Go Back

Classic Peanut Butter Bars

These peanut butter bars are a nostalgic treat that combine a chewy, salty-sweet peanut butter filling with a smooth chocolate topping. Made by mixing, pressing, and chilling, they develop a firm, decadent texture with a glossy chocolate finish, perfect for customizing with nuts or sea salt for extra flair.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 16
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter natural, unsweetened preferred
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar sifted
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs finely crushed
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips for topping
  • pinch sea salt optional, for sprinkling

Equipment

  • 9x9 inch (23x23 cm) pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Sharp knife

Method
 

  1. Line your 9x9 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter in short bursts, about 30 seconds each, stirring until smooth and just shimmering.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter with the melted butter and stir until silky and fragrant.
  4. Sift the powdered sugar to avoid lumps, then gradually add it to the peanut butter mixture, stirring well after each addition until smooth and thick.
  5. Fold in the finely crushed graham cracker crumbs until the mixture is cohesive and easy to press—if it feels crumbly, stir in a teaspoon of milk or cream.
  6. Press the peanut butter mixture firmly into the prepared pan, spreading evenly with the back of a spatula to create a smooth, compact layer.
  7. Place the pan in the fridge and chill for about 20-30 minutes until the layer is firm but still pliable.
  8. Meanwhile, melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl with short bursts, stirring until shiny and smooth.
  9. Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the chilled peanut butter layer, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  10. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt on top, if desired, then return the pan to the fridge and chill for another 30-45 minutes until the chocolate is set and the bars are firm.
  11. Once set, lift the entire slab out of the pan using the parchment overhang, place on a cutting board, and cut into 16 squares with a sharp, warmed knife for clean edges.
  12. Serve the bars chilled for the best chewy, chocolatey experience. Enjoy these nostalgic, customizable treats!

Notes

For extra flavor, fold in chopped nuts or swirl in dark chocolate before setting. Keep chilled for best texture and flavor.