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Easy No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars for Labor Day

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These no-bake peanut butter bars are the perfect Labor Day dessert—creamy, crunchy, salty, sweet, and completely satisfying. Made with simple pantry ingredients and no oven required, they’re a crowd-pleaser that will convert even the most stubborn no-bake skeptics.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 14–15 full sheets, crushed finely)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter (standard brand like Jif or Skippy)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk (optional, if filling is too thick)
  • 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening (optional)

Instructions

  1. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two opposite sides.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir until mixture resembles wet sand. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan using the bottom of a measuring cup or flat glass. Refrigerate while making the filling.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and creamy peanut butter with an electric hand mixer on medium speed until smooth, about 1 minute. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Mix on low speed, then increase to medium and beat until light, fluffy, and holds together. If too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons milk; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.
  4. Remove crust from fridge. Spoon peanut butter filling over crust and spread evenly with a spatula, going to the edges. Return pan to fridge while making topping.
  5. In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, 2 tablespoons peanut butter, and coconut oil (if using). Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and fully melted (about 90 seconds total). Let cool for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Pour melted chocolate over peanut butter layer and spread evenly. Tap pan on counter to release air bubbles.
  7. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably 4 hours or overnight, until fully set.
  8. Use parchment overhang to lift bars out of pan. Place on cutting board and cut into squares with a sharp knife, wiping blade clean between cuts. Serve cold.

Notes

For best results, use standard creamy peanut butter (not natural). Press crust firmly to prevent crumbling. Let chocolate cool slightly before pouring to avoid melting the filling. Chill at least 4 hours for clean cuts. Bars taste even better the next day. Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake peanut butter bars, Labor Day dessert, easy dessert, no-bake dessert, peanut butter bars, chocolate peanut butter bars, summer dessert, potluck dessert

Find it online: https://crispcraving.com/easy-no-bake-peanut-butter-bars-for-labor-day/