Decadent No-Bake Peanut Butter S’mores Bars: Your Ultimate Easy Summer Dessert

Irresistible No-Bake Peanut Butter S'mores Bars stacked high

Life is full of moments to savor, from memorable outings to simple pleasures at home. Just yesterday, my husband and I enjoyed a wonderful day in Denver, exploring various shopping districts. Even though one of our favorite spots, Sur Le Table, was unexpectedly closed (a definite bummer at 3 PM on a Wednesday!), we still made the most of it. We rounded off our day with a fantastic dinner at a prime steakhouse, followed by a live show. While my husband isn’t typically a fan of musicals, I thoroughly enjoy them, so we went to see Jersey Boys. The Four Seasons were a bit before my time, but their music was a constant in my childhood thanks to my dad, and the performance was absolutely phenomenal. The story was captivating, and the cast’s musical execution was flawless. If you ever have the opportunity, I wholeheartedly recommend it – even my husband, a tough critic, walked away surprisingly pleased, which truly speaks volumes!

Coming home after such a delightful day often leaves me inspired to create something equally comforting and satisfying. That’s where these incredible No-Bake Peanut Butter S’mores Bars come into play. They’re a perfect reflection of combining beloved classics into something new and exciting, much like discovering a fresh appreciation for timeless music. These bars are not just a dessert; they’re a celebration of indulgence, simplicity, and sharing joy.

The Perfect Combination: Peanut Butter, Chocolate, and S’mores

A few weeks ago, I whipped up a batch of these glorious bars, sending them along with my husband as “fuel” for his friends who were helping him move. Picture this: a group of guys lifting heavy boxes and couches all day – they definitely needed something substantial and delicious to keep their energy up. And boy, was I right! My husband brought the container home completely empty, a testament to how much everyone appreciated this decadent treat. It’s hard to imagine a more ringing endorsement for a dessert!

Everyone knows that peanut butter and chocolate are a match made in heaven. The rich, salty notes of peanut butter perfectly balance the sweet, creamy taste of chocolate, creating a symphony of flavors that’s undeniably satisfying. And then there are S’mores – a classic campfire treat that evokes childhood memories, warm evenings, and gooey goodness. The combination of toasted marshmallows, melted chocolate, and crisp graham crackers is pure magic. So, it seems only natural to take these two universally loved flavor profiles and combine them into one incredible dessert. Why *wouldn’t* you put peanut butter right there with S’mores?

The best part about these No-Bake Peanut Butter S’mores Bars? They require absolutely no campfire and not even an oven! This makes them the ultimate stress-free dessert, especially for those scorching hot days when the last thing you want to do is turn on your oven and heat up the house. Living in a place where warm weather is often the norm, a no-bake recipe is a true lifesaver any day of the week. These bars are quick to prepare, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for cooling down during the warmer months, making them a fantastic addition to your summer recipe arsenal.

Crafting the Ultimate No-Bake Treat

These bars are wonderfully similar to the Peanut Butter Bars I’ve made before, but with an irresistible S’mores twist. Imagine a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup colliding with a classic S’more – that’s the kind of flavor explosion you can expect. They feature a sturdy graham cracker base, followed by a luscious peanut butter layer, then a scattering of fluffy mini-marshmallows, and finally, a smooth, rich chocolate topping. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures and temperatures – the crispness of the crust, the creaminess of the peanut butter, the chewiness of the marshmallows, and the snap of the chocolate. Trust me when I say, they are truly addicting.

Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter S’mores Bars

Storage: These bars are best kept refrigerated. Chilling allows the layers to set perfectly, resulting in clean cuts and a satisfyingly firm texture.
Serving Suggestion: While they’re fantastic straight from the fridge, I often find that letting them sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes before eating enhances their creamy texture and allows the flavors to truly sing. However, if you’re like me and your willpower is tested by such a delicious treat, that waiting period doesn’t always happen – and that’s perfectly okay!
Ingredient Quality: Using good quality ingredients, especially for your peanut butter and chocolate chips, can make a noticeable difference in the final taste.
Pressing the Crust: Ensure the graham cracker crust is firmly pressed into the pan. This provides a stable base for the other decadent layers.
Spreading the Topping: When pouring the melted chocolate over the marshmallows, work quickly and gently to spread it evenly. The goal is to cover as many marshmallows as possible for that complete S’mores experience.

Whether you’re looking for an easy dessert to bring to a potluck, a special treat for a family gathering, or just a simple indulgence for yourself, these No-Bake Peanut Butter S’mores Bars are an absolute winner. Their simplicity belies their incredible flavor, making them a favorite for both busy bakers and anyone with a sweet tooth. Get ready to impress with this delightful, no-fuss recipe!

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No Bake Peanut Butter S’mores Bars

By

Erin Sellin

These delightful No-Bake Peanut Butter S’mores Bars bring together the best of both worlds: the rich, classic flavor of S’mores with the creamy indulgence of peanut butter. Featuring a crunchy graham cracker crust, a smooth peanut butter filling, fluffy mini marshmallows, and a decadent chocolate topping, this easy recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings without ever turning on the oven. A truly amazing and decadent treat, ideal for any occasion, especially hot summer days!

Prep:

20 minutes

Total:

20 minutes

Servings:
12

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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

In a food processor, pulse the graham crackers until they form fine crumbs. Set aside.
In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the 3 tablespoons of butter and 6 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter. Microwave for 30 seconds. Stir well, and continue heating in 15-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is completely melted and smoothly combined.
In a large bowl, add the melted peanut butter mixture, graham cracker crumbs, and 1/2 cup powdered sugar. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well mixed and a crumbly, cohesive mixture forms.
Firmly press this mixture into the bottom of an 8×8 inch baking pan. This will form your sturdy graham cracker crust.
To prepare the filling, melt together 1/3 cup peanut butter and 2 tablespoons of butter in a separate microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 15-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
Stir in the 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar into the peanut butter-butter mixture until it’s perfectly smooth and creamy.
Pour this luscious peanut butter filling over the prepared graham cracker crust, carefully spreading it out to cover the entire surface evenly.
Gently press the mini-marshmallows into the peanut butter layer. Distribute them as evenly as possible.
For the topping, melt together the 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon of butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second bursts, stirring until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
Pour the melted chocolate topping over the marshmallow layer, spreading it out carefully to cover as many marshmallows as possible.
Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate topping is firm and the bars are fully set.
Once hardened, cut the bars into squares. Store any leftovers covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness and texture.

Notes

Adapted from
The Wannabe Chef

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author:

Erin Sellin

Prep Time:

20 minutes

Total Time:

20 minutes

Course:
Dessert Recipes

Cuisine:
American

Servings:
12

Calories:
301

Keyword:
s’mores bars, no-bake, peanut butter, chocolate, easy dessert

Like this recipe? Leave a comment below and share your experience!

I hope you enjoy making these No-Bake Peanut Butter S’mores Bars as much as I do. They are truly a delightful way to bring the nostalgic flavors of a campfire treat indoors, elevated with the creamy goodness of peanut butter. Perfect for entertaining, a simple family dessert, or just a little pick-me-up, these bars are sure to become a cherished recipe in your kitchen. Happy baking (or rather, no-baking)!