Irresistible No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars: Your Easy 5-Ingredient Recipe!
Craving an indulgent dessert without the hassle of baking? These **No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars with Chocolate Ganache and a decorative Peanut Butter Swirl** are the ultimate answer to your sweet tooth! Not only are they incredibly simple and quick to prepare, but they are also a dream come true for anyone looking for **Flourless Candy Bars** made with **No Eggs**, **No Oven**, and a minimal **5 Ingredients**! Get ready to impress with these effortlessly decadent treats.
Why You’ll Adore These No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars
There’s something truly magical about a fantastic **No-Bake Peanut Butter Dessert**. From Peanut Butter Energy Balls to No Bake Peanut Butter Cookies, anything with peanut butter as the star ingredient always seems to hit the spot, especially when no baking is involved. Peanut butter provides a rich, creamy base that’s perfect for creating fuss-free treats that set beautifully in the fridge.
Now, imagine that incredible peanut butter goodness perfectly paired with rich, melted chocolate. That’s a winning combination in my book, much like my popular Chocolate Peanut Butter Muffins. But these bars take it a step further. We’re adding a delightful crunch with **cornflakes**, creating a symphony of textures that’s hard to resist: deliciously crunchy, satisfyingly chewy, wonderfully soft, and ultimately decadent. This irresistible blend of textures and flavors is so good, I’ve even transformed it into luxurious Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls!
This unique **No Bake Cornflake Recipe with Peanut Butter and Chocolate** is not just an easy dessert; it’s a versatile sweet snack perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re looking for a quick morning pick-me-up, an afternoon tea treat, or an all-day indulgence, these bars are guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Plus, the fact that they are flourless, egg-free, and oven-free makes them incredibly accessible for various dietary needs and skill levels.
Simple Ingredients for Remarkable Flavor
What truly sets these **Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars** apart is their incredible simplicity. This recipe **only requires 5 essential ingredients**, making it a fantastic choice for beginner bakers or anyone looking for a quick dessert. With basic pantry staples you likely already have, these bars are not just easy to make but also budget-friendly. Forget about flour and eggs – we’re going for pure, unadulterated deliciousness with minimal fuss!
For the Crunchy Peanut Butter Base
The foundation of these delightful bars is a rich, crunchy peanut butter layer. Unlike many no-bake peanut butter bar recipes that rely on Graham Crackers, ours features a unique twist: **Cornflakes**! This clever substitution not only makes them accessible (especially in regions where graham crackers are hard to find) but also introduces an unbelievably satisfying crunch to the base layer. The texture is simply divine.
To create this irresistible peanut butter layer, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Cornflakes: These are the secret to our amazing crunch. For those with dietary restrictions, ensure you use Gluten-Free certified cornflakes if needed. Their light, crispy texture creates a fantastic contrast to the creamy peanut butter.
- Unsalted Butter: Butter provides richness and helps bind the base together. If you’re a fan of that classic sweet and savory flavor profile, feel free to use salted butter instead – it perfectly complements the peanut butter and chocolate!
- Peanut Butter: I typically opt for a smooth, creamy peanut butter for a uniform base texture. However, if you’re chasing even more crunch, a crunchy peanut butter would be an excellent choice and add another layer of textural excitement. Make sure to use a good quality, natural peanut butter for the best flavor.
- Icing Sugar: Also known as powdered sugar, this fine sugar dissolves easily without heat, making it ideal for no-bake recipes. It provides the perfect level of sweetness and helps create a smooth, consistent base mixture.
For the Decadent Chocolate Layer and Swirl
Only two simple ingredients are needed to create the luxurious topping that seals the deal on these bars:
- Dark Cooking Chocolate: For a balanced sweetness that doesn’t overwhelm, I prefer a 70% Dark Cooking Chocolate. The slight bitterness of dark chocolate beautifully contrasts the sweetness of the peanut butter base.
- Peanut Butter: A small amount of smooth peanut butter is reserved to create that beautiful, eye-catching swirl on top. Using smooth peanut butter here ensures a clean, artistic pattern.
