Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars are a rich and indulgent dessert made with layers of graham cracker crust, creamy peanut butter filling, and a smooth chocolate ganache topping. Perfect for peanut butter lovers, these no-bake bars are easy to make and great for potlucks, parties, or anytime you need a sweet treat. The combination of chocolate and peanut butter creates an irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth dessert that truly lives up to its name.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

graham cracker crumbsunsalted buttermelted peanut butterpowdered sugarcream cheesevanilla extractsemisweet chocolate chipsheavy cream

directions

Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or foil and lightly grease it.

In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared dish to form the crust.

In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Spread the peanut butter mixture over the crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.

In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the chocolate chips and heavy cream in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth and fully melted.

Pour the chocolate ganache over the peanut butter layer and spread evenly.

Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until fully set.

Once firm, slice into bars and serve chilled.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 16 bars.Preparation time: 20 minutesChill time: 2 hoursTotal time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Variations

Use crushed chocolate cookies instead of graham crackers for a richer base.

Add chopped peanuts or pretzels on top for added crunch.

Swap semisweet chocolate for milk or dark chocolate depending on your preference.

Use almond or cashew butter as an alternative to peanut butter.

Add a layer of whipped topping between the peanut butter and ganache for extra creaminess.

storage/reheating

Store Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.No reheating is necessary—serve them chilled for best texture.

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, they’re perfect for making a day in advance and storing in the fridge.

Are these bars overly sweet?

They’re rich and sweet, but the cream cheese adds a bit of tang to balance it out.

Can I make this recipe without cream cheese?

Yes, you can substitute it with more peanut butter and a bit of softened butter, though the texture will be slightly different.

How do I keep the chocolate layer from cracking when slicing?

Use a warm knife to gently cut through the ganache for clean slices.

Do these bars require baking?

No, this is a no-bake recipe—just chill and enjoy.

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Natural peanut butter can be used, but ensure it’s well stirred and not too oily for best results.

What type of chocolate works best?

Semisweet chocolate chips are ideal, but you can use dark or milk chocolate depending on your taste.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan for a larger batch.

Are these bars kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love the chocolate and peanut butter combo.

Can I use a food processor for the crust?

Yes, it makes combining the graham cracker crumbs and butter quick and easy.

Conclusion

Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars are a decadent, no-bake dessert that blends creamy, crunchy, and chocolaty layers into one irresistible treat. Whether you’re satisfying a sweet tooth or impressing guests, these bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Easy to make and even easier to love, they’re sure to become a favorite in your dessert lineup.