Reese's Peanut Butter No Bake Bars – Top Recipe You’ll Love

Name: Reese's Peanut Butter No Bake Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup butter (melted); 2 cups graham cracker crumbs; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar; 1 cup peanut butter; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 (11 oz) bag milk chocolate chips

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Craving a decadent, chocolatey treat that comes together in minutes and doesn’t require turning on the oven? These Reese’s Peanut Butter No Bake Bars are a dream come true for dessert lovers. With layers of rich peanut butter and silky milk chocolate, this no-bake recipe captures everything you love about the classic candy — but in bar form. Whether you’re whipping up a last-minute party dessert or looking for a sweet snack, these bars are the perfect combination of creamy, sweet, salty, and indulgent.

Why You’ll Love These No Bake Bars

If you love no bake desserts, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. These Reese’s-inspired bars are incredibly easy to make, with just a few pantry staples and minimal prep. They’re great for summer when you want to avoid the heat of the oven, and perfect for busy weekdays or holiday trays. Plus, the flavor is pure comfort — rich, nutty, and sweet with that unmistakable chocolate-peanut butter combo.

These Reese’s Peanut Butter No Bake Bars are:

Perfect for beginners — no baking skills required
A quick and easy crowd-pleaser
Loaded with sweet peanut butter flavor
Made with everyday ingredients
Freezer-friendly and easy to store

What You’ll Need to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter No Bake Bars

Each ingredient in this no bake dessert plays a role in achieving that perfect texture and flavor reminiscent of a Reese’s cup.

Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the crust together
Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a crunchy, cookie-like base for structure
Brown Sugar: Enhances depth of flavor with a hint of molasses
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the peanut butter layer and adds a smooth texture
Peanut Butter: The star ingredient — creamy, nutty, and satisfying
Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic flavor
Milk Chocolate Chips: Melts into a silky topping that mimics the Reese’s chocolate coating

Ingredient Swaps & Easy Substitutions

Want to make these bars fit your dietary needs or use what you have on hand? Try these easy swaps:

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham crackers or crushed rice cereal for a similar base
Dairy-Free: Substitute vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips
Crunchy Peanut Butter: Adds texture to the creamy base for peanut lovers who enjoy a bit of crunch
Dark Chocolate Chips: For a more intense chocolate flavor and lower sugar content
Almond or Cashew Butter: Works well if you have peanut allergies but still want a rich nutty base

How to Make Reese’s Peanut Butter No Bake Bars

These bars come together in just four easy steps, and they chill quickly, making them ideal for fast preparation.

In a medium bowl, combine melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, powdered sugar, peanut butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and fully combined.
Press the peanut butter mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth the surface and pack it down tightly.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the milk chocolate chips at 50% power for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds until fully melted and smooth.
Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface. Refrigerate the bars for at least one hour to set. Once chilled, cut into squares and serve.

Tips for Perfect No Bake Peanut Butter Bars

Make your Reese’s Peanut Butter No Bake Bars even better with these tried-and-true tips:

Line your pan: Use parchment paper for easy removal and less cleanup
Don’t overheat the chocolate: Melting at 50% power prevents seizing or burning
Cut while cold: For clean edges, cut the bars directly after chilling, before they soften
Use room temperature peanut butter: It blends more easily with the other ingredients
Chill fully before serving: This helps the layers set and makes them easier to slice

Serving Ideas & Flavor Variations

Take your Reese’s Peanut Butter No Bake Bars to the next level with fun pairings and easy customizations.

Toppings: Sprinkle chopped peanuts, mini Reese’s pieces, or a drizzle of white chocolate before chilling
Make Ahead: These bars can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge
Freeze for later: Cut into squares, wrap in parchment, and freeze for up to 3 months
Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cayenne to the chocolate for a sweet and spicy flavor
Holiday version: Add festive sprinkles or candy cane bits during the holidays for a seasonal twist

A Dessert for Every Occasion

Whether it’s summer, the holiday season, or just a regular weekday, Reese’s Peanut Butter No Bake Bars hit the sweet spot. They’re indulgent yet simple, rich but not overwhelming, and endlessly customizable. These bars make great gifts, party treats, or afternoon pick-me-ups. And since they’re no bake, they’re a reliable go-to when you want something fast and fabulous without heating up the kitchen.

So if you’re looking for the best Reese’s Peanut Butter No Bake Bars, this recipe delivers classic flavor in an effortless package — a winning dessert that checks every box.

Conclusion

Reese’s Peanut Butter No Bake Bars are the ultimate answer to your dessert cravings — quick, indulgent, and irresistibly delicious. With their rich peanut butter base and silky chocolate topping, these bars hit all the right notes of sweet, salty, and satisfying. Whether you’re prepping a holiday treat tray, making a summer-friendly dessert, or just want a no-fuss recipe that always delivers, these bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Best of all, you can customize them to suit dietary needs or flavor preferences — no oven, no stress, just pure peanut butter bliss. So stock your pantry and get ready to enjoy the best no bake bars inspired by Reese’s!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do Reese’s Peanut Butter No Bake Bars last?

These bars stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 7 days when stored in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just wrap them individually in parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking.

Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?

You can, but keep in mind that natural peanut butter has a runnier consistency and may result in a softer bar. For best results, use a no-stir peanut butter with added oils for structure and texture. If using natural, consider adding a bit more powdered sugar to firm up the base.

What’s the best way to melt the chocolate without burning it?

Microwave the chocolate chips at 50% power in 30-second increments, stirring in between. This method ensures even melting and prevents the chocolate from seizing or burning. You can also use a double boiler for more control if preferred.

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