the ingredients are well combined.

Pour the peanut butter filling over the prepared base in the baking dish. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it out evenly.

Step 3: Add the chocolate topping

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter together in the microwave. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.

Pour the chocolate topping over the peanut butter filling, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. If desired, sprinkle crushed peanuts on top for an extra crunch and visual appeal.

Step 4: Chill and set

Place the baking dish in the refrigerator and let the bars chill for at least 2 hours, or until firm and set.

Once the bars are fully set, remove them from the refrigerator and cut them into squares or rectangular bars, depending on your preference.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy

Your Dark Chocolate No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them as a delightful dessert or as a sweet treat alongside a cup of coffee or tea. These bars are perfect for sharing with friends and family, or for indulging in a moment of self-care.

Variations

While the classic combination of dark chocolate and peanut butter is hard to beat, you can always get creative and add your own twist to these bars. Here are a few variations you can try:

White Chocolate Drizzle:

After adding the chocolate topping, drizzle some melted white chocolate over the bars for an elegant and visually appealing touch.

Crunchy Texture:

If you enjoy a crunchy texture, mix some crushed pretzels or chopped nuts into the peanut butter filling before spreading it over the base.

Salted Caramel Swirl:

Add a drizzle of salted caramel sauce over the peanut butter filling before adding the chocolate topping for a sweet and salty combination.

Tips

Here are a few tips to ensure your Dark Chocolate No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars turn out perfectly:

– Use a food processor or a resealable bag and a rolling pin to crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs.

– Make sure the melted butter for the base and the peanut butter filling is fully combined with the other ingredients to achieve a cohesive mixture.

– For easy removal of the bars from the baking dish, line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to lift the bars out.

– Allow the bars to chill for the recommended time to ensure they set properly and hold their shape when cut.

– Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, if they last that long!

Conclusion

Dark Chocolate No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars are a delectable treat that combines the irresistible flavors of dark chocolate and creamy peanut butter. With their easy, no-bake preparation, these bars are a convenient option for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, craving a sweet snack, or simply want to indulge in a moment of pure bliss, these bars are sure to satisfy your taste buds. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and delight in the magic of these heavenly treats!

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, you can substitute dark chocolate with milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter flavor. However, keep in mind that the bars may be slightly softer due to the higher fat content in milk chocolate.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

While the recipe calls for creamy peanut butter, you can certainly use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer the added texture. The choice is yours!

Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, you can freeze these bars. Simply cut them into squares or rectangular bars, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and store them in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

Can I use a different type of cracker for the base?

Yes, if you don’t have graham crackers on hand, you can substitute them with other types of crackers or cookies. Digestive biscuits or chocolate sandwich cookies work well as alternatives.

Can I add other toppings to these bars?

Absolutely! Dark Chocolate No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars are versatile and can be customized to your liking. You can add toppings such as shredded coconut, mini chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Dark Chocolate No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars

Recipe by Author

★★★★☆

4.5 from 120 votes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Difficulty: medium

Servings

12

Prep time

30 minutes

Cooking time

0 minutes

Calories

380 kcal

Pin Print

Indulge in the rich flavors of dark chocolate and creamy peanut butter with these delightful no-bake bars. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are easy to make and incredibly satisfying. A hassle-free treat that is sure to please your taste buds!

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Ingredients

• 2 cups crushed graham crackers
• 1 cup melted unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups dark chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• Optional: crushed peanuts for garnish

Directions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine crushed graham crackers, melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Press the mixture into a 9×9-inch baking dish.
2. In a separate bowl, mix creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, melted unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Spread the peanut butter filling over the prepared base.
3. Melt dark chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter together, then pour the mixture over the peanut butter filling. Add crushed peanuts for garnish if desired.
4. Chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours until firm. Cut into squares or bars before serving.
5. Serve and enjoy these delicious bars!

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 380

Fat: 27

Carbohydrates: 31

Protein: 6

Sodium: 250

Fiber: 2

Sugar: 20