Can I make these Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars actually benefit from being made 1-2 days in advance, as the flavors have more time to meld together. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

My chocolate layer cracked when I cut the bars. How can I prevent this?

For perfect cuts, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it clean between each slice. Also, allowing the bars to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before cutting helps prevent the chocolate from cracking.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?

Yes! Crunchy peanut butter works wonderfully if you enjoy the added texture. It will create a more rustic, textured middle layer that many people prefer.

Are these bars gluten-free?

The standard recipe contains gluten in the graham cracker base. However, you can easily make them gluten-free by substituting gluten-free graham crackers or cookie crumbs for the base.

How do I know when the chocolate ganache is ready to pour?

The perfect ganache should be smooth and pourable but not runny. If it's too thick, add a tablespoon of warm cream. If it's too thin, allow it to cool for a few minutes until it reaches a thicker consistency.

Can I add other mix-ins to these Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars?

Definitely! Mini chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, crushed pretzels, or even a layer of caramel can be fantastic additions. Just be sure to add them between layers or on top before the chocolate sets.

Best Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars Recipe

Description

Indulge in the rich layers of a Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars—a no-bake treat with a crunchy base, creamy peanut butter filling, and silky chocolate ganache!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cookie Base:
1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Pinch of salt
For the Peanut Butter Layer:
1 cup smooth peanut butter
1 cup powdered sugar
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Ganache:
1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ teaspoon flaky sea salt (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Create the Cookie Base: Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and salt. Add melted butter and press into the prepared pan. Chill for 15-20 minutes.
Prepare the Peanut Butter Layer: Beat softened butter until creamy. Add peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Beat until light and fluffy.
Spread the Peanut Butter Layer: Spread evenly over the chilled crust. Chill for another 15-20 minutes.
Make the Chocolate Ganache: Heat cream until it simmers. Pour over chocolate chips and let stand. Stir until smooth. Add butter and stir until melted.
Add the Chocolate Layer: Pour ganache over the peanut butter layer. Chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free graham crackers.
For a vegan version, substitute plant-based butter and coconut cream.
Consider adding mix-ins like mini chocolate chips or chopped peanuts.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Desserts, No-Bake
Method: Layered
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 345
Sugar: 24g
Sodium: 160mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars, No-Bake Desserts, Peanut Butter Dream Bars, Chocolate Desserts, Easy Layered Bars

For the Cookie Base:

For the Peanut Butter Layer:

For the Chocolate Ganache: