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No Bake Peanut Butter Bars

These no bake peanut butter bars come together with simple ingredients like peanut butter, honey, and graham crackers, requiring no oven or fuss. They have a sticky, chewy texture with a crunchy crumbly base, topped with optional chocolate and sea salt for added flavor. Perfect for quick, honest treats that are messy but deeply satisfying.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 240
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup butter melted until bubbling
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter softened for easy mixing
  • 1/4 cup honey adds sticky sweetness
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs crushed into small crumbs, some larger pieces okay
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips optional topping, melted for drizzle
  • pinch flaky sea salt optional, for topping

Equipment

  • 20cm (8-inch) square baking dish
  • parchment paper
  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Spatula
  • Sharp knife

Method
 

  1. Line your square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal. Gather your ingredients and tools ready to go.
  2. Place the butter in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 30-second bursts until just melted and bubbling around the edges, about 1-2 minutes. The aroma of rich butter will fill the air.
  3. Add the softened peanut butter and honey to the melted butter. Stir vigorously with a spatula until the mixture becomes smooth, glossy, and well combined, with a slightly sticky consistency.
  4. Crush the graham crackers into small crumbs, leaving some larger pieces for texture. Fold the crumbs and salt into the peanut butter mixture until evenly coated and crumbly.
  5. Spoon the mixture into your prepared dish. Use the back of a spatula to press it down firmly and evenly, creating a compact, smooth surface. You should hear a slight crunch as you press.
  6. If using chocolate, melt the semi-sweet chips in short bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the pressed mixture for a decorative finish.
  7. Sprinkle flaky sea salt or chopped nuts on top if desired, pressing them lightly into the chocolate or peanut butter layer for adhesion.
  8. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until the bars are firm and set. The mixture will harden, and flavors will meld during this time.
  9. Once chilled, use the parchment overhang to lift the solid block out of the dish. Place on a cutting board and slice into 12 even squares with a sharp knife.
  10. Serve immediately for soft, chewy bars or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. For a warmer, gooier treat, microwave each bar for 10-15 seconds before serving.

Notes

For best results, press down firmly when shaping the bars and chill thoroughly. You can customize toppings with chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or a drizzle of additional chocolate for variety.