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–+ servings
one peanut butter bar topped with chocolate on a white plate next to a jar of peanut butter
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5 from 12 votes

Small Batch Peanut Butter Bars

These small batch, no-bake peanut butter bars are made with a simple graham cracker and peanut butter base topped with a smooth chocolate-peanut butter layer. They’re rich, easy to make, and perfect for a quick treat.
Prep Time10 minutes
chill2 hours
Total Time2 hours 10 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian
Keyword: chocolate peanut butter bars, peanut butter bars, peanut butter chocolate bars, peanut butter squares, small batch peanut butter bars
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Joanie Zisk

Equipment

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup butter -melted and slightly cooled
  • ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
  • 6 tablespoons powdered sugar -sifted
  • ½ cup graham cracker crumbs (3 full graham cracker sheets)

For the Topping

  • ⅓ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter
US - Metric

Instructions

  • Lightly grease a 5x5-inch baking dish. Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the bottom and sides, trimming the corners if needed so it lies flat. This makes lifting the bars out easier later.
  • Melt the butter and pour it into a medium bowl.
  • Add the peanut butter and mix on low speed with a hand mixer until smooth.
  • Sift in the powdered sugar using a sifter or fine-mesh strainer to remove lumps. Mix on low speed until fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl.
  • Fold in the crumbs with a spatula until well mixed.
  • Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and press it into an even layer.
  • Make the Topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and peanut butter. Microwave in 20–25 second intervals, stirring after each, until melted and smooth.
  • Pour the melted mixture over the base and spread evenly to the edges.
  • Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm.
  • Lift the bars out using the parchment paper and slice into squares.
  • Yield: Makes 4 bars when cut into 2½-inch squares from a 5x5-inch dish. Yield may vary depending on how you slice them.

Notes

  • Prepare Ahead: Read through the full recipe and Ingredient Notes before starting. These bars come together quickly, so have everything ready.
  • Line the Pan: Use parchment paper or foil to make lifting the bars out of the pan easier.
  • Mix Thoroughly: Make sure the peanut butter mixture is fully combined. It should be smooth, not dry or crumbly.
  • Melt Chocolate Carefully: Heat chocolate in short intervals and stir often to avoid overheating, which can make it grainy.
 
If doubling this recipe, use either two 5x5-inch baking dishes or one 6x8-inch baking dish.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 375kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 227mg | Potassium: 221mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 362IU | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 2mg

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