Reeses Peanut Butter No-Bake Bars Recipe

No-Bake Reese’s Peanut Butter Bars Recipe for Ultimate Indulgence

Whipping up these delectable reeses peanut butter no-bake bars will transport you straight to dessert heaven.

Sweet chocolate and creamy peanut butter create an irresistible combination that melts in your mouth.

Rich layers promise pure indulgence without turning on the oven.

My family always requests these easy treats during summer gatherings.

Minimal ingredients and simple steps mean anyone can craft these delightful bars.

Chilling time allows the flavors to meld perfectly into a decadent snack.

Grab a glass of cold milk and prepare for a blissful chocolate-peanut butter experience that will make you swoon.

Why These Reese’s Bars Hit the Spot

  • Prepare these treats in just 15 minutes of active time, with minimal ingredients and simple steps that even beginner bakers can master confidently.
  • Combine the irresistible combination of chocolate and peanut butter that appeals to both kids and adults, guaranteeing smiles at potlucks, family gatherings, or casual get-togethers.
  • Store these bars in the refrigerator for up to a week, making them an excellent make-ahead dessert that's ready whenever sweet cravings strike or unexpected guests arrive.

What’s in Reese’s No-Bake Bars

Base Layer Ingredients:
  • Peanut Butter: Creamy and rich base that provides the main flavor profile of the bars.
  • Graham Crackers: Adds crunchy texture and helps bind the layer together.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a smooth, firm consistency.
  • Melted Butter: Helps blend ingredients and provides a rich, smooth texture.
Chocolate Topping Ingredients:
  • Chocolate Chips: Creates a smooth, rich chocolate layer on top of the bars.
  • Peanut Butter: Adds extra richness and helps melt the chocolate evenly.
Preparation Ingredient:
  • Parchment Paper: Helps easily remove bars from the pan and prevents sticking.

Step-by-Step for Reese’s Bars

Step 1: Create Peanut Butter Base

  • Grab a mixing bowl
  • Toss in peanut butter
  • Add melted butter
  • Pour powdered sugar
  • Sprinkle crushed graham crackers

Mix everything until super smooth and creamy

Grab an 8×8-inch baking pan

Line with parchment paper

Press mixture firmly and evenly across bottom of pan

Step 2: Whip Up Chocolate Topping

  • Collect chocolate chips
  • Pull out peanut butter

Place ingredients in microwave-safe bowl

Zap in short 20-second bursts

Stir between each heating cycle

Continue until mixture transforms into silky chocolate goodness

Step 3: Layer Chocolate Magnificence

Drizzle melted chocolate over peanut butter base

Use spatula to spread evenly across surface

Ensure complete chocolate coverage

Step 4: Chill and Solidify

Slide pan into refrigerator

Let bars rest and firm up for one hour

Chocolate should become solid and glossy

Step 5: Slice and Devour

Remove pan from refrigerator

Lift bars using parchment paper edges

Slice into perfect square portions

Serve immediately

Enjoy your homemade treat!

No-Bake Tips for Better Reese’s Bars

  • Perfect Peanut Butter Texture: Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth and creamy consistency when mixing peanut butter with other components.
  • Chocolate Melting Mastery: Always melt chocolate slowly and gently to prevent burning, stirring between short microwave intervals to achieve silky-smooth results.
  • Chill for Success: Refrigerate bars for at least 2 hours for the best texture and cleanest cutting, allowing layers to fully set and flavors to meld together.
  • Graham Cracker Variation: Substitute graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives or crushed pretzels for added crunch and dietary flexibility.
  • Storage Savvy: Keep bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Storage & Reheating Reese’s Bars

  • Store the Reeses Peanut Butter No-Bake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and maintaining their delightful texture.
  • Place parchment paper between bar layers to prevent sticking and preserve their perfect shape when storing multiple bars together.
  • Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container to freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring a tasty treat is always within reach.
  • Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying, allowing them to soften slightly and regain their creamy consistency.

Reese’s Bars with Toppings and Pairings

  • Select a rich port wine that complements the deep chocolate flavor, enhancing the dessert's sweet and decadent profile while providing a luxurious drinking experience.
  • Mix a peanut butter whiskey cocktail that mirrors the bar's nutty essence, creating a playful and indulgent drink that amplifies the dessert's creamy texture and chocolate notes.
  • Serve with cold whole milk or a vanilla milkshake to balance the intense chocolate and peanut butter flavors, offering a smooth and refreshing counterpoint to the rich bars.
  • Pair with a strong espresso or cappuccino, letting the coffee's robust intensity cut through the sweetness and highlight the bars' complex chocolate and peanut butter layers.

Reese’s Bar Variations to Try

  • Vegan Peanut Butter Bars: Swap butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips. Replace graham crackers with gluten-free cookie crumbs for a plant-based version.
  • Almond Butter Alternative: Substitute peanut butter with almond butter for a different nutty flavor profile. Use dark chocolate for a richer taste experience.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar-free powdered sweetener and dark chocolate with minimal sugar content. Include sugar-free graham cracker alternatives to reduce overall sweetness.
  • Protein-Packed Modification: Mix in a scoop of vanilla protein powder to the peanut butter layer. Add chopped nuts on top for extra protein and crunch.
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Reeses Peanut Butter No-Bake Bars Recipe

Reeses Peanut Butter No-Bake Bars Recipe


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4.6 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent Reeses Peanut Butter No-Bake Bars blend creamy peanut butter with chocolate in a quick, no-oven dessert. Chocolate lovers will savor each rich, no-fuss bite of this irresistible sweet treat that promises pure comfort and deliciousness.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups (270 grams) semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
  • 1 cup (240 grams) creamy peanut butter
  • 1 ½ cups (180 grams) crushed graham crackers

Base and Binding Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 ¼ cups (150 grams) powdered sugar

Topping Ingredient:

  • 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

Instructions

  1. Craft the foundational peanut butter layer by thoroughly blending creamy peanut butter with melted butter, powdered sugar, and finely crushed graham crackers until achieving a uniform, silky consistency.
  2. Transfer the mixed peanut butter mixture into a parchment-paper-lined 8×8-inch baking pan, carefully pressing and smoothing the layer to create an even, compact base.
  3. Create the luxurious chocolate topping by gently melting chocolate chips together with additional peanut butter, using short microwave intervals and stirring between each to ensure a glossy, smooth texture.
  4. Carefully cascade the molten chocolate mixture over the prepared peanut butter foundation, using a spatula to distribute the topping evenly and create a seamless, glossy surface.
  5. Place the assembled dessert into the refrigerator, allowing it to chill and solidify for approximately 60-90 minutes until the bars become completely firm and cohesive.
  6. Once fully set, extract the dessert from the pan by lifting the parchment paper edges, then slice into clean, precise squares using a sharp knife.
  7. Serve the chilled bars at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture, presenting a decadent, no-bake treat that combines rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter.

Notes

  • Swap standard peanut butter with almond or cashew butter for a different nutty flavor profile and to accommodate nut allergies.
  • Use gluten-free graham crackers to make the recipe completely gluten-free, ensuring everyone can enjoy these delectable treats.
  • Melt chocolate carefully to prevent burning by using low microwave power and stirring frequently during the melting process.
  • Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the chocolate layer for an enhanced flavor complexity and gourmet touch that elevates the entire dessert.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg
Dave Mitchell

Dave Mitchell

Founder & Chief Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Grilling Techniques and Innovations​
  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Culinary Education and Workshops​
  • Food Photography and Styling

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking. ​


Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.

Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.

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