Irresistible Chocolate Peanut Butter Squares: An Easy, No-Bake Recipe for Any Occasion

There’s something uniquely comforting about a delicious homemade dessert, especially when it brings together two universally loved flavors: chocolate and peanut butter. Today, we’re diving into the delightful world of Chocolate Peanut Butter Squares, a perfect no-bake treat that’s as easy to make as it is incredibly satisfying. This particular recipe comes from the brilliant Katie Workman, author of The Mom 100 Cookbook, and it was a highlight of our recent #SundaySupper gathering.

The Mom 100 Cookbook Philosophy: Quick, Fresh, and Family-Friendly

Katie Workman’s “The Mom 100 Cookbook” is designed to empower parents with fresh and quick recipes that can be prepared with kids. While I may not be a mom myself, the philosophy of “fresh and quick” resonates deeply with my own busy lifestyle. Working full-time during the week means that my golden rule for dinner (or dessert, in this case!) is that it must be ready within an hour of getting home. These Chocolate Peanut Butter Squares perfectly align with that principle. I often wake up an hour early, whip them up, pop them in the fridge to chill, and then head off to work – sometimes with a tell-tale smudge of chocolate on my arm, a sweet reminder of the treat awaiting me.

The beauty of a no-bake recipe like this is its simplicity and convenience. When you need a last-minute dessert that tastes like it took hours, these homemade chocolate peanut butter bars are an absolute lifesaver. Yes, they require about an hour of chilling time, but that’s entirely passive. You can let them firm up in the refrigerator while you tackle other tasks, making them an ideal make-ahead option for parties, potlucks, or just a simple weeknight indulgence. They free up your oven, minimize cleanup, and deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Crafting the Perfect Chocolate Peanut Butter Experience

This Chocolate Peanut Butter Squares recipe is a symphony of textures and flavors. It starts with a lusciously creamy peanut butter base, rich and satisfying, providing the perfect foundation. This is then crowned with a generous, thick layer of decadent chocolate. For my version, I made a slight modification to Katie’s original recipe, adding chopped salted peanuts on top while the chocolate was still warm. This not only enhances the peanut flavor, truly emphasizing that these are peanut butter squares, but also adds a wonderful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth layers.

The chocolate layer, in particular, became my absolute favorite part. Its thickness means that when you bite into it, it literally cracks with a satisfying snap, much like a magic shell. This creates an incredibly delightful textural experience that elevates these simple squares into something truly special. The combination of sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy makes each bite an absolute delight. I originally planned to take extra squares to work on Monday, but my dad and I found ourselves unable to resist, indulging in them all weekend long!

Why These Peanut Butter Squares Will Be Your Go-To Dessert

Beyond their incredible taste and ease of preparation, these Chocolate Peanut Butter Squares offer several benefits that make them a staple in any dessert repertoire:

• No-Bake Convenience: Ideal for hot weather or when your oven is occupied.
• Minimal Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples you likely already have.
• Quick Assembly: The hands-on time is very short, perfect for busy schedules.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: They need chilling time, making them excellent for preparing in advance.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The classic chocolate and peanut butter combination is universally loved.
• Versatile: Great for parties, family gatherings, lunchboxes, or a simple treat for yourself.

The recipe is also easily adaptable. While I added peanuts for an extra crunch, you could experiment with other toppings like a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the flavors, mini chocolate chips for added texture, or even a drizzle of white chocolate for a decorative touch. The robust flavor of the peanut butter layer stands up beautifully to various additions, allowing you to personalize these squares to your liking.

Essential Tips for Perfect Chocolate Peanut Butter Squares

To ensure your Chocolate Peanut Butter Squares turn out perfectly every time, here are a few key tips:

• Room Temperature Butter: For the peanut butter layer, ensure your butter is at room temperature. This will help it cream smoothly with the sugars and peanut butter, creating a cohesive, not crumbly, base.
• Evenly Press the Base: Take your time to press the peanut butter layer firmly and evenly into the pan. This provides a stable and consistent foundation for the chocolate topping.
• Gentle Melting of Chocolate: When melting the chocolate and butter for the top layer, use a double boiler method (a heatproof bowl over simmering water) to prevent the chocolate from seizing or burning. Stir frequently until smooth and glossy.
• Don’t Rush the Chill: The chilling time is crucial for the squares to firm up properly. Resist the urge to cut them too soon, as they might be too soft and messy. An hour is usually sufficient, but longer won’t hurt.
• Clean Cuts: For neat squares, use a sharp knife. If the chocolate layer is very firm, you can run your knife under hot water and wipe it dry between cuts for an extra clean edge.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Squares

Yield:
12-16 pieces

Ingredients

Peanut Butter Layer:

• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
• 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs

Chocolate Layer:

• 1 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup salted peanuts, chopped (optional, for topping)

Instructions

1. Lightly grease a 9-inch square pan with cooking spray.
2. For the peanut butter layer: In a large bowl, beat together butter, brown sugar, powdered sugar, peanut butter, and graham cracker crumbs until well-combined. The mixture may still be a bit crumbly, but it should hold together when pressed. Press this peanut butter mixture into the prepared pan as evenly and firmly as possible, creating a compact base.
3. For the chocolate layer: Prepare a double boiler. Boil water in a medium saucepan, then reduce heat to a simmer. Place a heatproof bowl on top of the saucepan, ensuring the bottom of the bowl does not touch the simmering water.
4. Add the chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon of butter to the heatproof bowl. Melt the chocolate and butter, stirring frequently until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy. Remove the bowl from the heat.
5. Carefully pour the melted chocolate mixture evenly over the peanut butter layer in the pan. If desired, immediately sprinkle the chopped salted peanuts over the warm chocolate. Cover the pan with plastic wrap (you may use toothpicks to keep the plastic wrap from touching the chocolate layer if preferred) and refrigerate until firm, approximately 1 hour. Once firm, cut the dessert into squares before serving.

Did you make this recipe?

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These Chocolate Peanut Butter Squares are more than just a dessert; they’re a testament to how simple ingredients and a little ingenuity can create something truly extraordinary. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this no-fail recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite. So, go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to these irresistible squares, inspired by The Mom 100 Cookbook, and enjoy the perfect blend of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate!