There is just something so comforting about a dessert that comes together without the fuss of turning on the oven, isn’t there? When life gets busy, I need treats that feel homemade but don’t demand my full attention—those quiet kitchen successes that are ready when I am. That’s why no-bake recipes hold such a special place in my heart, and these No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Squares are the absolute best of that bunch! They’re rich, they’re creamy, and they deliver that classic, nostalgic flavor combination we all crave. They bake up beautifully, just like my recipe for no-bake Oreo balls, but with that essential peanut buttery punch.
These squares came to be during those busy days when I needed something sweet ready for unexpected company. I’m Emma Laurent, founder here at Sena Recipes, and growing up, simple, memory-making food was always key in my family. This recipe represents that philosophy perfectly: zero baking needed, maximum comfort delivered. It’s the shortcut to pure homemade dessert joy!
Why These No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Squares Are a Must-Try
If you’re looking for that perfect, satisfying treat without any oven drama, stop searching! These No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Squares are seriously dependable. They are incredibly rich, thanks to that thick peanut butter base layer, and they always cut cleanly if you follow my chilling tip. It’s a fantastic, trustworthy recipe for any time you need homemade goodness without the sweat.
- Perfectly creamy base paired with smooth, melting chocolate on top.
- No mixer required—just a bowl and a spoon!
- A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for potlucks or spontaneous cravings.
You can find slightly different takes on these bars, like my easy banana chocolate chip muffins, but sometimes you just need that specific chocolate and peanut butter combo.
Quick Dessert Recipes Ready in Under Two Hours
Trust me, the prep work here is lightning fast—maybe fifteen minutes total! Active time flies by, and since they chill so nicely, you can have these ready for an evening treat. They really are among the best Quick Dessert Recipes out there.
Simple Dessert Recipes Using Few Ingredients
We are using basic pantry staples here, which is why I love them so much. They fall under the category of Simple Dessert Recipes, making them one of the best Easy Desserts With Few Ingredients you can whip up.
Gathering Ingredients for Perfect No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Squares
Okay, this is the fun part because it involves so few things! You don’t need specialized baking equipment or hard-to-find extracts for these No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Squares. It all comes down to just a handful of staples that combine to make something spectacularly rich. My tip? Make sure your peanut butter is smooth—none of that natural stuff that separates unless you want a slightly textured base!
We’re mixing up the glorious base first, and then we’re whipping up a luscious chocolate blanket to sit right on top. It’s beautifully straightforward.
Base Layer Ingredients
For that sturdy, buttery, sweet layer, you’ll need these items ready to go:
- 115g / 1/2 cup / 1 US stick salted butter, melted (This gets mixed in right away!)
- 1 cup crushed Arnott’s Marie crackers or graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup icing sugar / powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup smooth peanut butter
Chocolate Topping Ingredients
Next up are the two stars that make the topping so glossy and divine. Remember to use good quality chocolate chips here; they really make a difference!
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp smooth peanut butter (This gets stirred right into the melted chocolate!)
Expert Tips for Making the Best No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Squares
Even though these No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Squares don’t see the inside of an oven, there are still a few little secrets to making them absolutely legendary, not just good. The biggest hurdle people face is getting that topping smooth and making sure the final square cuts like a dream. My usual method for handling cookie dough, which you can check out if you ever need baking inspiration like my Crumbl cookie recipe, involves getting the textures just right—and that principle applies here too!
You want a base that holds together firmly without being crumbly when you slice it. It’s all about that perfect press into the pan. If you press too lightly, you get loose crumbs everywhere when cutting!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
We use salted butter because that tiny bit of salt really kicks the sweetness up a notch, but if you only have unsalted on hand, don’t panic! Just add about a quarter teaspoon of salt right into the base mixture. And please, when melting that chocolate for the top layer, don’t overdo it in the microwave. Those quick 30-second bursts are key, otherwise, your chocolate might seize up on you. We want smooth, luscious chocolate!
Step-by-Step Instructions for No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Squares
Okay, let’s get these No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Squares put together! This is where the magic happens quickly. Since we aren’t waiting for an oven to preheat, we can move right along. I’ve adapted the official instructions slightly here just to give you a better sense of the flow, making sure everything settles nicely. If you’re looking for other quick fixes, check out my guide on making apple caramel and walnut tartlets for inspiration!
Preparing the Pan and Base Mixture
First things first: you need a resting spot for your delicious creation! Take your 8-inch square dish and line it completely with baking paper, leaving an overhang on two sides. This overhang is your built-in handle for lifting the whole thing out later—trust me on this one; it saves so much frustration.
Now for the base! In a good solid bowl, combine your melted butter, the crushed crackers, the icing sugar, and that big scoop of peanut butter. Mix it all up until it looks uniform—it will be thick. Scoop this mixture into your prepared pan. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a measuring cup to press this base down *firmly* and evenly across the bottom. You want it totally flat and packed tight!
Creating and Setting the Chocolate Topping
Time for the beautiful chocolate layer. We only use the microwave for this because we don’t want to waste energy heating up the whole house! Combine your chocolate chips and the final two tablespoons of peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave it in short, safe bursts—thirty seconds at a time. Stir well between each burst. Don’t rush this; you want it totally smooth and glossy before you pour.
Gently pour that melted topping right over your peanut butter base. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it evenly across the top. You can make it perfectly flat or give it a little swirl texture if you’re feeling artistic. Either way, it looks amazing.
Chilling, Cutting, and Serving
This waiting time is the hardest part! Pop the pan into the refrigerator. You need these squares to chill out for about an hour and a half, minimum, so they become firm enough to handle. Don’t try to rush this step, or you’ll end up with peanut butter goo everywhere!
