With three children living at home, you be better believe we go through a lot of sweets. My kids love desserts and I’m happy to let them indulge after a great day of school and activities. I often don’t have a ton of time to bake during the week so I frequently turn to simple recipes like these No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars with Sea Salt. They come together so easily I don’t even have to turn on the oven!
The key to making this recipe go smoothly is setting out the ingredients before you get started. The recipe itself doesn’t really require much more than melting and stirring ingredients. It saves a lot of time when you have everything staged and ready to go! Then, get started, or put your kids to work, and slide in them in the fridge to chill.
Since these do require cooling time, I typically make them in the morning or late evening. This way they are ready to be cut and served after lunch or dinner, which is when everyone wants them! Sometimes I’ll serve these with vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
These bars really need to be stored in the fridge to keep their shape. I don’t recommend sending them to school in the lunchbox or transporting them for a snack. They don’t keep well that way and it will get very messy. You can, however, freeze them if they’re wrapped well in plastic and foil. When you’re ready to enjoy them, you can bring them back to room temperature by placing them on the countertop on a plate.
The best part about the flavor of these is that they really do taste like a few popular chocolate and peanut butter candy bars. In fact, I think they taste a lot better. If you’re having a party, you can cut these up into small squares and you’ve got a really yummy fancy dessert!
No Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars with Sea Salt
These are a really fun to make with kids because they don’t require the oven. My kids like them because they taste like a candy bar - but way better!
Makes 1 9x9 Pan
Ingredients:
For the Base:
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 graham crackers)
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups powdered sugar
For the Chocolate Topping:
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
Sea salt flakes, for sprinkling
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base by lining a 9x9-inch (or similar size) square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. In a food processor, pulse the graham crackers until they turn into fine crumbs. If you don't have a food processor, you can place the crackers in a sealed plastic bag and crush them using a rolling pin.
3. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the melted butter and 1 cup of peanut butter. Microwave in 20-30 second increments, stirring after each interval, until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Add the powdered sugar and graham cracker crumbs to the peanut butter mixture. Stir until everything is thoroughly combined.
Assemble the Bars:
5. Press the peanut butter mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. You can use the back of a spoon or your hands to firmly press it down.
6. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and the remaining 1/4 cup of peanut butter. Microwave in 20-30 second increments, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate and peanut butter are completely melted and smooth.
7. Pour the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the peanut butter base layer in the baking pan. Sprinkle sea salt flakes evenly over the top. The amount of sea salt is a matter of personal preference, but start with a small amount and adjust to your taste.
8. Place the pan in the refrigerator and let the bars set for at least 2-3 hours, or until the chocolate is firm. Once the bars have fully set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out of the pan. Place them on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or rectangles.
Keep any leftovers stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy!
Nikki Glekas is the owner of Nikki Glekas Events, a full-service catering and events company located in Stamford, CT.. To discuss further please contact team@nikkiglekascollective.com or call 203.658.8659.
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