Peanut Butter Dream Bars
If you’re a peanut butter lover, get ready to meet your new favorite dessert! These Peanut Butter Dream Bars are the perfect combination of creamy, crunchy, and chocolatey—basically, everything you could ever want in a no-bake treat. With layers of buttery graham cracker crust, rich peanut butter filling, and a smooth chocolate topping, these bars are dangerously addictive. Trust me, you’ll want to make a double batch!
Why You’ll Love Peanut Butter Dream Bars
No-Bake Perfection No oven? No problem! These bars come together in just a few simple steps.
Rich & Creamy Every bite is a perfect mix of peanut butter, chocolate, and a buttery graham cracker crunch.
Super Easy No fancy techniques, just mix, layer, and chill!
Customizable Love crunch? Add chopped peanuts. Want more chocolate? Double the topping!
Crowd-Pleasing Peanut butter and chocolate is a classic combo that everyone loves. These bars are guaranteed to disappear fast!
Ingredients
Ingredients in Peanut Butter Dream Bars
Each layer brings something special—let’s break it down:
Graham Cracker Crumbs The base of these bars, giving them that classic buttery crunch.
Butter Helps bind the crust together and adds a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Powdered Sugar Sweetens and smooths out the peanut butter layer.
Peanut Butter The star of the show—creamy, nutty, and totally irresistible.
Vanilla Extract Enhances the peanut butter flavor and adds a hint of warmth.
Chocolate Chips Melted into a smooth, rich topping that pairs perfectly with the peanut butter.
Heavy Cream or Milk Helps the chocolate melt smoothly for a glossy finish.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create these dreamy bars:
Prepare the Crust
In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a parchment-lined baking dish to form the crust.
Make the Peanut Butter Layer
In another bowl, beat together peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spread evenly over the crust.
Melt the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips with heavy cream (or milk) in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
Add the Chocolate Topping
Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Chill and Set
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the bars are firm and easy to cut.
Slice and Enjoy
Once set, slice into bars and enjoy! Store leftovers in the fridge to keep them firm and fresh.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 250
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
How to Serve Peanut Butter Dream Bars
These bars are amazing straight from the fridge, but you can also:
- Serve with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate treat.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a sweet-salty twist.
- Drizzle with extra melted peanut butter for more indulgence.
- Pair with vanilla ice cream for a next-level dessert experience.
Additional Tips
- Use creamy peanut butter for a smooth filling, or go with crunchy for extra texture.
- Want a thicker crust? Add a bit more graham cracker crumbs.
- Chill longer for cleaner slices—overnight is even better!
- Make them gluten-free by using gluten-free graham crackers.
- Store in the fridge to keep them firm, or freeze for a cool summer treat.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but stir it well before using, as it can be oilier than regular peanut butter.
2. Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate will give a richer, slightly less sweet taste.
3. How long do these bars last?
They stay fresh in the fridge for up to a week and can be frozen for up to 3 months.
4. Can I make them dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free chocolate chips and plant-based butter.
5. Do I have to use graham crackers for the crust?
Nope! You can substitute crushed Oreos, digestive biscuits, or vanilla wafers.
6. How do I keep my chocolate layer from cracking when slicing?
Let the bars sit at room temperature for a few minutes before cutting.
7. Can I add mix-ins to the peanut butter layer?
Yes! Try mixing in chopped peanuts, mini chocolate chips, or crushed pretzels.
8. What size pan should I use?
An 8×8-inch pan works best for thick, satisfying bars.
9. Can I make these vegan?
Yes! Use vegan butter, dairy-free chocolate, and plant-based milk.
10. How do I get even slices?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for perfect squares.
Conclusion
These Peanut Butter Dream Bars are the ultimate no-bake dessert for any peanut butter and chocolate lover. Easy to make, impossible to resist, and guaranteed to impress! Whether you’re making them for a party, a family treat, or just because you need a peanut butter fix, they’ll disappear fast—so be sure to grab one before they’re gone!
PrintPeanut Butter Dream Bars
These rich and creamy Peanut Butter Dream Bars are the perfect no-bake dessert! With a crunchy graham cracker crust, a smooth peanut butter filling, and a luscious chocolate topping, they’re a heavenly treat for peanut butter lovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (no-bake)
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
**For the crust:**
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
**For the peanut butter layer:**
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
**For the chocolate topping:**
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
Instructions
1. In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until well mixed, then press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch pan.
2. In another bowl, beat peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture evenly over the crust.
3. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until smooth.
4. Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the peanut butter layer, spreading evenly.
5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.
6. Cut into squares and serve chilled.
Notes
– Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
– Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
– For easier cutting, run a knife under hot water before slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
