Rich Reeses Peanut Butter No-Bake Bars Recipe

Decadent Rich Reeses Peanut Butter No-Bake Bars Recipe

Chocolate and peanut butter create pure magic in these delectable no-bake reeses peanut butter bars that melt in your mouth.

Sweet treats rarely come together as effortlessly as this delightful dessert.

The combination of creamy peanut butter and smooth chocolate makes these bars irresistible.

Simple ingredients transform into a decadent experience that requires zero baking.

Every bite delivers a perfect balance of rich flavors and smooth textures.

Each layer promises a delicious moment of pure indulgence.

You won’t be able to resist these chocolatey, peanut buttery squares of happiness.

Toppings, Mix-Ins, and Serving Variations

  • Use room temperature peanut butter and mix ingredients thoroughly to prevent lumpy layers, ensuring a silky-smooth consistency every time.
  • Always melt chocolate slowly and stir frequently to avoid burning, creating a glossy and perfectly smooth chocolate topping that spreads like a dream.
  • Replace graham crackers with gluten-free cookies for a celiac-friendly version, or use almond butter instead of peanut butter for those with peanut allergies.
  • Cover the pan with plastic wrap before refrigerating to prevent any unwanted moisture or freezer odors from affecting the bars' delicate flavor.
  • Sprinkle sea salt on top for a gourmet touch, or add crushed pretzels to the peanut butter layer for extra crunch and a sweet-salty combination.

How to Serve Reeses Bars with a Clean Slice

  • Sweet Chocolate Companion: Pair these bars with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience that balances the rich peanut butter and chocolate flavors.
  • Festive Party Platter: Arrange the bars on a decorative serving tray with fresh strawberries or raspberries to add a pop of color and a fruity contrast to the sweet chocolate and peanut butter combination.
  • Afternoon Tea Treat: Serve these bars alongside a hot cup of coffee or herbal tea, creating a perfect mid-afternoon indulgence that satisfies sweet cravings and provides a moment of pure enjoyment.
  • Gift-Worthy Packaging: Wrap individual bars in wax paper or small cellophane bags tied with a ribbon, making them an excellent homemade gift for friends, family, or potluck gatherings.

Store These Bars Without Losing Their Texture

  • Refrigerate bars for 1-2 hours until chocolate sets completely, ensuring firm texture and easy cutting.
  • Store in airtight container between wax paper layers for up to 7 days, keeping bars fresh and preventing sticking.
  • Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag for convenient 3-month storage. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying.
  • Pack bars in cooler or insulated container with ice pack when taking to picnics or potlucks, maintaining their delicious shape and taste during transport.

FAQs

  • Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, crunchy peanut butter works great and adds extra texture to the bars. Just make sure it’s well-mixed before combining with other ingredients.

  • How do I prevent the chocolate layer from cracking?

Let the peanut butter layer cool completely before adding the chocolate topping. Also, avoid over-chilling, which can cause cracking.

  • Are these bars gluten-free?

Not automatically. Use gluten-free graham crackers and check that your peanut butter is gluten-free to make this recipe celiac-friendly.

  • Can kids help make these bars?

Absolutely! Kids can help mix ingredients, press the peanut butter layer, and sprinkle toppings. Adult supervision is needed for melting chocolate and using the microwave.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 13

Reeses No-Bake Bar Ingredient Overview

For Peanut Butter Base:
  • Peanut Butter: Creamy base that brings rich, nutty flavor and smooth texture to the bars.
  • Graham Crackers: Adds delightful crunch and helps bind the base together with a subtle sweetness.
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a smooth, cohesive mixture.
  • Melted Butter: Ensures a silky consistency and helps ingredients blend seamlessly.
For Chocolate Topping:
  • Chocolate Chips: Creates a luscious, glossy chocolate layer that perfectly complements the peanut butter.
  • Peanut Butter: Adds depth to the chocolate topping and enhances the overall flavor profile.
For Preparation:
  • Parchment Paper: Allows easy removal of bars and prevents sticking to the pan.

Gear for Mixing and Pressing Reeses Bars Easily

  • Mixing bowl: medium-sized for combining peanut butter layer ingredients.
  • 8×8-inch baking pan: for creating and shaping the bars.
  • Parchment paper: to line the pan and easily remove bars.
  • Spatula: for spreading chocolate topping smoothly.
  • Microwave-safe bowl: for melting chocolate and peanut butter.
  • Measuring cups: to accurately measure ingredients.
  • Cutting board: for slicing bars after chilling.

Instructions for Making Peanut Butter No-Bake Bars

  • Create Peanut Butter Base

Mix creamy peanut butter with melted butter, powdered sugar, and crumbled graham crackers until the mixture becomes smooth and moldable. Press this delectable blend firmly into a lined baking pan, ensuring an even surface.

  • Craft Chocolate Topping

Melt chocolate chips with a dollop of peanut butter in the microwave, stirring carefully between short heating intervals until silky and glossy. Gently spread the chocolate over the peanut butter foundation, creating a tempting layer.

  • Chill and Solidify

Place the pan in the refrigerator and let the bars cool completely. The chocolate will harden and bind with the peanut butter base, creating a rich, decadent treat.

  • Slice and Delight

Remove the bars from the refrigerator and lift them out using the parchment paper. Slice into neat squares and serve. These no-bake bars are ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Print
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Rich Reeses Peanut Butter No-Bake Bars Recipe

Rich Reeses Peanut Butter No-Bake Bars Recipe


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4.5 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Reeses Peanut Butter No-Bake Bars promise a quick, delightful chocolate-peanut butter treat that requires zero oven time. Chocolate and graham cracker layers combine for an irresistible dessert that satisfies your sweet cravings effortlessly.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (270 grams / 9.5 oz) semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
  • 1 cup (240 grams / 8.5 oz) creamy peanut butter
  • 1 ½ cups (180 grams / 6.3 oz) crushed graham crackers
  • ½ cup (115 grams / 4 oz) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 ¼ cups (150 grams / 5.3 oz) powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsps creamy peanut butter

Instructions

  1. Blend Base: Whisk peanut butter, melted butter, powdered sugar, and graham cracker crumbs until achieving a smooth, homogeneous mixture that holds together effortlessly.
  2. Layer Foundation: Press the combined mixture firmly into a parchment-lined 8×8-inch pan, creating an even, compact layer that serves as the dessert’s sturdy foundation.
  3. Chocolate Topping: Melt chocolate chips and peanut butter together using gentle microwave pulses, stirring between intervals to develop a silky, lustrous chocolate glaze that will crown the bars.
  4. Finish and Chill: Pour the molten chocolate over the peanut butter base, spreading uniformly with a spatula, then refrigerate for 60-90 minutes until completely set and solidified.
  5. Serve and Slice: Remove the dessert from the pan using parchment paper edges, cut into precise squares, and allow to rest momentarily at room temperature before indulging in these decadent, no-bake delights.

Notes

  • Perfect Peanut Butter Consistency: Ensure peanut butter and melted butter are thoroughly mixed to prevent separation and create a smooth, uniform base that holds together perfectly.
  • Chocolate Melting Technique: Use short microwave bursts (15-20 seconds) and stir between intervals to prevent chocolate from burning and maintain a glossy, silky chocolate layer.
  • Pressing Layer Evenly: Apply gentle, consistent pressure when spreading the peanut butter mixture to create a compact, level base that ensures clean, uniform bars when cut.
  • Chilling Time Matters: Refrigerate for exactly 60-90 minutes – too short leaves bars soft, while over-chilling can make the texture too hard and difficult to slice cleanly.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 21 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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