Reese’s Peanut Butter No-Bake Bars are the perfect homemade dessert for chocolate and peanut butter lovers. These easy no-bake bars deliver the familiar flavor of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups in a soft, fudgy, sliceable form—no oven required. Whether you need a quick treat for a party, holiday, or late-night craving, this recipe will be your new go-to.
The combination of creamy peanut butter, crushed graham crackers, and a silky chocolate topping makes this dessert rich, decadent, and irresistible. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to make and uses basic pantry ingredients.
Love no-bake treats? Try this Classic Cherry Delight for another effortless dessert or indulge in these Peanut Butter Brookies for a cookie-brownie fusion twist!
🍫 Why You’ll Love These Reese’s Peanut Butter No-Bake Bars
- No baking required – ready in just a few steps
- Pantry staples – nothing fancy or hard to find
- Incredible flavor – like biting into a homemade Reese’s
- Perfect texture – firm, fudgy, and melts in your mouth
- Great for any occasion – potlucks, gifts, holidays, or meal prep
🥜 Ingredients for Reese’s Peanut Butter No-Bake Bars
Peanut Butter Layer:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter (avoid natural varieties)
- 1 cup melted butter
Chocolate Topping:
- 12 oz chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet)
- 2 tsp shortening or 1 tbsp peanut butter for smoother consistency
Love chocolate peanut butter combos? Don’t miss these indulgent Buckeye Brownie Cookies!
👩🍳 How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter No-Bake Bars
1. Make the Peanut Butter Base
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, melted butter, and peanut butter in a large bowl until fully combined.
- Press firmly into a lined 9×13 pan to create an even layer.
2. Add the Chocolate Topping
- Melt the chocolate chips and shortening in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Pour over the peanut butter base and spread evenly.
3. Chill & Slice
- Chill in the fridge for 1–2 hours or until the chocolate has set.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes at room temperature before cutting to avoid cracking.
- Use a sharp knife to cut into squares.
🔥 Pro Tips for Perfect No-Bake Bars
- ✅ Use processed peanut butter for the right texture
- ✅ Don’t freeze the bars—refrigerate for best results
- ✅ Add a pinch of sea salt for contrast
- ✅ Score the chocolate lightly before slicing
- ✅ Line your pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup
🍽️ Variations & Customization Ideas
✅ Healthier Version
- Use dark chocolate chips
- Swap butter with coconut oil
- Reduce sugar and use monk fruit or stevia blends
✅ Crunchy Twist
- Add chopped pretzels or peanuts to the base
- Top with flaky sea salt or crushed candy
✅ Holiday Edition
- Add red & green sprinkles for Christmas
- Use pastel candies for Easter or colored M&Ms for birthday themes
✅ Protein-Packed
- Add 1/4 cup of vanilla protein powder
- Use almond or sunflower butter for nut alternatives
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week
- Freeze for up to 3 months (thaw before slicing)
- Great for meal prep, school lunches, and holiday trays
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use almond butter or cashew butter?
Yes, but you may need to adjust the amount of powdered sugar to help it set properly.
Do these bars need to stay refrigerated?
Yes! This keeps the chocolate layer firm and prevents melting.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely—just use gluten-free graham crackers or crushed oats.
Why did my chocolate crack when slicing?
Let the bars sit for 5–10 minutes at room temperature before slicing with a warm knife.
⭐ Final Thoughts
Reese’s Peanut Butter No-Bake Bars are the ultimate no-bake dessert for anyone who loves the peanut butter and chocolate combo. They’re easy to make, customizable, and guaranteed to impress anyone who takes a bite.
Whether you’re making them for yourself or to share, they’ll become a favorite treat in your dessert rotation. 🍫🥜