No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars Recipe
These peanut butter candy bars are no-bake, easy, loaded with bold peanut butter flavor, and plenty of chocolate. There’s both a layer of melted chocolate and assorted candy bar pieces adorn the top. If you need a way to use up that random assortment of Halloween (or Christmas, Valentine’s, Easter, etc.) candy that you have on hand, these peanut butter chocolate bars are perfect. Snickers, Milky Way, Payday, you name it, use it up. The bars are super soft, very dense, and chewy, and they’re total comfort food for me. Caramely, peanut buttery, brown sugary goodness. Trust me when I say I prefer a cereal bar like a Rice Krispies Treat or a Special K Bar over a fancy cupcake and I couldn’t stop eating these. Make them in advance for parties, afternoon snacks, or desserts, and they’re sure to be an instant hit!
What’s in Peanut Butter Candy Bars?
To make these no-bake chocolate peanut butter bars, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients including:
And my chewy peanut butter and chocolate cereal bars are soft, extra chewy, rich, dense, peanut buttery, and smothered in chocolate with more peanut butter swirled in, making for the perfect bar.
Creamy peanut butter – Although I love making homemade peanut butter, I don’t recommend using it in these no-bake peanut butter bars. You’ll need to use creamy peanut butter from a brand like Jif, Skippy, or similar. Crunchy peanut butter will not work
Corn syrup – This is my secret to the perfect chewy texture. Make sure to use light-colored corn syrup, not the dark stuff, or the bars will be far too dark Granulated sugar Light brown sugar Vanilla extract Special K cereal – Some people prefer to use graham crackers, using a rolling pin to smash them into pieces, but the bars won’t be nearly as thick or crunchy Semi-sweet chocolate chips Bite-sized candy bar pieces – Feel free to use any candy pieces you like best such as Resse’s peanut butter cups, Kit Kats, Snickers, etc.
Note: Scroll down to the recipe card section of the post for the ingredients with amounts included and for more complete directions.
How to Make Peanut Butter Candy Bars
You won’t believe how easy these bars are to make! With no need to turn the oven on, you just mix, layer, and enjoy. Here’s an overview of the process:
More No-Bake Desserts:
Tried this recipe? Leave a review! Consider leaving a 5 star rating if you’ve made and loved one of my recipes! Chocolate Peanut Butter Kit Kat Crunch Bars — If you like KitKats you’ll love these easy, no-bake bars that are topped with a thick layer of them! Along with more chocolate and peanut butter! Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls — EASY, NO-BAKE chocolate peanut butter balls that are a holiday favorite! They have it all: Salty, sweet, crunchy, with chocolate and peanut butter! Great for cookie exchanges or impromptu parties! No-Bake Peanut Butter Marshmallow Cereal Bars — Peanut butter with marshmallows and cereal is a gooey, chewy, wonderful combination! Peanut Chewy Payday Bars — Like the famous Payday candy bars but homemade always tastes better! Easy and almost no-bake! White Chocolate-Dipped Oreo Cookie Balls — This Oreo balls recipe uses just 4 simple ingredients! If you’re looking for an easy no-bake dessert for cookie swaps or gift exchanges, this is it! Holiday Special K Bars — Super chewy, gooey, FAST, easy, no-bake cereal bars loaded with peanut butter, chocolate, and sprinkles! Like scotcheroos but with Special K! Great for impromptu hostess gifts or cookie exchanges because they’re irresistible! Chocolate Peanut Butter Stacks — If you need a ridiculously easy, no-bake dessert for a party, holiday cookie exchange, or just have a spur-of-the-moment craving for chocolate and peanut butter, this is a perfect recipe.