Making Them Your Own: Ingredient Substitutions and Dietary Adaptations
Another fantastic aspect of this recipe is its incredible versatility. It’s very forgiving, allowing for easy substitutions of ingredients and tools, and you’ll still end up with a wonderfully delicious sweet treat. This recipe is also naturally accommodating for various dietary requirements, as it’s already made without flour or eggs, making it simpler to adapt further.
- Cornflakes: While cornflakes provide a unique crunch, you can certainly experiment with other crushed breakfast cereals like Rice Krispies for a lighter texture, or even crushed Digestive biscuits or shortbread for a denser, more cookie-like base. Remember that using different cereals or biscuits might alter the final crunch level and overall sweetness, so adjust to your preference.
- Butter: To make this recipe completely dairy-free and/or vegan, simply swap out the unsalted butter for a high-quality plant-based butter alternative or solid coconut oil. Both options work well in terms of texture, though coconut oil may impart a subtle coconut flavor, which can be a lovely addition!
- Peanut Butter: Eager to try a different flavor? This recipe shines with various nut butters! You could easily make these bars with creamy Almond Butter, rich Cashew Butter, or even sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option (always check for cross-contamination if allergies are severe). For an unexpected savory twist, some even enjoy using Tahini, though it will give a distinct, earthy flavor profile.
- Icing Sugar: While some no-bake recipes use liquid sweeteners like maple syrup or honey, I strongly recommend sticking with icing sugar (powdered sugar) for this specific recipe. I have not personally tested this with liquid sweeteners, and they can significantly alter the consistency of the base, potentially making it too sticky or not setting correctly. Icing sugar ensures the perfect texture and sweetness without adding excess moisture.
- Dark Chocolate: My personal preference leans towards the deep flavor of 70% Dark Chocolate, as it beautifully balances the sweetness of the peanut butter base. However, if you prefer a less intense chocolate flavor, feel free to use a milder dark cooking chocolate (like 50-60% cocoa solids) or even switch to milk chocolate. If you’re looking for a genuinely “sweet” sweet treat, milk chocolate can be a great option, though it might make the bars considerably sweeter overall.
If you’re a true fan of the classic peanut butter and chocolate pairing, don’t miss out on my Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Blondie Bars for another delightful treat!
Crafting Perfection: How to Make No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars (No Graham Crackers Needed!)
While many recipes for **peanut butter no-bake bars** traditionally call for Graham Crackers, this recipe takes a delicious detour. Since Graham Crackers can be difficult to source in many parts of the world (like Australia, for instance!), we’ve opted for cornflakes, and the result is equally, if not more, delightful! Despite the ingredient swap, the preparation method remains wonderfully straightforward, making it accessible to everyone.
The entire process can be summarized into three simple, main steps, each designed for ease and efficiency:
- Prepare the crunchy cornflake peanut butter base and allow it to chill until firm.
- Evenly cover the chilled base with a layer of smooth, melted chocolate.
- Add a decorative touch with a beautiful peanut butter swirl pattern.
Step-by-Step: The Crunchy Cornflakes Peanut Butter Layer
Creating the foundational layer is a breeze, promising that satisfying crunch in every bite:
- First, you’ll need to prepare your Cornflakes. There are a couple of ways to achieve the right consistency. You can manually crush them by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and using a rolling pin, which is a great stress reliever! However, for the quickest and most consistent results, I highly recommend using a **food processor**.
When using a food processor, blend for about 1 to 2 minutes, aiming for small, visible crumbs. The key is to avoid over-processing; you don’t want a fine powder, as this will reduce the desired crunch factor. Conversely, don’t under-blend, or the larger pieces of cornflake will make your bars difficult to slice cleanly. A medium crumb size is perfect for that ideal balance of crunch and structure.
- Next, in a separate, microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler, gently melt the Unsalted Butter and the main portion of Peanut Butter together. Stir the mixture until it’s completely smooth and well combined. Once melted, whisk in the Icing Sugar until there are no lumps and the mixture is uniform.
