Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars Recipe

Chocolate peanut butter bars have been a staple in my recipe file since I've been able to cook. They taste just like peanut butter cups, a favorite candy of mine.

Plus, they are an easy no bake candy recipe to make for holidays and get togethers. These easy chocolate peanut butter bars are one of the first things that come to mind when I need a potluck recipe. Peanut butter bars always end up on either the Christmas menu or made for Easter.

Chocolate peanut butter bars are just hard to beat if you want a quick no bake candy recipe that is delicious and easy! Here's how to make a Chocolate Peanut Butter bars recipe- goodbye to paying for peanut butter cups forever!

2 c. each of confectioner's sugar and graham cracker crumbs (equivalent to 12 graham crackers)

c.  peanut butter (smooth or chunky peanut butter- I prefer chunky)

3/4 c. butter, melted

12 oz. milk chocolate chips

1/4 c. butter

4 tablespoons of peanut butter

Mix everything but the chocolate chips, 1/4 c. butter and 4 tablespoons of peanut butter together well in a large mixing bowl.

Spread the ingredients into a 9x9 pan. (A glass pan is best.) Place in refrigerator while doing the next step.

Melt the chocolate chips and rest of the butter and peanut butter in the microwave just for a few seconds. Or you can melt on the stove on low heat, stirring constantly.

Take the bottom layer out of the refrigerator. Then spread the melted mixture over top of the layer already in the 9x9 pan.

Refrigerate for an additional 10 minutes. Cut chocolate peanut butter bars into squares before it completely sets or the top chocolate layer will crack and crumble when you try.

Put back into refrigerator for at least 30 more minutes to set. If you forget to cut them in time, no problem. Just let them sit out until they come to room temperature and then cut them into chocolate peanut butter bar squares.

For best results, keep these refrigerated when they're not being gobbled up!

These chocolate peanut butter bars are so easy it's sinful. You will never buy peanut butter cups again. Enjoy, but try not to eat the whole pan in one sitting!

For a less sweet, more gourmet taste, try dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate. Or try a combination of different chocolate chips. Semi-sweet chocolate chips are also good.

You can reduce the fat content by using reduced fat peanut butter and graham crackers. I can't say how they will taste, though, as I've never tried it.

You could make a complete candy platter using just this candy recipe if you mix and match the chips- try butterscotch, cinnamon, white chocolate. Very versatile candy recipe!

Try adding toppings as well- crushed peanuts, coconut, chopped pecans, etc.

But if you're going for a famous peanut butter cups taste alike, stick to the original ingredients.

Besides being a no bake candy recipe, the great thing about making a chocolate peanut butter bars recipe is that they freeze great! Just make a big batch of chocolate peanut butter bars to keep in the freezer. Whenever an event comes up or you have unexpected company, they're ready to eat in just a bit!