Description
A quick, easy, and indulgent no-bake dessert made with pantry staples. These bars combine a creamy peanut butter base with a smooth chocolate topping, ready in just 10 minutes of active prep time.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (250g) creamy natural peanut butter
- 1/4 cup (55g) unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (50g) mini marshmallows (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups (250g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup crushed pretzels (optional)
- 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional)
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine peanut butter and butter. Microwave on high for 1 minute, stir, then continue in 30-second intervals until smooth.
- Remove from microwave and stir in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and thick.
- Fold in optional add-ins like mini marshmallows, crushed pretzels, or crushed grahams if desired.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press firmly and evenly into the bottom using a spatula or the bottom of a measuring cup.
- In a separate microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and heavy cream. Microwave on high for 1 minute, stir, then continue in 30-second intervals until smooth and glossy.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter base and spread evenly to the edges. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts if using.
- Refrigerate for at least 10-20 minutes, or until the chocolate is fully set.
- Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang and cut into squares or rectangles. Serve immediately or store in the fridge.
Notes
Use natural peanut butter for better flavor and texture. Press the base firmly to prevent crumbling. If the chocolate is too thick, add a teaspoon of cream; if too thin, add more chips. Bars can be stored in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for up to a month.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
Keywords: no-bake, peanut butter, chocolate bars, easy dessert, 10 minute snack, kid-friendly, pantry staples, gluten-free option