- Finally, add your perfectly crushed Cornflakes to this luscious liquid mixture. Stir everything together thoroughly until the cornflakes are completely coated in the peanut butter mixture.
- Once your delicious peanut butter batter is ready, carefully pour it into your prepared baking tray. I typically use a 20x30cm (8x12inch) brownie pan lined with baking paper, but you can use a slightly smaller pan if you prefer thicker bars. Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly across the bottom of the pan – it should be relatively pliable and spread easily.
- To ensure a compact and even base, gently tap the pan a few times against a hard surface. This helps release any trapped air bubbles and settles the mixture. Then, transfer the pan to the **fridge** to chill. Allow it to set for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the peanut butter layer is firm to the touch. This firm base is crucial for the next step.
Adding the Silky Smooth Dark Chocolate Layer
Once your peanut butter base is perfectly firm, it’s time for the glorious chocolate topping. Melting chocolate correctly is key to a smooth, glossy finish:
- The most reliable way to melt chocolate is over a **double boiler** (also known as a ‘bain-marie’). To set this up, bring a small amount of water to a gentle boil in a saucepan. Finely chop your cooking chocolate and place it in a heat-proof bowl that fits snugly over the saucepan, ensuring the bottom of the bowl does *not* touch the simmering water. Stir continuously until the chocolate is completely melted and beautifully smooth. This method provides gentle, even heat, preventing the chocolate from seizing or burning.
- Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate in the **microwave**, but extreme care is needed to prevent burning. Place the chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short bursts (e.g., 30 seconds at a time), stirring thoroughly after each interval. Continue this until the chocolate is almost entirely melted, with just a few small lumps remaining. Then, remove it from the microwave and let the residual heat melt the rest, stirring until perfectly smooth. This gentle approach helps prevent overheating.
Once your chocolate is flawlessly liquid and smooth, retrieve your chilled peanut butter base from the fridge. Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the top of the set peanut butter layer. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread the chocolate across the entire surface, creating an even, uniform layer.
The Art of the Peanut Butter Swirl
The final touch is the elegant Peanut Butter Swirl, which adds a beautiful visual appeal to your bars. While this step is entirely optional – you could simply mix the reserved peanut butter directly into the melted chocolate for a marbled effect, or even omit it if you prefer a pure chocolate topping – I highly recommend it for that extra flair!
To create this stunning pattern, take your reserved smooth peanut butter and drop small dollops of it over the melted chocolate layer while it’s still warm and fluid. The warmth of the chocolate will allow the peanut butter to soften slightly, making it easier to work with.
Then, grab a skewer or a small, thin knife. Gently drag it through the peanut butter dollops and into the chocolate, creating delicate swirls and patterns. Be creative! You can make circles, zigzags, or abstract designs. This technique yields a professional and appetizing finish.
Lastly, return the entire tray to the fridge to set completely. This final chilling period, typically 1 to 1.5 hours (depending on the thickness of your chocolate layer), is essential for the chocolate to harden and for the bars to become sliceable. Once fully set, your irresistible **No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars** are ready to be cut and enjoyed!
Recipe FAQs: Tips for Success
These delicious no-bake bars are best kept refrigerated as they contain butter and chocolate, which can soften quickly at room temperature. The good news is that when properly stored, they will stay fresh and firm in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, or even longer! To maintain their quality and prevent them from absorbing any unwanted odors from your fridge, make sure to cover them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or store them in an airtight container.
While it might be tempting to freeze a batch for later, I do not recommend freezing these particular bars. Freezing can alter their delightful texture significantly, often resulting in them becoming soggy or losing their desired crunchiness upon thawing. For the best experience, enjoy them fresh from the fridge!
For perfectly neat and clean slices, there are a couple of tricks. First, ensure your bars are thoroughly chilled and firm before cutting. Second, run a sharp knife under hot water, wipe it dry, and then make your cut. Re-warm and wipe the knife between each slice for the cleanest edges. This helps the knife glide through the chocolate without cracking it and prevents the peanut butter base from sticking.
