Peanut Butter Dream Bars

Peanut Butter Dream Bars: The Easiest No-Bake Treat You'll Ever Make!

Oh my gosh, who doesn't love peanut butter? I know I do. I was messing around in the kitchen the other day, and these peanut butter desserts no bake dream bars were born.

They’re so easy, it’s almost criminal. You just gotta try them! The creamy, dreamy peanut butter filling with that rich chocolate top.

.. pure heaven.

Why You'll Flip for These Bars

These bars are my go-to, like, seriously. I think the Peanut Butter Dream Bars take their origin in American bake sales and family gatherings! This recipe is super easy.

Plus, it's ready in about 2 hours, including chill time, yielding 16 perfect squares.

A Treat That's Good For the Soul (and Maybe Your Energy Levels?)

Peanut butter is packed with protein. So, you can almost say these are good for you, right? These peanut butter dessert bars are perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or just when you need a quick peanut butter treat .

Honestly, what makes this recipe special is how simple it is and how much everyone loves them.

Ready to dive in? Let's get started with the ingredients.

What You'll Need

The Crust

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• 5 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
• 5 tablespoons granulated sugar

The Peanut Butter Heart

• 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter (not the natural kind!)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 6 tablespoons softened unsalted butter
• ¼ teaspoon salt

The Chocolate Crown

• 6 ounces semi sweet chocolate chips
• ⅓ cup heavy cream

Gear Up

You'll need a 9x9 inch pan, parchment paper, mixing bowls, and maybe an electric mixer if you're feeling fancy.

Easy Steps to No-Bake Bliss

First, line your pan with parchment paper. It’s like a little safety net when you want to remove the dessert.

Mix those crust ingredients, press into the pan. It needs to be pressed HARD!

For the filling, beat peanut butter, powdered sugar, softened butter, and salt together. Spread this over the crust and it needs to be creamy so it melts well.

Melt chocolate chips and heavy cream. Pour over the peanut butter. Chill for at least 2 hours. If you can wait.

Time to Get Down!

Lift the bars out of the pan and cut into squares. It will be creamy and peanut buttery. Enjoy.

Let's Talk About What You'll Need: Ingredients & Equipment

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. Making amazing peanut butter desserts no bake doesn’t need to be a massive faff.

For these Peanut Butter Dream Bars, we're keeping it simple and oh-so-delicious. Think of it like building a Lego set, but with edible bricks!

Main Ingredients: The Dream Team

Here's the lowdown on what you'll need. Get your measuring spoons ready! This is crucial for Peanut butter slice no bake.

• For that Crumbly Crust:
  • Graham cracker crumbs: 1 ½ cups (150g) .
  • Melted unsalted butter: 5 tablespoons (70g) .
  • Granulated sugar: 5 tablespoons (30g) .
• For the Peanut Butter Hug:
  • Creamy peanut butter (not the natural kind, trust me): 1 ½ cups (340g) .
  • Powdered sugar: 1 cup (225g) .
  • Softened unsalted butter: 6 tablespoons (85g) .
  • Salt: ¼ teaspoon .
• For the Chocolate-y Finish:
  • Semi sweet chocolate chips: 6 ounces (170g) .
  • Heavy cream: ⅓ cup (80ml) .

Quality is key for the peanut butter. Go for something smooth and creamy, like Jif or Skippy.

Seasoning Notes: A Little Bit of Magic

Honestly, we're not going crazy with spices here. The peanut butter and chocolate are the stars. But a tiny pinch of salt in the peanut butter layer is a must.

It just balances everything out. It's like adding a secret ingredient that makes people go "Ooooh, what is that?". Also, if you’re feeling adventurous, a dash of vanilla extract can elevate that No Bake Peanut Butter Eclair Cake , you know? I was thinking to make eclairs dessert .

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

You really don't need a ton of fancy gadgets for peanut butter squares no bake .

• A 9x9 inch square baking pan.
• Parchment paper or foil. (Trust me, this makes your life so much easier later).
• Mixing bowls.
• An electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer) but you can totally do it by hand!
• A rubber spatula.
• Measuring cups and spoons.

No stand mixer? No worries! Just use a bit of elbow grease. A fork works in a pinch too. This is a great easy peanut butter fridge cake .

And seriously, lining that pan with parchment paper? Game changer! It's makes lifting the bars out later a doddle. I swear by it, and use it all the time when making peanut butter dessert bars or no bake peanut butter chocolate dessert .

This is one of those quick peanut butter treats that you can actually manage any day.

Peanut Butter Dream Bars: The Easiest No-Bake Treat You'll Ever Make!

Honestly, sometimes you just need peanut butter desserts no bake . Turning on the oven? Nah. These Peanut Butter Dream Bars are my go-to when I'm craving something sweet but feeling lazy.

They taste like a million bucks, but seriously take no effort. This recipe's inspired by no bake eclair cake because it uses simple ingredients.

Think of it as a peanut butter slice no bake but way easier.

Prep Like a Pro, Even If You're Not

• Essential Mise en Place: Get all your ingredients measured out before you start. Trust me, it saves a headache.
• Time Saving Organization: Line your 9x9 inch pan with parchment paper. Leave some overhang. It's a total game changer for easy removal!
• Safety First: Not much danger here, unless you count the sugar rush!

