Peanut Butter Bars
Simple no-bake Peanut Butter Bars with a chocolate topping (made without graham cracker crumbs)! Be sure to check out the video above the recipe for a quick, easy, tutorial!
- Prep time
- 15 min
- Cook time
- 11 min
- Yield
- 25 servings
- Difficulty
- MEDIUM
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 10 Tablespoons salted butter (softened )
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar (tightly packed )
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ¼ cups powdered sugar
- 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, broken into small pieces ((or ⅔ cup semisweet chocolate chips))
- 1 teaspoon shortening
Instructions
- 1
Prepare a 9"x9" baking pan by lining with aluminum foil. Set aside.
- 2
Using an electric mixer, beat together peanut butter, and butter until smooth and creamy.
- 3
Add brown sugar and vanilla extract, stir well.
- 4
Gradually add powdered sugar, stirring until completely combined.
- 5
Spread peanut butter filling into prepared pan. To make the surface smooth and even, I like to first spread with the a spoon or spatula, and then lay a piece of wax paper over the filling and use my hands to smooth it out (see video for visual).
- 6
Place pan in refrigerator while you prepare your chocolate topping.
- 7
To prepare chocolate topping, combine chocolate pieces or chocolate chips and shortening in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 20 seconds, stir well, and continue to heat on 15-second increments (stirring well between) until chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- 8
Remove bars from refrigerator and spread chocolate evenly over the surface.
- 9
Return to refrigerator and chill at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- 10
Cut and serve. Keep uneaten bars refrigerated for firmness.