If you have a passion for peanut butter and crave something delightfully indulgent, the Nutter Butter Bars Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine rich layers of crunchy cookie crust, creamy peanut butter, and sweet, melty condensed milk, all studded with peanut butter chips and colorful Reese’s Pieces candy. These bars are a symphony of textures and flavors that bring the nostalgic joy of your favorite peanut butter sandwich cookie into an irresistible dessert you’ll want to share again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl on a white marbled surface holds two smooth, thick layers of sauce. The bottom layer is a medium brown, spread evenly and glossy. Above it, a pale yellow creamy sauce is being poured slowly from above, landing in the center and forming a swirl pattern as it covers the brown layer. Behind the bowl, a white cloth with black stripes is casually folded, adding texture to the scene. The background is a white tile wall. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe uses a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating the perfect balance of salty sweetness and rich, peanut buttery goodness. From the iconic Nutter Butter cookies forming a textured crust to the sweetened condensed milk providing that luscious creaminess, every ingredient counts toward making these bars unforgettable.

32 Nutter Butter cookies (approx. 4 cups crumbs): The cookie crumbs create the crunchy, flavorful base that defines the bars.
1/2 cup melted butter: Binds the crust crumbs together and adds a buttery richness.
2 tablespoons brown sugar: Adds subtle caramel flavor and a touch of sweetness to the crust.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavors by balancing the sweet elements.
1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz.): Gives the bars their luscious creaminess and sweetness.
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter: Infuses the filling with rich, peanut buttery depth.
1 cup peanut butter chips: Add melty bursts of peanut butter flavor throughout the bars.
1/2 cup roasted peanuts: Provide a crunchy texture contrast and extra nuttiness.
12 Nutter Butter cookies (chopped): Sprinkled on top for additional texture and visual appeal.
3/4 cup Reese’s Pieces candy: Brightens the bars with colorful sweetness.
Flaky sea salt, optional: A sprinkle on top to elevate the flavor profile with a salty kick.
2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter: Melted at the end for a luscious drizzle finishing touch.

How to Make Nutter Butter Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 9 x 13 inch pan with parchment paper. This simple step ensures easy removal of your beautiful bars later and prevents any sticking, so your dessert looks as good as it tastes.

Step 2: Craft the Crumbly Nutter Butter Crust

Crush those 32 Nutter Butter cookies until you have about 4 cups of fine crumbs. I love using a food processor for a quick job, but a rolling pin and a zip-top bag work just as well. Mix the cookie crumbs with brown sugar and salt, then add the melted butter. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into your lined pan—this crust will be the sturdy, flavorful foundation of the bars.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Peanut Butter Filling

Melt the creamy peanut butter until it’s soft and easy to stir—about 30 seconds in the microwave does the trick. Then gently mix in the entire can of sweetened condensed milk until silky smooth. This luscious filling will soak into the crust and bind the crunchy toppings perfectly.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers of Yum

Scatter peanut butter chips and roasted peanuts over the crust, then pour the peanut butter condensed milk mixture evenly on top. Next, sprinkle the chopped Nutter Butter cookies and vibrant Reese’s Pieces candy. Use a spatula or fork to gently press everything down, so the toppings stick nicely into the filling. If you’re feeling fancy, a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt elevates every bite.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Set

Pop your pan into the oven and let the magic happen for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges turn a beautiful golden brown. After baking, transfer the bars to a wire rack to cool completely before chilling in the fridge—this step helps the bars set for perfect slicing.

Step 6: The Finishing Peanut Butter Drizzle

Just before serving, melt 2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter in the microwave and drizzle it artistically over the chilled bars. This final touch adds smooth, rich flavor and makes your dessert look as indulgent as it tastes.

How to Serve Nutter Butter Bars Recipe

The image shows a slice of a dessert bar lifted on a spatula above a white marbled surface. The bar has four clear layers: the bottom is a dark brown crust that looks firm and crumbly, above it is a thick layer filled with caramel and nuts which appear light brown and chunky, followed by a golden brown crumbly layer, and the top is covered with colorful candy-coated chocolate pieces in yellow, orange, and brown. Drizzles of light caramel or peanut butter sauce are spread unevenly on top. The whole dessert is cut into square pieces, arranged on a white marbled surface with a white tiled wall in the background. The photo was taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt complements the sweet and savory elements beautifully. If you want an extra pop, top with chopped roasted peanuts or a few colorful Reese’s Pieces scattered on each bar for a fun presentation.

Side Dishes

These bars are rich enough to stand on their own, but pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple glass of milk. The creamy coldness balances the candy’s sweetness and peanut butter’s richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the bars into bite-sized squares and serve them on a rustic wooden board with extra peanut butter chips and candy on the side. For parties, try skewering small squares with colorful toothpicks for easy grab-and-go treats that look festive and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Nutter Butter Bars Recipe has cooled and set, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to one week, keeping that perfect chewy and crunchy texture intact.

Freezing

If you want to prepare in advance, these bars freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving to enjoy the same amazing texture as fresh.

Reheating

While these bars are delightful cold, if you prefer a slight warm-up, microwave individual squares for 10 to 15 seconds. This brings out the melting peanut butter chips and softens the bars slightly without losing their shape.

FAQs

Can I substitute regular peanut butter for creamy peanut butter in this recipe?

Absolutely! While creamy peanut butter blends more smoothly, using regular peanut butter will still give you wonderful flavor. Just be sure it’s well-stirred for even melting and mixing.

What if I don’t have Reese’s Pieces, can I use another candy?

Yes! M&Ms or peanut butter cups chopped into small pieces make fantastic alternatives. They add a similar color and sweetness that complements the bars perfectly.

Is it necessary to use a food processor to crush the cookies?

Not at all. Using a rolling pin inside a sealed plastic bag works just fine to get finely crushed crumbs. The key is to get crumbs fine enough to hold together when mixed with butter.

Can these bars be made gluten-free?

You’d need to find gluten-free peanut butter sandwich cookies as a substitute for Nutter Butters. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so the rest of the recipe remains unchanged.

Is there a way to make these bars less sweet?

Try reducing the brown sugar slightly or omitting the Reese’s Pieces topping. Adding a pinch more sea salt can also help balance sweetness while enhancing peanut butter notes.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to dive into this fantastic Nutter Butter Bars Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of nostalgia, peanut butter love, and pure dessert joy wrapped up in every chewy, crunchy bite. Whether you’re making it for a gathering or a cozy night in, these bars are sure to become a cherished favorite. Don’t wait to treat yourself—you deserve a little peanut buttery magic today!