No Bake Peanut Butter Bars {just like Reese’s!}

These no bake peanut butter bars are the perfect summer treat. They won’t heat up your kitchen and are so simple to make. They taste just like Reese’s peanut butter cups!

No-bake.

Music to your ears during the hot, hot summer, no?

Peanut Butter. Chocolate. No-bake.

Sounding better and better, right?

Let me also tell you how dangerous these are. We’re talking put-them-in-the-freezer-to-“forget”-about-them-but-proceed-to-eat-them-straight-out-of-the-freezer good. Who cares if they almost break your teeth? Who cares if you get chocolate all over your face? Who cares if your overly sensitive teeth sting as you bite through the cold chocolate and peanut butter? Who cares? Your stomach is happy. Very, very happy.

These no bake peanut butter bars couldn’t be any simpler to make, either. Really, really easy and you don’t have to turn the oven on.

Hence the “no bake,” in case you haven’t had your coffee yet today.

The addition of graham cracker crumbs gives these the signature texture of Reese’s peanut butter cups. Slightly grainy, but in a good way — not gross like it sounds. I’m serious you guys. These things are good. Gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooood. If you make these for any event, your friends and family are going to be absolutely raving about them.

Enjoy!

Updated to add: Since writing this post, my son has been diagnosed with a peanut allergy (amongst other food allergies), and going back in to edit and freshen up this post is quite torturous! I wish I could whip up a batch of these right now. Who wants to make some and invite me over to eat them?

Craving more no bake treats? These no bake lemon berry cheesecakes are one of my favorites! If you’re looking for something a bit healthier, try these chocolate protein balls. And your kids will adore these Fruity Pebbles no bake bars! I also can’t wait to try these Cookie Dough Bars from The View From Great Island.

No Bake Peanut Butter Bars

Yield: 24 bars

Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minuts

These no bake peanut butter bars are the perfect summer treat. Simple to make, won’t heat up your kitchen, and taste just like Reese’s peanut butter cups!

Print Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup smooth peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• pinch of salt
• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon oil

Directions:

1. Line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine butter, brown sugar, powdered sugar, peanut butter, vanilla and salt. Stir frequently until butter is melted and all ingredients are combined. Remove from heat and stir in graham cracker crumbs. Spread into prepared pan, tapping down on counter to level it out. Place in fridge for at least 30 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, gently melt chocolate chips and oil in microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring well in between each interval until smooth. Spread over peanut butter mixture, tapping down on the counter again to smooth out and get rid of any air bubbles. Return to fridge and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Cut while cold and serve. Store any extras in the fridge.

adapted from I Heart Nap Time

All images and text ©Rachel Cooks.

Verdict: Umm I probably gained ten pounds eating these darn things. I wish I was joking. Worth every bite, though.
Husband’s take: I’m pretty sure he liked them too but I was too busy stuffing my face to listen to his thoughts on these bars.
Changes I would make: GIVE THEM AWAY before I eat them all.
Difficulty: Super easy!