Make these simple, creamy peanut butter bars with a rich chocolate topping. This no-bake recipe uses few ingredients and sets quickly, perfect for a quick dessert.
Author:felixhayes
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:0 min
Total Time:2 hr 15 min
Yield:16 bars 1x
Category:Dessert
Method:No-Bake
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter (for topping)
Instructions
Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups of peanut butter until smooth.
Gradually mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until fully combined and the mixture is uniform.
Press the peanut butter mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and the remaining 1/4 cup of peanut butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the peanut butter layer and spread it evenly to cover the entire surface.
Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate topping is firm.
Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Cut into squares before serving.
Notes
For a fudgier topping, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil or coconut oil to the chocolate chips before melting.
If you want a Reese’s inspired flavor, use slightly less peanut butter in the base mixture to let the chocolate stand out more.
Chill the bars completely before cutting to get clean squares.