What are Peanut Butter Bars? They’re not just good, they are *dangerously* good. I’m talking, “hide them from yourself” good What are some of the best peanut butter fudge bars? What is a foolproof, ridiculously easy recipe What are some ways to make a peanut butter cheesecake? Do you need ease? I’ve been making this **Peanut Butter Bars Recipe** for years, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser – so why not try it? From potlucks to late-night cravings. Seriously, try it, you won’t regret it (unless you eat the whole pan…maybe a little regret then!

What is peanut butter bars?

What is a no-bake dessert? Peanut Butter Bars? Butter filling set on top of graham cracker crust (or sometimes, a chocolate one if you’re into chocolate)? Is peanut butter a dream come true? What’s not to like about this peanut butter fudge? Textural contrast and a subtle sweetness that balances the richness of the peanut butter. Is it a cake? This particular recipe skips the usual graham cracker crust for a denser, more satisfying base and an easier to clean up. What is a glaze for sweetness?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

How do I make Peanut Butter Bars? Is this one of my all-time favorite songs?

Flavor Explosion:What are some of the best combinations of peanut butter, chocolate, and salt? What is that perfect balance of sweet and savory that keeps you coming back for more? Is there any flavor that is insane?
Insanely Easy:Is there no fancy equipment or complicated steps? Is this recipe easy to make? What’s a good treat to have without spending hours in the kitchen?
Budget FriendlyWhat are some pantry staples that won’t break the bank? What are peanut butter, sugar, and chocolate chips? Plus, you probably already have most of them on hand!
Crowd-pleaserWhat are some of the best desserts to serve at a family gathering? What is your favorite peanut butter recipe? And these bars are so rich and satisfying, a little goes … well, good luck stopping at).
Versatile:Can you customize this **Peanut Butter Bars Recipe**? Add different types of chocolate chips, swirl in some marshmallow fluff, or sprinkle with sea salt. Is there any limit to the possibilities?

What I love about this recipe is how quickly it comes together. What are some of the best desserts to make for a last minute snack? Sweet to brighten your day. What are some of the best bars that will brighten your day?

How do I make peanut butter bars?

Quick Overview

What is the best way to make Peanut Butter Bars? How do I make a base with butter, flour, and powdered sugar? What’s the best way to make a creamy peanut butter filling? Powdered sugar, and some butter. Is it safe to pour the filling over the base, chill until firm, and drizzle with melted chocolate? What is the beauty of this method is that it yields a firmer, almost cookie-like base that perfectly matches the cookie shape. What are some of the best ingredients for peanut butter? Is it the best?

Ingredients

For the Base:
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – Make sure it’s *really* soft for easy mixing! * 2 cups all-purpose flour – I always use unbleached for a slightly nutty flavor. * 1 cup powdered sugar – This is key for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

What is the peanut butter filling?
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – Again, super soft is the way to go! * 2 cups creamy peanut butter – I prefer regular peanuts for the best flavor and texture. * 4 cups powdered sugar – Don’t skip the sifting step – it makes a difference! * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a little extra warmth.

For the Chocolate Glaze:
* 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips – Use good quality chocolate for the best results! * 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – This helps create a smooth, shiny glaze.

What are the steps in

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. If you want to remove the pan from the oven, you can use parchment paper. What is my preferred method of cleaning up a car?

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and powdered sugar. Set aside. How do I make sure everything is evenly distributed?

Step 3: Cream Butter

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter for the base until it’s light and fluffy. Serve warm or cold. Is it possible to make this dough in an electric mixer for about 2-3 minutes? The butter should be almost whipped in texture.

Step 4: Combine

Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed butter, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix dough. The dough should be crumbly.

Step 5: Press into Pan

How do you press dough into a baking pan? I like to use the bottom of a measuring cup or glass to get an even surface.

Step 6: Bake the Base

Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Let the base cool completely before adding the filling. If the base is still warm, the filling will melt!

Step 7: Prepare Peanut Butter Filling

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and peanut butter until smooth and creamy. Add salt and pepper to taste. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined. Stir in the cinnamon.

Step 8: Spread the Filling

Spread the peanut butter filling evenly over the cooled base. I find it easiest to dollop the filling over the base and then gently spread it with an offset.

Step 9: Chill

If filling is firm, refrigerate for at least 2 hours. How do you get those beautiful slices?

Step 10: Make the Glaze

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and butter. Set aside. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.

Step 11: Drizzle with Chocolate

Drizzle the melted chocolate over the peanut butter filling. How do you spread chocolate evenly over the entire surface? I like to sprinkle sea salt on top of my food.

