Graham Cracker Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

With a fudgy, slightly crunchy peanut butter and graham cracker crumb base and a smooth layer of melted chocolate on top, these chocolate peanut butter bars taste just like a homemade candy bar. Best of all? This five-ingredient dessert recipe requires no baking, and these bars are simple enough for kids to help make. Whether making goodies for a bake sale, packing lunchbox treats or filling holiday cookie trays, these graham cracker chocolate peanut butter bars are sure to become an instant favorite.

Ingredients for Graham Cracker Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

• Graham cracker crumbs: You can buy pre-crushed crumbs or crush whole graham crackers in a food processor or resealable bag with a rolling pin. You’ll need about six full sheets to equal 3/4 cup crumbs. Cinnamon graham crackers are traditional, but feel free to try honey or chocolate varieties.
• Butter: Melted butter helps bind the peanut butter, graham cracker crumbs and sugar, while also adding rich flavor. I like using salted butter here to help balance the sweetness, but unsalted works too. You can always add a pinch of salt to the mixture or finish with flaky sea salt.
• Confectioners’ sugar: The powdery texture dissolves seamlessly into the peanut butter base, so the crunch from the peanut butter and graham cracker crumbs shines. As called for in the recipe, 2 cups of sugar help thicken the base layer to the right consistency, but if you prefer a less-sweet version, reduce it to 1-1/2 cups.
• Peanut butter: Chunky peanut butter adds extra texture and crunch, but smooth peanut butter works just as well. Swap in another nut or seed butter for a flavor twist.
• Chocolate chips: You can’t get that classic peanut butter cup flavor without a thick layer of chocolate. This recipe calls for semisweet chocolate chips, but you can use dark, milk or white chocolate depending on your preference.

Directions

Step 1: Mix the peanut butter layer

Mix the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a large bowl until well combined. Add the confectioners’ sugar and peanut butter, and stir until smooth. Use a rubber spatula to spread the mixture into a greased 8-inch square baking dish, pressing lightly to form an even layer.

Editor’s Tip: For easier mixing, warm the peanut butter and butter together and stir until smooth. Then, stir in the graham cracker crumbs and confectioners’ sugar. After pressing the mixture into the dish, pop it in the fridge for 10 to 20 minutes so it can firm up before adding the chocolate layer.

Step 2: Add the chocolate topping

Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl or a double boiler until smooth, stirring occasionally. Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and spread evenly with an offset or rubber spatula.

Editor’s Tip: To amp up the peanut flavor, melt 2 to 4 tablespoons of peanut butter with the chocolate chips.

Step 3: Chill and slice

Place the baking dish in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, then cut the bars into squares. Return to the fridge and chill for another 30 minutes until the chocolate topping and peanut butter layer are firm. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Editor’s Tip: If you used a natural or drippy-style peanut butter, the bars may need a little more time to set. Letting them chill longer ensures clean slices.

Recipe Variations

• Make them less sweet: Cut back on the sweetness by reducing the confectioners’ sugar to 1-1/2 cups. Or, double all the ingredients in the filling except for the sugar for thicker bars with a more balanced bite.
• Switch up the chocolate topping: Feel free to experiment with dark chocolate for a richer flavor, white chocolate for added sweetness or a swirl of both for a marbled look.
• Add a topping: Sprinkle a fun extra on top of the melted chocolate before chilling. Crushed pretzels, salted peanuts or toffee bits add a satisfying crunch. Layer on mini marshmallows to turn them into a s’mores-like dessert, or sprinkle on shredded coconut for tropical flair. Seasonal sprinkles are also a fun option for holidays.
• Try another nut butter: Use almond butter, cashew butter or sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter for a new flavor profile.
• Salt them: If you’re a fan of sweet and salty treats, sprinkle the bars with a pinch of flaky sea salt (like Maldon) for a briny pop that perfectly balances the sweetness.
• Replace the graham crackers: This no-bake treat is traditionally made with graham cracker crumbs, but there’s room to get creative. Try crumbled cookies, like Biscoff, shortbread or Nutter Butters, for a different flavor. For a salty-sweet twist, use pretzels or buttery Ritz crackers. Even crushed cereal, like cornflakes or cinnamon squares, can work in a pinch.

How to Store Graham Cracker Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

Store the chocolate peanut butter bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week—if they last that long! For a slightly softer texture, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying.

Can you freeze chocolate peanut butter bars?

Yes! These chocolate peanut butter bars freeze beautifully and will keep for up to two months. Chill and slice the bars as directed, then place them in a freezer-safe container with layers of parchment or waxed paper between them to prevent sticking. Before serving, thaw them overnight in the fridge.

Graham Cracker Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar Tips

What kind of peanut butter is best to use?

For the best-tasting peanut butter, I recommend choosing one made with just peanuts and salt or using homemade peanut butter. Some brands contain added sugar or oil, which can dull the nutty flavor. Most peanut butters labeled “natural” fit the bill, but double-check the ingredient list to be sure.

I’ve made this recipe with regular and natural-style peanut butter, and the bars turn out delicious either way. Keep in mind that natural or drippy peanut butter may take a bit longer to firm up in the fridge.

How can I make thicker chocolate peanut butter bars?

To make your bars thicker, double the peanut butter, graham cracker crumbs and butter in the base layer. Keep the amount of confectioners’ sugar the same for richer, chunkier bars that aren’t overly sweet.

Can you make these chocolate peanut butter bars gluten-free?

Yes! To make gluten-free chocolate peanut butter bars, crush up gluten-free graham crackers for the peanut butter layer. The peanut butter, butter, chocolate chips and confectioners’ sugar are naturally gluten-free ingredients. Still, it’s always a good idea to double-check ingredient lists and packaging if you’re especially sensitive.