For the base, a creamy, natural peanut butter (the kind that only lists peanuts and salt as ingredients) works wonderfully, providing rich flavor and good binding. If you use a very oily, “drippy” natural peanut butter, you might need to slightly reduce the butter amount in the base. For the swirl, definitely use smooth peanut butter for the best, most artistic pattern. Avoid highly processed peanut butter with added sugars and oils if possible, as it can make the base too sweet and affect the texture.
Explore More No-Bake Delights!
If you’ve fallen in love with the ease and deliciousness of these no-bake bars, you’re in for a treat! Here are a few more fantastic no-bake peanut butter desserts and other easy sweet treats to inspire your next kitchen adventure:
- Salted Caramel Oat Squares from Tastes of Homemade: A delightful combination of sweet caramel and hearty oats, all without turning on your oven.
- Cranberry Oat No Bake Bars from Spabettie: A healthier, fruity twist on the no-bake concept, perfect for a quick snack.
- Vegan No Bake Mango Cheesecake: A tropical and creamy dessert that’s surprisingly easy and utterly refreshing.
- Raw Crispy Chocolate Cups: Simple, satisfying chocolate cups with a delightful crispy texture, made with minimal effort.
- No Bake Blueberry Tartlets: Individual-sized fruity tarts that require no baking and burst with fresh blueberry flavor.
- Raw Raspberry Cheesecake Cups: A vibrant and healthy cheesecake alternative, packed with fresh raspberries and a delightful creamy texture.
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Recipe Card
No Bake Peanut Butter Bars with Chocolate
Print Recipe
Ingredients
Crunchy Peanut Butter Layer
- 150 gr (3 1/2 cups) Cornflakes
- 120 gr (1/2 cup) Unsalted Butter
- 240 gr (1 cup) Smooth Peanut Butter
- 50 gr (1/3 cup) Icing Sugar, or Powdered Sugar
Chocolate Layer
- 200 gr (7oz) Dark Cooking Chocolate
- 30 gr (2 tbsp) Smooth Peanut Butter, or to taste
Instructions
Crunchy Peanut Butter Layer
- Line a rectangular baking tray (1) with baking paper and set aside (2).
- Place the Cornflakes in your food processor and blend for 1 to 2 minutes to get small crumbs (3).
- In a separate bowl, melt together the Unsalted Butter and Peanut Butter. Whisk in the Icing Sugar, then add the Cornflakes. Stir until combined.
- Pour the mixture in the baking pan and evenly spread – it will be relatively liquid and should spread easily.
- Tap the bottom of the pan a few times against a hard surface to remove any air bubbles then Place in the fridge to set for 1 to 1,5 hours, or until hard.
Chocolate Layer
- When the peanut butter layer has set, start preparing the chocolate layer. Thinly chop the Cooking Chocolate and place in a heat-proof bowl. Melt on a double boiler until smooth (4).
- Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and use an offset spatula to spread it evenly.
- Drop small dollops of peanut butter over the melted chocolate, then use a skewer (or knife) to mix the chocolate and peanut butter together and create a swirl pattern.
- Place back in the fridge to set for 1 to 1,5 hours, or until the chocolate has hardened. Keep refrigerated.
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Notes
- I used a 20x30cm (8x12inch) brownie pan – you can use a square pan too, the layers will just have a different thickness.
- To make sure the baking paper does not move, grease the pan with some oil to use as a ‘glue’. I also cut the baking paper into a cross shape to keep clean edges.
- Make sure you do not blend the cornflakes so much that it turns into a powder – you still want small crumbs to create a crunchy texture. If the cornflakes are not blended enough though, it will be hard to slice the bars.
- You can also melt the chocolate in the microwave, but be careful not to burn it. To do so, stop every 30 seconds to stir until a few unmelted bits are left. Leave the rest to melt at room temperature with the residual heat.
Nutrition (per serving)