No Bake Easter Peanut Butter Bars Recipe
Introduction
These No Bake Easter Peanut Butter Bars are a delightful and easy treat perfect for spring celebrations. With a rich peanut butter base topped with white chocolate and festive pastel candies, they’re sure to brighten up your dessert table.
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup butter (melted)
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup pastel M&M candies
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, peanut butter, and melted butter. Stir well with a spoon until fully mixed.
- Step 2: Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a foil-lined 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Step 3: Place white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is smooth and melted.
- Step 4: Pour the melted white chocolate over the peanut butter layer and use a spatula to spread it evenly.
- Step 5: Sprinkle the pastel M&M candies evenly on top of the melted chocolate.
- Step 6: Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours to set before removing from the pan, cutting into squares, and serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a crunchier texture, add chopped peanuts to the peanut butter layer before pressing it into the pan.
- Use dark or milk chocolate chips instead of white chocolate for a different flavor profile.
- Substitute the pastel M&Ms with colored sprinkles or chopped Easter-themed candies.
Storage
Store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best results, allow them to come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before enjoying.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, crunchy peanut butter works well and will add a nice texture to the bars.
Do these bars need to be refrigerated?
Yes, refrigeration helps the bars set properly and keeps the melted chocolate firm for easier cutting and serving.
PrintNo Bake Easter Peanut Butter Bars Recipe
Delicious and easy No Bake Easter Peanut Butter Bars featuring a peanut butter and graham cracker base topped with melted white chocolate and colorful pastel M&M candies. Perfect for festive springtime treats without any baking required.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars (approximately, depending on cut size) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Base:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
Topping:
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup pastel M&M candies
Instructions
- Combine Base Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, add the graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, creamy peanut butter, and melted butter. Stir thoroughly with a spoon until the mixture is completely combined and smooth.
- Press Mixture into Pan: Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with foil for easy removal. Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly across the bottom of the pan, pressing it down firmly with a spatula or the back of a spoon to create a compact base layer.
- Melt White Chocolate: Place the white chocolate chips into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat the chocolate in 30-second increments, stirring well after each interval, until the chips are fully melted and smooth.
- Layer the Chocolate: Pour the melted white chocolate over the peanut butter base, using a spatula to spread it evenly into a smooth, uniform layer.
- Add Candy Topping: Sprinkle the pastel M&M candies evenly over the melted white chocolate layer for a festive colorful finish.
- Chill to Set: Refrigerate the entire pan for at least 2 hours, or until the bars have fully set and are firm to the touch. This helps the bars hold their shape for cutting and serving.
- Serve: Once chilled, lift the foil edges to remove the bars from the pan. Cut into squares and enjoy your no bake Easter peanut butter bars!
Notes
- Ensure the peanut butter is creamy for easier mixing and smoother texture.
- If you don’t have an 8×8 inch pan, use a similarly sized pan lined with foil or parchment paper.
- You can substitute the pastel M&M candies with other festive sprinkles or chopped nuts if preferred.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep fresh.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter and white chocolate with plant-based alternatives.
Keywords: no bake dessert, peanut butter bars, Easter treat, white chocolate bars, easy no bake recipe, holiday candy bars
