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Easy No-Bake Peanut Butter Dream Bars: Best 5-Minute Dessert

no-bake peanut butter dream bars - featured image
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These no-bake peanut butter dream bars are a quick and easy dessert with a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy peanut butter filling, and a chocolate drizzle. Ready in just 5 minutes of active time, they’re perfect for hot days, potlucks, or any time you need a crowd-pleasing treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 14–16 full sheets, crushed finely)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable oil
  • Flaky sea salt (optional)

Instructions

  1. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two opposite sides.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and salt. Pour in melted butter and stir until every crumb is coated and the mixture looks like wet sand.
  3. Press the crust mixture firmly into the prepared pan using the bottom of a measuring cup or flat glass. Refrigerate while making the filling.
  4. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with an electric hand mixer until smooth and fluffy, about 1 minute. Add peanut butter and beat until fully combined.
  5. Add powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing on low speed. Add vanilla extract and heavy cream, then beat on medium speed for about 30 seconds until smooth and spreadable.
  6. Remove crust from refrigerator. Spoon peanut butter filling over crust and spread evenly with a rubber spatula.
  7. In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring between each, until melted and smooth.
  8. Drizzle melted chocolate over the filling in a zigzag pattern. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.
  9. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (3 hours is better) until set. Use parchment handles to lift the block out, then slice into squares with a sharp knife.

Notes

Room temperature cream cheese is essential for a smooth filling. Press the crust firmly to prevent crumbling. Chill bars before cutting for clean slices. Bars taste even better the next day. For a vegan version, use vegan cream cheese, dairy-free butter, and plant-based milk. For gluten-free, use gluten-free graham crackers.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake, peanut butter, dream bars, easy dessert, 5-minute dessert, graham cracker crust, chocolate drizzle

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/easy-no-bake-peanut-butter-dream-bars-best-5-minute-dessert/