Step 12: Chill Again & Slice

Return the bars to the refrigerator for another 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to set. Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy!

What should I serve it with?

What are some good recipes for peanut butter bars?

For Breakfast: Okay, maybe not *every* day, but a small square of these bars with a strong cup of coffee is a surprisingly delightful way to start the weekend.
For Brunch: Cut the bars into smaller, bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a platter with fresh fruit and other sweet treats. They pair beautifully with mimosas or a sparkling cider.
As Dessert: Serve a slice of these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A drizzle of chocolate syrup or caramel sauce would also be amazing.
For Cozy Snacks: These bars are perfect for satisfying a sweet craving on a chilly evening. Enjoy them with a glass of milk, a cup of hot cocoa, or even a peanut butter hot chocolate (if you’re feeling extra!).

My family tradition is to always have these at our annual holiday cookie exchange. They’re always the first to disappear!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Peanut Butter Bars Recipe

Here are a few of my tried-and-true tips for making the best Peanut Butter Bars ever:

Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is *really* soft, but not melted, for both the base and the filling. This will ensure everything mixes together smoothly and evenly. I usually leave mine out on the counter for an hour or two before baking.
Don’t Overmix the Base: Overmixing the dough for the base will result in a tough, dry crust. Mix until just combined, and don’t worry if it’s a little crumbly.
Sift the Powdered Sugar: Sifting the powdered sugar before adding it to the filling will help prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, creamy texture. Trust me, it makes a difference!
Use Good Quality Chocolate: The chocolate glaze is the finishing touch, so use good quality chocolate chips for the best flavor. I prefer semi-sweet, but you can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate if you prefer.
Chill, Chill, Chill: Don’t skip the chilling steps! These bars need to be properly chilled in order to set up properly and be easy to slice.
Customize the Glaze: Get creative with the glaze! Add a teaspoon of peanut butter to the melted chocolate for extra peanut butter flavor. Or, sprinkle the chocolate with sea salt, chopped nuts, or even crushed pretzels for a salty-sweet twist.

One time I accidentally used salted butter for the filling, and honestly? It made it even better! The hint of salt really enhanced the peanut butter flavor. So don’t be afraid to experiment a little!

Storing and Reheating Tips

These Peanut Butter Bars are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Here’s a breakdown of storage times:

Room Temperature: These bars can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, but they will be softer and may start to get sticky. Make sure to keep them covered to prevent them from drying out.
Refrigerator Storage: These bars will keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Store them in an airtight container to prevent them from absorbing any odors from the fridge.
Freezer Instructions: These bars can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: I recommend adding the glaze right before serving for the best appearance. If you’re freezing the bars, freeze them without the glaze and then add it after they’ve thawed.

I’ve found that freezing them in individual squares makes it easy to grab just one or two whenever you need a little peanut butter fix!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour in the base with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. I recommend using a blend that contains xanthan gum for the best texture. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you’re good to go! Expect the base to be slightly more crumbly, but still delicious.

Do I need to peel the zucchini?

This recipe doesn’t use zucchini! Perhaps you’re thinking of another recipe? But for these **Peanut Butter Bars**, you don’t need to worry about any peeling.

Can I make this as muffins instead?

That’s an interesting idea! While I haven’t tested it, you could potentially adapt this recipe to make peanut butter “bites” or mini-bars using muffin tins. You’d need to adjust the baking time accordingly – start checking for doneness after about 10 minutes. The base might be a bit crumbly, but the peanut butter filling should help hold everything together.

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

If you find these bars too sweet, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the filling by about 1/2 cup. You can also use a less sweet chocolate, like dark chocolate, for the glaze. Alternatively, add a pinch of salt to the filling to balance out the sweetness.

What can I use instead of the glaze?

If you’re not a fan of chocolate, you can skip the glaze altogether. Alternatively, you could dust the bars with powdered sugar, drizzle them with caramel sauce, or sprinkle them with chopped nuts. A simple peanut butter drizzle would also be delicious!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my go-to Peanut Butter Bars recipe that’s always a guaranteed hit! These bars are incredibly easy to make, packed with peanut butter flavor, and perfect for satisfying any sweet craving. The combination of the crumbly base, creamy filling, and chocolate glaze is simply irresistible. If you’re a peanut butter lover, you absolutely have to try this recipe. And if you’re looking for something similar, you might also love my Peanut Butter Fudge recipe – it’s just as easy and delicious! Happy baking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out. Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know if you try this **Peanut Butter Bars Recipe** and how it goes and any variations you create!