Easy No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars Recipe
This no-bake chocolate peanut butter bar recipe is a simple alternative to the traditional Canadian Nanaimo bar. Years ago, I started experimenting with peanut butter versions and fell in love with how creamy and smooth the filling turned out. The peanut butter adds a delicious twist, and paired with chocolate, it practically melts on your tongue.
This easy no-bake dessert has three distinct layers, but it comes together quickly with simple ingredients. The layers make these bars especially pretty to serve, and chocolate and peanut butter is always a crowd-pleasing combination.
No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar Ingredients
Bottom – Oreo Coconut Layer Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter
- 4 oz dark unsweetened chocolate
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 egg
- 2 cups Oreo cookie crumbs
- 1/2 cup coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts
Middle – Peanut Butter Layer Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter
- 3/4 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
- 3 cups icing sugar
- 3 tbsp milk
Topping Layer
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- ]2 tbsp butter
No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar Directions
Step 1 – Make the Bottom Oreo Coconut Layer
The bottom layer uses Oreo cookies instead of graham crackers, and peanuts instead of walnuts, creating a dense, flavorful crust.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and unsweetened chocolate together over low heat.
Remove from heat and add the vanilla and egg. Beat well until fully combined.
Stir in the Oreo crumbs, coconut, and choppsed peanuts until evenly mixed.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8 × 8-inch pan, smoothing it into an even layer.
Step 2 – Make the Peanut Butter Filling
In a medium bowl, beat the butter and peanut butter together until smooth and creamy.
Add the icing sugar starting on low speed, then gradually increase the speed and mix until fully combined and thick. This helps prevent the sugar from puffing out of the bowl.
Mix in the vanilla until smooth.
Spread the peanut butter filling evenly over the bottom Oreo layer, smoothing the top with a spatula.
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Step 3 – Add the Chocolate Topping
Place the chocolate chips and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on low in short bursts until the chocolate is just melted, then stir until smooth.
Once the chocolate is melted, pour and swirl on top of the peanut butter layer.
Chill the chocolate peanut butter bars until firm, at least two hours. I left mine overnight before cutting, but that is not necessary.
If you find that your top layer is difficult to cut, let the bars sit on the counter for a few minutes to soften slightly before slicing.
Storing and Freezing Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
These no-bake chocolate peanut butter bars freeze well for up to two months. Cut them into squares, wrap in parchment paper, and store in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
Ingredients
Oreo Peanut Butter Layer
- ½ cup butter
- 4 oz dark unsweetened chocolate
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 egg
- 2 cups oreo crumbs
- ½ cup coconut
- ½ cup coarsely chopped peanuts
Peanut Butter Filling
- ¼ cup butter
- ¾ cup peanut butter
- ½ tsp vanilla
- 3 cups icing sugar
- 3 tbsp milk
Chocolate Topping
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
Step 1 – Make the Bottom Oreo Layer
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and unsweetened chocolate together over low heat.
- Remove from the heat and beat in the vanilla and egg until combined.
- Mix in the Oreo crumbs, coconut, and chopped peanuts until evenly mixed.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan and smooth the surface.
Step 2 – Make the Peanut Butter Filling
- In a medium bowl, beat the butter and peanut butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the icing sugar, starting on low speed, then gradually increase the speed and mix until fully combined and thick.
- Mix in the vanilla until smooth.
- Spread the peanut butter filling evenly over the bottom Oreo layer, smoothing the top.
Step 3 – Add the Chocolate Topping
- Place the chocolate chips and butter in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave on low in short intervals until the chocolate is just melted, then stir until smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and gently spread it to the edges.
- Chill the chocolate peanut butter bars until firm. I left mine overnight but its not necessary. If you find it hard to cut the top chocolate layer leave your squares on the counter to soften a little bit before cutting.
These no-bake chocolate peanut butter bars are easy to make and perfect for sharing. Pin this recipe for later so it’s handy when you need a quick, no-bake dessert.
Other No-Bake Recipes to Try
Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Pretzel Treats
If you want a little bit a salty to add to peanut butter and chocolate flavours, this easy to make No bake chocolate covered peanut butter pretzel recipe is for you.
Payday Inspired No Bake Peanut Butter Bars
Canada doesn’t have Payday bars, so I created this Payday inspired no bake peanut butter bar recipe. I have to say it tastes pretty much identical, with extra peanuts for more crunch.
No Bake Peanut Butter Cookies
A classic no bake peanut butter cookie recipe everyone loves. Coconut, oatmeal, and peanut butter mixes together in this simple sweet treat.