Let’s be honest, sometimes you just don’t have the time or energy for a full-blown baking session. That’s where no-bake desserts come to the rescue! These No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars are the ultimate shortcut to a seriously satisfying treat. They’re intensely chocolatey, packed with creamy peanut butter, and set into a delightfully crumbly base. Seriously, they’re dangerously addictive.
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. You won’t find any complicated steps or fussy techniques. The base is a mixture of crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar – a classic combination that’s instantly recognizable and incredibly delicious. The peanut butter layer is equally straightforward: smooth peanut butter, powdered sugar, and a touch of melted butter create a luscious, decadent spread. And finally, the chocolate topping – a simple ganache that sets beautifully and provides a glossy, rich finish.
These bars are fantastic for potlucks, parties, or just a spontaneous craving. They travel well (especially if you wrap them tightly), and they’re always a crowd-pleaser. You can easily adapt this recipe to your preferences – add a sprinkle of sea salt for a salty-sweet combination, or a dash of cinnamon for a warm, comforting flavor.
Don’t be intimidated by the ‘ganache’ – it’s just melted chocolate and cream! It’s surprisingly easy to make, and the result is a stunning, glossy topping that elevates the bars to the next level. These No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars are a testament to the fact that the best desserts don’t always require a lot of effort. They’re a perfect balance of textures – the crisp graham cracker base, the smooth peanut butter layer, and the firm chocolate topping. Get ready to indulge in a truly decadent treat!
Decadent No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
Description
A rich and decadent chocolate peanut butter bar, showcasing a smooth, glossy chocolate ganache topping over a creamy peanut butter layer, set upon a crisp graham cracker base. The bars are visually appealing, with distinct layers and a beautifully smooth, shiny finish.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs. You can use a food processor or place them in a ziplock bag and crush with a rolling pin.
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In a large bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers and softened butter. Mix well until evenly combined.
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Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 20cm (8-inch) square baking dish.
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In a heatproof bowl set over a simmering pot of water (a double boiler), melt the chopped milk chocolate and double cream together, stirring constantly until smooth. Alternatively, melt in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
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Stir in the vanilla extract (if using).
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Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the graham cracker base and spread evenly.
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Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is set.
