Heavenly Chocolate Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookie Bars Recipe

Dive into a world of decadent flavors with these chocolate peanut butter no-bake cookie bars that melt in your mouth.

Rich cocoa and creamy peanut butter create an irresistible combination that speaks to dessert lovers everywhere.

These no-fuss bars require zero oven time and deliver maximum satisfaction in every bite.

Smooth chocolate swirls meet nutty peanut butter in a dance of pure indulgence.

The recipe comes together faster than most desserts, making it perfect for spontaneous sweet cravings.

Minimal ingredients and simple steps mean you can whip up these delightful bars in under 15 minutes.

Grab your mixing bowl and get ready to experience a dessert that promises pure, unapologetic deliciousness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 276 kcal

Servings: 13

What You’ll Need for No-Bake Chocolate PB Bars

• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a smooth, cohesive texture that binds the ingredients together.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth consistency while enhancing flavor depth.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers intense chocolate flavor and contributes to the deep, decadent color of the bars.
• Whole Milk: Creates a silky smooth base and helps dissolve sugar evenly throughout the mixture.

• Creamy Peanut Butter: Brings nutty richness, provides protein, and acts as a natural binding agent for the cookie bars.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity and adds a subtle aromatic sweetness.
• Rolled Oats: Provides texture, creates structure, and adds a wholesome, hearty element to the no-bake bars.

• Chocolate Chips: Creates a glossy, decadent chocolate layer that adds luxurious visual appeal and extra chocolate intensity.
• Olive Oil: Helps create a smooth, glossy chocolate coating and ensures easy melting and spreading.
• Extra Peanut Butter: Allows for beautiful swirl design and adds an extra burst of nutty flavor on top.

Equipment for Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

• 8×8: Essential for creating the perfect bar shape and size.
• Parchment paper: Helps with easy removal and prevents sticking.
• Saucepan: Needed for melting and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Microwave-safe bowl: Perfect for melting chocolate chips.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Knife: Used for cutting clean, precise bars after chilling.

How to Assemble No-Bake PB Cookie Bars

• Kitchen Preparation

Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper, allowing edges to hang over for easy removal. Spray lightly with non-stick coating.

• Sweet Chocolate Base

Combine sugar, butter, cocoa powder, and milk in a saucepan. Heat gently, stirring until mixture becomes silky and integrated. Remove from heat.

• Creamy Mixture

Stir peanut butter and vanilla into the warm chocolate base until completely smooth. Fold in oats, ensuring even coating throughout.

• Initial Chilling

Press mixture firmly into prepared pan. Refrigerate for 10 minutes to help set the initial layer.

• Chocolate Topping

Melt chocolate chips with a touch of olive oil in short microwave bursts. Stir until glossy and completely liquid.

• Final Design

Pour melted chocolate over chilled base. Drop small dollops of peanut butter on top. Use a knife to create elegant swirl patterns.

• Complete Cooling

Refrigerate for 2-3 hours until bars are completely firm. Remove from refrigerator 10 minutes before cutting to soften slightly.

• Serving

Cut into neat squares using a warmed knife. Store in refrigerator between parchment layers to maintain texture and prevent sticking.

Variations on Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

• Swap peanut butter with almond or cashew butter for unique flavor profiles and dietary preferences.
• Mix in chia seeds, hemp hearts, or protein powder to increase protein content and add extra nutrients to the base mixture.
• Fold in crushed pretzels, toasted coconut flakes, or chopped nuts for added crunch and interesting textural elements.
• Drizzle white chocolate, use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate, or sprinkle sea salt for gourmet finishing touches that elevate the dessert's complexity.
• Reduce sugar content by using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, and adjust to personal taste preferences while maintaining the recipe's core structure.

Store No-Bake Bars to Keep Them Perfect

• Store Smartly: Keep bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for maximum freshness, lasting up to 7 days.
• Freeze for Extended Enjoyment: Individually wrap bars in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container to maintain quality for 3 months.
• Prevent Sticking Technique: Insert parchment paper between layers when stacking to avoid bars clumping together during storage.
• Room Temperature Serving: Remove bars from refrigerator 10-15 minutes before enjoying, allowing chocolate to soften slightly for optimal texture and flavor release.

Serving Chocolate PB Bars Right

• Pair with Cold Beverages: Complement these rich bars with a glass of cold milk, creamy chocolate almond milk, or refreshing iced coffee to balance the sweet and dense texture.
• Create a Dessert Platter: Arrange the bars alongside fresh berries, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an elegant and indulgent presentation that elevates the dessert experience.
• Pack for Lunch Treats: Wrap individual bars in parchment paper for easy transport, making them perfect for school lunches, picnics, or midday office snacks that provide a delightful energy boost.
• Garnish with Extra Flair: Sprinkle crushed peanuts, sea salt flakes, or chocolate shavings on top to add a professional touch and enhance the visual appeal and flavor complexity of the bars.

Sinful Chocolate Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookie Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Indulgent chocolate peanut butter no-bake cookie bars harmonize rich cocoa with creamy peanut butter in a simple, no-oven dessert. Quick preparation and minimal ingredients make these bars a delightful treat that you can enjoy without complex baking skills.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup + 2 tablespoons (281g) natural peanut butter, room temperature
• 2 ¼ cups (230g) quick oats
• 1 cup (210g) white granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons (85g) plant-based butter (or regular butter)
• 6 tablespoons (75g) almond milk (or regular milk)
• ¾ cup (135g) semi-sweet chocolate chips (dairy-free if needed)
• 3 tablespoons (15g) Dutched cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter, room temperature
• ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1–2 teaspoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper, ensuring overhanging edges for easy removal. Lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Base Creation: In a medium saucepan, merge granulated sugar, unsalted butter, unsweetened cocoa powder, and whole milk over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture transforms into a smooth, homogeneous liquid without reaching a boil.
3. Flavor Infusion: Remove from heat and incorporate creamy peanut butter and pure vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture achieves a uniform, glossy consistency.
4. Oat Integration: Fold rolled oats into the liquid mixture, ensuring complete and even coating of each oat.
5. Pan Preparation: Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan, pressing firmly with a spatula to create a compact, level surface. Refrigerate briefly to help set the base.
6. Chocolate Topping: Melt semi-sweet chocolate chips with olive oil in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in short intervals and stirring until achieving a smooth, glossy texture.
7. Decorative Finish: Pour melted chocolate over the chilled base, spreading evenly. Drop small peanut butter dollops across the surface and create decorative swirls using a toothpick or knife.
8. Chilling and Setting: Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours to ensure complete solidification.
9. Serving: Remove from refrigerator and let rest at room temperature for 10 minutes. Using a hot, dried knife, cut into precise squares.
10. Storage: Serve immediately or store in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Refrigerate for up to one week.

Notes

• Prevent Burning: Stir continuously while heating sugar mixture to avoid scorching and ensure smooth, even texture.
• Chocolate Melting Trick: Use short microwave intervals and stir between each burst to achieve glossy, perfectly melted chocolate without burning.
• Cutting Technique: Warm knife under hot water and dry completely before slicing to create clean, professional-looking bar edges.
• Storage Wisdom: Place parchment paper between layers when storing to prevent bars from sticking together and maintain their beautiful appearance.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 276
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 80mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 0mg