Short Description
Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars are a decadent layered dessert featuring a crunchy graham cracker crust, a creamy peanut butter filling, and a smooth, rich chocolate ganache topping. These bars deliver the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors with a luscious texture that melts in your mouth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a dream come true for peanut butter and chocolate lovers alike. The combination of a buttery graham cracker crust with a velvety peanut butter layer topped by silky chocolate ganache creates a luxurious and satisfying treat. These bars are simple to prepare without baking, making them a convenient option for any occasion. The optional flaky sea salt adds a sophisticated finishing touch that enhances the flavor complexity.

Ingredients
For the Crust:
2 cups graham cracker crumbs (~14 sheets)
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup granulated sugar

For the Peanut Butter Layer:
1 cup creamy peanut butter
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Ganache:
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
½ cup heavy cream

Optional: Flaky sea salt for garnish

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions
Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar in a bowl until combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch pan. Chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to set the crust.

In a separate bowl, beat the creamy peanut butter and softened butter together until smooth and well combined. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the filling is creamy and thick. Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the chilled crust.

To prepare the chocolate ganache, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it is steaming but not boiling. Pour the hot cream over the semisweet chocolate chips and let it sit for 2 minutes. Stir gently until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy. Pour the ganache evenly over the peanut butter layer. If desired, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for garnish.

Refrigerate the assembled bars for at least 2 hours, or until the ganache is fully set. Once chilled, remove the bars from the pan and cut into squares for serving.

Servings and Timing
This recipe yields approximately 16 bars. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, plus at least 2 hours of chilling time.

Variations
Use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for added texture in the filling.

Swap the semisweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate or milk chocolate for different flavor profiles.

Add a layer of chopped peanuts on top of the peanut butter filling before adding ganache for extra crunch.

Substitute almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free alternative.

Drizzle caramel sauce over the ganache for an indulgent twist.

Storage/Reheating
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To maintain the best texture, serve chilled or allow the bars to sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving. These bars are not suitable for reheating as the ganache may lose its smooth consistency. For longer storage, bars can be frozen for up to two months; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQs
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or gluten-free cookie crumbs to make the crust gluten-free.

What if I don’t have a 9×9-inch pan?
You can use an 8×8-inch pan for thicker bars or a 9×13-inch pan for thinner bars; adjust chilling time accordingly.

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy?
Natural peanut butter can be used, but the filling may be less smooth due to oil separation. Stir well before mixing.

Is it possible to make the ganache dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free chocolate chips and substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative.

How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?
Ensure the crust is well chilled and firmly pressed into the pan before adding the peanut butter layer. Refrigerate promptly after assembling.

Can I prepare these bars in advance?
Yes, the bars can be prepared up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

What is the best way to cut the bars neatly?
Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and dried between cuts for clean slices.

Can I add other toppings?
Yes, toppings such as chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or additional sprinkles can be added before chilling the bars.

Can I use peanut butter powder instead of creamy peanut butter?
Peanut butter powder can be used but will require additional binding agents like butter or cream to achieve the right texture.

How should I store leftover bars?
Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and texture.

Conclusion
Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars offer an irresistible combination of textures and flavors that satisfy any sweet tooth. With a crisp graham cracker crust, creamy peanut butter filling, and rich chocolate ganache, this no-bake dessert is both easy to prepare and impressive to serve. Perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or simple indulgence, these bars can be customized to suit your taste and dietary preferences, making them a versatile addition to your dessert repertoire.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars

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Author: Olivia
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 20 minutes
Yield: About 16 bars
Category: Dessert
Method: No-bake, chilling
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in these rich and creamy Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars featuring a crunchy graham cracker crust, a luscious peanut butter layer, and a silky chocolate ganache topping. Perfectly balanced with a hint of sea salt, these bars are an irresistible no-bake treat for peanut butter and chocolate lovers alike.

Instructions

In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture firmly into a 9×9-inch pan. Chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
Beat the peanut butter and softened butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing well. Spread this peanut butter filling evenly over the chilled crust.
Heat the heavy cream until steaming but not boiling. Pour it over the semisweet chocolate chips and let sit for 2 minutes. Stir until smooth and glossy. Pour the ganache evenly over the peanut butter layer. Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top if desired.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until fully set. Slice into squares and serve.