Let's Get This Show on the Road: step-by-step

1. Pan Prep: Line a 9x9 inch pan with parchment paper. Make sure there's an overhang.
2. Crust Creation: Combine 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs , 5 tablespoons melted butter , and 5 tablespoons granulated sugar . Press it into the pan.
3. Peanut Butter Bliss Filling: Beat together 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter , 1 cup powdered sugar , 6 tablespoons softened butter , and ¼ teaspoon salt . Spread it on that crust!
4. Ganache Goodness: Put 6 ounces semi sweet chocolate chips in a bowl. Heat ⅓ cup heavy cream until simmering. Pour it over the chocolate and whisk until smooth. Spread over the peanut butter layer.
5. Chill Out: Cover and chill for at least 2 hours . Overnight is even better.
6. Slice and Serve: Lift out the bars using the parchment paper. Cut into 16 squares.

Pro Tips for Peanut Butter Squares No Bake Mastery

• Creamy Only! Use creamy peanut butter. Not the natural kind. It can make the filling oily.
• Soft is Key: Make sure your butter is softened , not melted, for the filling. It matters!
• Avoid Overmixing: Don't overmix the peanut butter filling. Overmixing can lead to a tougher texture.

This recipe is totally adaptable. You can think it as a easy peanut butter fridge cake version, a great cousin of the No Bake Peanut Butter Eclair Cake .

Imagine, a warm summer day, the fridge humming, and these babies ready to be devoured. Honestly, this is the best way to make quick peanut butter treats .

And the best part? No oven needed for this eclairs dessert ! Or if you are thinking a peanut butter dessert bars version for this Eclair Cake Recipes it can easily be done.

It is seriously one of my favorite ways to whip up no bake peanut butter chocolate dessert and to satisfy that sweet tooth.

Recipe Notes for Your Peanut Butter Desserts No Bake Extravaganza!

Right then, you're about to embark on making these ridiculously easy Peanut Butter Dream Bars . Before you dive in, let's chat about a few things.

Honestly, these peanut butter desserts no bake are so simple, it's almost criminal, but a few extra tips never hurt, right?

Serving Up Some Serious Deliciousness

These peanut butter dessert bars look amazing plated simply. Cut them into neat squares and arrange them on a nice plate.

For a bit of pizzazz , add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts. They're also fantastic with a cold glass of milk a classic pairing that never fails.

Or, if you're feeling fancy, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also go very well with coffee!

Storage Solutions for Easy Peanut Butter Fridge Cake

These bars are best kept chilled, you know? To store them, pop them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge.

They'll happily sit there for up to 5 days. I tried keeping them in the freezer once, just wrapped in cling film and then foil, and they were alright after about a month, though the texture was slightly different.

They needed a bit of time at room temperature before eating. For reheating…well, you don't really reheat them, do you? They're best served straight from the fridge.

Remixing Your Eclair Cake Recipes

Want to mix things up? You could try a chocolate peanut butter slice no bake variation. Just melt some extra peanut butter and swirl it into the chocolate ganache before it sets.

Also, you could replace semi sweet chocolate chips to white chocolate chips in the ganache, the result its just decadent! For a vegan version, use vegan graham crackers and dairy-free alternatives.

You can also try swapping out the graham crackers for digestive biscuits if you can't find them.

A Nibble of Nutrition

Okay, so these quick peanut butter treats aren't exactly a health food. Each serving is about 350 calories. But hey, life's too short to skip dessert, right? They do offer about 7g of protein thanks to the peanut butter.

Listen, even if you've never baked before, these peanut butter squares no bake are foolproof. So go on, give them a whirl! You'll be amazed at how easy it is to whip up something so tasty.

And remember, even if they're not perfect , they'll still taste amazing! It's the effort that counts, honestly. Now, go get your No Bake Peanut Butter Eclair Cake on!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these peanut butter desserts no bake ahead of time? Like, a day or two before?

Absolutely! These no-bake peanut butter bars are fantastic for making in advance. In fact, chilling them overnight is actually recommended for the best texture. Just keep them covered tightly in the fridge, and they'll be ready to go whenever you need a sweet treat.

Think of it as a Mary Berry 'bake off' ready advantage less stress on the day!

Help! My peanut butter filling is too oily. What did I do wrong?

Ah, the dreaded oily filling! The most common culprit is using natural peanut butter. Natural peanut butter tends to separate, releasing its oils. For these peanut butter desserts no bake, stick with a processed, creamy peanut butter like Jif or Skippy for the best results.

This will keep your filling perfectly creamy and stable, just like your favorite cuppa.

I'm trying to be a bit healthier. Are there any lighter substitutions I can make in these no bake peanut butter desserts?

You can lighten them up a bit! Consider using a lower fat graham cracker or reducing the amount of powdered sugar in the filling. While it will affect the texture slightly, it's a small sacrifice for a healthier indulgence. Just remember, everything in moderation, even delicious peanut butter treats!

Perhaps pair them with a side of fruit like strawberries or a few blueberries to balance out the sweetness.

How long will these peanut butter desserts no bake last, and how should I store them?

These bars will happily keep in the fridge for up to a week if stored properly. Make sure to keep them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out or absorbing any fridge odors (onions and peanut butter do not mix!).

You can also freeze them for longer storage; just wrap them individually in plastic wrap before freezing.

Can I use a different kind of chocolate for the ganache topping?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite chocolate. Dark chocolate will give you a richer, more intense flavor, while milk chocolate will be sweeter and creamier. White chocolate is another great option for a super decadent treat.

Just make sure the chocolate is good quality for the best results think along the lines of using Cadbury's chocolate rather than the value stuff.

I don't have graham crackers. What can I use instead for the crust?

No graham crackers, no problem! Digestive biscuits (like McVitie's) make an excellent substitute. You could also use shortbread cookies or even crushed Oreo cookies (without the cream filling, unless you're feeling extra!).

Just make sure you adjust the amount of butter slightly depending on the dryness of your chosen biscuit. It's all about using what you've got and getting creative!