Ultimate No-Bake Peanut Butter S’mores Bars: Easy & Addictive Dessert Recipe
There’s nothing quite like a perfect day out, exploring new places, enjoying delicious food, and catching a fantastic show. Just yesterday, my husband and I had one of those memorable days in Denver. We strolled through charming outdoor shopping districts, soaking up the vibrant atmosphere – even if it was a bit on the warm side! We were a little disappointed to find a favorite spot, Sur La Table, closed in the middle of the afternoon, but the evening more than made up for it.
Dinner at a phenomenal steak restaurant was followed by an incredible performance of Jersey Boys. While my husband isn’t typically drawn to musicals, even he was captivated by the story and the brilliant music of The Four Seasons. Their songs, which my dad played often during my childhood, brought back a flood of nostalgic memories. It was truly a fantastic experience that I highly recommend if you ever get the chance to see it.
And what better way to cap off such a wonderful day, or simply fuel up for life’s busy moments, than with a truly irresistible treat? That brings me to these amazing No-Bake Peanut Butter S’mores Bars – a recipe I whipped up a few weeks ago for a group of guys helping my husband move. Moving day is hard work, and I knew they’d need some serious sustenance to keep them going. Boy, was I right! My husband brought the container home completely empty, confirming that these bars were a huge hit.
Why These No-Bake Peanut Butter S’mores Bars Are a Must-Try
Everyone knows that peanut butter and chocolate are a match made in heaven. And let’s be honest, anything involving the classic combination of graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows in a S’mores is pretty much guaranteed to be delicious. So, it felt like a natural, delicious progression to combine these two beloved flavor profiles into one incredible dessert: Peanut Butter S’mores Bars.
The best part? These aren’t just any s’mores bars; they’re *no-bake*. That means no campfire fuss and not even an oven needed! They are the absolute perfect treat to make on a hot day when you want to avoid heating up your kitchen. Given the perpetual warmth around here, that pretty much makes them a go-to dessert any day of the week!
Imagine sinking your teeth into layers of buttery graham cracker crust infused with creamy peanut butter, topped with a gooey, sweet peanut butter and marshmallow filling, all enrobed in a rich, smooth chocolate ganache. It’s like a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup met a classic S’more and decided to have a party in your mouth. Truly, these bars are incredibly addicting, so consider yourself warned!
Crafting the Perfect Peanut Butter S’mores Bars
Making these no-bake bars is surprisingly simple, yet the results are impressively decadent. The recipe builds in three distinct, delicious layers:
- The Graham Cracker & Peanut Butter Crust: This forms the foundational layer, offering a delightful crunch and a hint of saltiness to balance the sweetness. The graham crackers are crushed and mixed with melted butter, creamy peanut butter, and powdered sugar, creating a firm yet tender base.
- The Gooey Peanut Butter & Marshmallow Filling: This is where the magic truly happens. A rich blend of peanut butter and butter is sweetened with powdered sugar, then generously studded with mini-marshmallows. As the bars chill, the marshmallows become wonderfully chewy, mimicking that classic S’mores texture.
- The Smooth Chocolate Topping: A simple yet luxurious chocolate layer crowns these bars. Semi-sweet chocolate chips are melted with a touch of butter, creating a glossy, rich ganache that sets beautifully and adds that essential chocolatey finish.
Tips for Success and Optimal Enjoyment
- Crushing Graham Crackers: A food processor makes quick work of turning graham crackers into fine crumbs. If you don’t have one, place the crackers in a large Ziploc bag, seal it, and crush them with a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy glass.
- Evenly Pressing the Crust: For a uniform base, use the bottom of a flat glass or a measuring cup to firmly press the crust mixture into your 8×8 inch pan. This helps prevent the bars from crumbling.
- Melting Ingredients: When melting the butter and peanut butter for the crust and filling, microwave in short intervals (e.g., 30 seconds), stirring well between each, to prevent burning. The same applies to the chocolate topping.
- Marshmallow Placement: Gently press the mini marshmallows into the peanut butter filling layer. This helps them adhere and ensures an even distribution of marshmallow goodness in every bite.