When it’s time to serve, take the pan out and let it sit on the counter for about ten minutes. This is my crucial final step: letting them warm *just* slightly makes the cold chocolate topping cut cleanly, rather than cracking or shattering. Lift the slab out using the paper edges, place it on a cutting board, and slice it into 16 perfect squares. They are best served at room temperature so that peanut butter center is soft again!
Serving Suggestions for These Homemade Desserts
While these squares are perfect all on their own—truly, they need nothing more!—presentation can make them feel extra special, especially when serving them to guests. Since these are such satisfying Homemade Desserts, they pair really well with something light and contrasting. I love serving them next to something bright, like my strawberry tartlets recipe, just for visual contrast!
Try serving one square alongside a small dollop of fresh whipped cream or a few sliced strawberries for a pop of color. A tiny drizzle of caramel sauce over the chocolate can also elevate the look instantly. Or maybe just stack them high on a pretty platter with a strong cup of coffee. Perfect!
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips for No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Squares
I always make a double batch of these No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Squares because I know they won’t last long, but storing them is super easy, which is a huge bonus for a make-ahead dessert! Since there’s no egg or flour structure needing fresh baking, they hold up incredibly well in the fridge. This makes them my secret weapon for planning ahead before a big party or holiday gathering.
You must keep them airtight, though! If you leave them uncovered, that creamy peanut butter base can start to absorb whatever odors are floating around your fridge—nobody wants chocolate squares that taste faintly of last night’s leftover broccoli!
For keeping them fresh for the week, I layer mine in an airtight container. Put a sheet of wax paper between layers of the cut squares. They stay wonderfully fudgy and firm in the refrigerator for up to five days. Honestly, they taste even better on day two once everything has fully settled.
And yes, you can totally freeze them! If you’re making a huge batch, wrap the whole slab (or individual squares) tightly in plastic wrap first, then wrap that package in foil or stick it in a quality freezer bag. They freeze beautifully for about two months. When you want one, just pull it out and let it thaw on the counter for about thirty minutes before slicing or eating. It’s just like my raspberry cake roll—perfect straight from the cold!
Frequently Asked Questions About Simple Dessert Recipes
I get so many thoughtful questions about these squares because they are so easy, people always wonder if they are missing something! But nope, these are one of the most reliable and Simple Dessert Recipes I have! Here are a few things I hear most often about making these No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Squares.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter in this recipe?
You totally can, but if you do, just know the texture of the base layer will change! Smooth peanut butter gives you that wonderfully uniform, almost truffle-like base. Crunchy peanut butter will give you little pockets of texture throughout the base—which some people love! If you prefer that classic, melt-in-your-mouth smoothness, stick to smooth, but feel free to experiment if you’re feeling wild!
What is the best way to cut these squares cleanly?
This is the biggest challenge in any bar recipe, baked or no-bake! The secret is letting them get really firm in the fridge—at least an hour and a half—and then letting them sit on the counter for about ten minutes before slicing. If you try to cut them rock-hard from the fridge, the topping cracks. A gentle warm-up softens the chocolate just enough for a nice, clean cut into those 16 squares.
Are these Easy Desserts For A Crowd friendly?
Oh my goodness, yes! These things disappear immediately at gatherings. They are one of my go-to Easy Desserts For A Crowd because the recipe yields 16 satisfying squares, and they transport so well in a covered container. They’re perfect for bake sales, potlucks, or just when you need a big batch of homemade sweets ready quickly!
If you love easy chocolate fixes, you should also check out my recipe for chocolate peppermint bread—it’s another simple winner!
Nutritional Estimates for No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Squares
Now, I always say these squares are pure comfort food, so we don’t focus too much on the numbers! But since I know some of you like to track things, here is a general estimate based on the ingredients we used. Please remember this is just a rough guide—actual counts depend on the specific brand of crackers or chocolate chips you choose. For one square, you’re looking at around 250 calories and 22 grams of carbohydrates. Enjoying one of these homemade treats is always worth it, just like when I bake up my Oreo Balls!
Share Your Experience Making These Easy Dessert Ideas
That’s it—you’re officially done! Tell me all about your results! I absolutely love seeing your creations when you make these ridiculously easy No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Squares. Please hop down into the comments below and let me know how they turned out for you, or if you tried to sneak a piece before they chilled! If you’re always looking for more of these simple wins, I share tons of tasty Easy Dessert Ideas on my pages. Don’t forget to stop by my About Us page to learn more about how Sena Recipes started!
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No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Squares
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 min
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Make these rich, no-bake peanut butter chocolate squares for a quick, comforting dessert that requires no oven time. They feature a creamy peanut butter base topped with smooth chocolate.
Ingredients
- 115g / 1/2 cup / 1 US stick salted butter, melted
- 1 cup crushed Arnott’s Marie crackers or graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup icing sugar / powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp smooth peanut butter
Instructions
- Butter and line an 8″ / 20cm square dish or pan with baking paper.
- Place the base ingredients in a bowl and mix until combined. Press this mixture into the prepared pan.
- Melt the topping ingredients in the microwave in two 30-second bursts. Pour and spread the melted topping over the base. Smooth the top or create swirls.
- Refrigerate until the squares set, which takes about 1 1/2 hours.
- Remove from the fridge and let the squares warm slightly to room temperature so the top cuts cleanly. Cut into 16 squares. Serve at room temperature.
Notes
- If you use unsalted butter, add 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the base mixture.
- Use dark chocolate chips suitable for melting.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 5 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Squares, Quick Dessert Recipes, Easy Desserts With Few Ingredients, Simple Dessert Recipes, Homemade Desserts, Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars