Name: No Bake Chewy Peanut Butter Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup salted butter (divided); 28 Oreo Chocolate Sandwich Cookies (about 1/2 a 12oz package); 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk; 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter; 1/4 cup golden syrup; 2 tablespoons salted butter (from the 1/2 cup divided); 6 ounces milk chocolate (roughly chopped); 1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil; Flaky sea salt (for garnish, optional)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 52 reviews

If you are looking for an irresistible treat that combines the rich flavors of peanut butter, chocolate, and Oreo cookies, I have the perfect delight for you: the No Bake Chewy Peanut Butter Bars Recipe. These bars bring together creamy peanut butter, luscious caramel-like sweetness, and a satisfyingly chewy base all layered beautifully under a glossy chocolate topping. The best part is, you do not need to fire up your oven to create these melt-in-your-mouth bars, making them an ideal dessert for any time you crave something sweet without the hassle. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a beloved staple in your dessert rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large rectangular dessert is shown on white parchment paper over a wooden board with a white marbled texture background. The dessert has three visible layers: a dark crumbly bottom layer, a thick middle layer of smooth caramel, and a top layer of shiny milk chocolate that looks soft and slightly wrinkled. The chocolate is sprinkled with coarse sea salt crystals across the surface. The dessert is cut into small square pieces, with one piece slightly lifted on the right side to reveal the layers clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for a handful of simple ingredients that work together perfectly to deliver that rich flavor and delightful texture. Each ingredient plays its own unique role, whether it’s providing creaminess, crunch, sweetness, or that irresistible chocolate finish.

Salted butter (1/2 cup divided): Adds richness and moisture while helping bind the layers together.
Oreo Chocolate Sandwich Cookies (28 cookies): These create the crunchy, chocolaty base that makes this treat stand out.
Sweetened condensed milk (14 ounces): Brings a thick, creamy sweetness essential for the chewy peanut butter layer.
Creamy peanut butter (1/2 cup): The star ingredient offering that classic, nutty flavor and smooth texture.
Golden syrup (1/4 cup): Sweetens and helps achieve that perfect chewy, caramel-like consistency.
Milk chocolate, roughly chopped (6 ounces): The luscious finishing layer that melts in your mouth with every bite.
Vegetable oil (1/2 tablespoon): Ensures the chocolate topping has a smooth, shiny finish.
Flaky sea salt (optional): A sprinkle on top adds a lovely contrast, lifting the flavors beautifully.

How to Make No Bake Chewy Peanut Butter Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Base

Start by lining a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil, making sure to leave some overhang for easy removal later. If you use foil, spray it lightly with cooking spray. This step is crucial as it will stop your bars from sticking to the dish and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Create the Oreo Crust

Melt 6 tablespoons of butter, then pulse the Oreo cookies in a food processor with the melted butter until you get a smooth, crumbly mixture. This forms the chocolaty, slightly crunchy base that supports all the other layers. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared dish, creating an even layer before chilling it in the refrigerator. This chilling step helps the crust set and keeps it from being crumbly when serving.

Step 3: Make the Peanut Butter Caramel Layer

In a small saucepan on medium-low heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, peanut butter, golden syrup, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir constantly for about 12 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken into a beautiful golden brown caramel-like texture. Pour this rich, creamy peanut butter layer right over the chilled Oreo crust. Pop the dish back into the fridge to let this layer firm up before moving on.

Step 4: Melt and Add the Chocolate Topping

Using a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chopped milk chocolate in 30-second bursts at 50% power, stirring in between to ensure a smooth melt. Once fully melted, stir in the vegetable oil to give the chocolate that perfect glossy finish. Pour this luscious chocolate over the peanut butter layer and, if you wish, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top. This will elevate the flavors with a subtle salty crunch.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the assembled bars for at least 2 hours or until fully set. When ready to serve, use the parchment or foil overhang to lift the dessert from the dish, peel away the lining, and cut into squares approximately 1 to 2 inches in size. Enjoy each chewy, chocolatey, peanut buttery bite!

How to Serve No Bake Chewy Peanut Butter Bars Recipe

Twelve square dessert bars arranged on a white board with parchment paper, each bar showing three visible layers: a dark crumbly base, a light brown middle layer, and a smooth chocolate top sprinkled with coarse salt. One bar is slightly tilted, showing the layers clearly. On the left side of the board, there is a knife with a yellow handle resting on the white marbled surface. A white plate with a yellow pastry and a striped cloth add subtle background detail. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While these bars already shine on their own, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt adds a sophisticated touch that balances the sweetness with a slight savory edge. For added color and texture, consider topping with crushed peanuts or a light drizzle of melted white chocolate for a pretty contrast.

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream for an indulgent treat. They also go wonderfully alongside a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk, making the whole experience extra cozy and delightful.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or special occasion, present these bars on a decorative platter dusted lightly with cocoa powder or edible gold dust. You can even cut them into mini bite-sized pieces and serve them on wooden skewers for elegant finger food that guests will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These bars keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Storing them chilled helps maintain their chewy texture and prevents the chocolate topping from melting.

Freezing

If you want to keep them longer, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen bars can last for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge to keep that perfect chewy consistency.

Reheating

Since these bars are best enjoyed chilled, they do not require reheating. If you prefer them a little softer, leaving them at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving works wonders without compromising texture.

FAQs

Can I use another type of cookie instead of Oreos?

Absolutely! While Oreos provide a great chocolate crunch, you can experiment with graham crackers or chocolate wafer cookies. Just keep in mind that this might tweak the flavor and texture slightly from the original recipe.

Is peanut butter powder an option instead of creamy peanut butter?

Using peanut butter powder won’t quite deliver the creamy richness needed for the caramel layer’s texture and taste. Stick to creamy peanut butter for the best chewy, smooth results.

Can I substitute golden syrup with something else?

Golden syrup adds a unique sweetness and chewiness, but you can substitute light corn syrup or honey in equal amounts. The texture may vary slightly, but your bars will still be delicious.

Do I have to refrigerate the bars before cutting?

Yes, chilling the bars makes them firm and much easier to cut without crumbling or melting. It ensures your bars have beautiful clean edges and hold their shape perfectly.

Are these bars suitable for kids?

Definitely! These bars are a hit with kids and adults alike thanks to their chewy texture and familiar flavors. Just make sure to cut the bars into age-appropriate sizes to avoid any choking hazards.

Final Thoughts

Making the No Bake Chewy Peanut Butter Bars Recipe is a wonderfully satisfying way to treat yourself and your loved ones to something sweet and special without turning on the oven. The layers of peanut butter, chocolate, and Oreo goodness come together effortlessly to create a snack that’s both nostalgic and indulgent. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it your new go-to for whenever you crave a chewy, chocolatey delight with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.