- Chilling is Key: Don’t rush the chilling process! The 30 minutes in the fridge is essential for all the layers to set properly, making the bars easier to cut and enjoy. For a firmer bar, you can chill longer.
- Cutting Technique: To get clean, neat squares, use a sharp knife. If the chocolate topping is too hard, you can run the knife under hot water and wipe it dry between cuts.
- Serving Temperature: While best kept in the fridge, I find these bars are at their peak when allowed to sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes before eating. This softens the chocolate and makes the peanut butter and marshmallows even gooier. (Though, let’s be honest, sometimes willpower is low, and they get eaten straight from the fridge!).
Variations to Customize Your S’mores Bars
While the classic recipe is divine, feel free to experiment with these delicious variations:
- Chocolate Choices: Experiment with different types of chocolate for the topping. Milk chocolate for a sweeter profile, dark chocolate for a richer, more intense flavor, or even white chocolate for a unique twist.
- Nut Butter Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of peanut butter, almond butter or cashew butter can be substituted, though the flavor profile will obviously change. For a nut-free version, sunflower seed butter (like SunButter) works wonderfully!
- Add-ins: Sprinkle some chopped nuts (peanuts, pecans), shredded coconut, or even a dash of sea salt over the chocolate topping before it sets for extra flavor and texture. A drizzle of caramel could also be heavenly.
- Gluten-Free Option: Simply swap out regular graham crackers for gluten-free graham crackers to make this a friendly treat for those with dietary restrictions.
No Bake Peanut Butter S’mores Bars
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Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 sleeve graham crackers, (about 8 sheets)
- 3 Tablespoons butter
- 6 Tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
For the filling:
- 1/3 cup peanut butter
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 2 Tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup mini-marshmallows
For the top:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 Tablespoons butter
Instructions
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In a food processor, pulse the graham crackers until they are in crumbs.
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In a bowl, combine the 3Tbls of butter and 6 Tbls of peanut butter. Microwave for 30 seconds. Stir, continue to heat until completely melted, and combined.
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In a large bowl combine the peanut butter mixture, graham crackers and powdered sugar. Stir until everything is mixed together.
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Press into an 8×8 pan.
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To make the filling melt together 1/3 cup peanut butter and 2 Tbls of butter.
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Stir in the 2 Tbls of powdered sugar. Mix until smooth.
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Pour over the graham cracker crust, spreading to cover the entire crust.
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Gently press the marshmallows into the peanut butter layer.
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To make the topping melt together the chocolate chips and 1 Tbls of butter until it’s smooth.
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Pour over the marshmallows, and spread it out to cover as many marshmallows as possible.
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Put in the fridge to harden for 30 minutes.
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Cut into squares, and then store covered in the fridge.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions About No-Bake Peanut Butter S’mores Bars
- How long do these bars last?
- When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these bars will stay fresh for up to 5-7 days. The cooler temperature helps maintain their structure and chewiness.
- Can I freeze No-Bake Peanut Butter S’mores Bars?
- Yes, you can! Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature for about 15-30 minutes before serving.
- What kind of pan should I use?
- An 8×8 inch square baking pan is ideal for this recipe, yielding perfectly sized bars. You can also use a 9×9 inch pan for slightly thinner bars, but adjust chilling time as needed.
- Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
- While the recipe calls for creamy peanut butter to achieve a smooth texture in the layers, crunchy peanut butter can be used for added texture. Just be aware it will alter the consistency slightly.
- Do I have to use mini marshmallows?
- Mini marshmallows are recommended because they are easier to press into the peanut butter layer and distribute more evenly. If you only have large marshmallows, you can cut them into smaller pieces, but the texture might be slightly different.
The Perfect Treat for Any Occasion
Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert for a potluck, a special treat for a family gathering, or simply an easy and delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth on a hot day, these No-Bake Peanut Butter S’mores Bars are an absolute winner. They combine the nostalgic flavors of s’mores with the irresistible creamy goodness of peanut butter and chocolate, all without the need for an oven.
So go ahead, give this recipe a try. You’ll be amazed at how simple they are to make and how quickly they disappear. Enjoy the delightful blend of textures and flavors that make these bars a truly unforgettable dessert!