Go Back
Stack of No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Dessert Bars with layers of chocolate, peanut butter, and crispy base on parchment paper.
Daniel

No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Dessert Bar

Creamy peanut butter filling and rich chocolate ganache layered over a buttery cookie crust - no oven required.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

For the Crust
  • 24 oz chocolate sandwich cookies about 48 cookies, finely crushed
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted
For the Peanut Butter Filling
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1.5 cup creamy peanut butter not natural style
  • 1.5 cup powdered sugar sifted
  • 1 cup heavy cream cold
For the Chocolate Ganache
  • 1.5 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • 0.75 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter room temperature

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch Baking Pan
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Electric Mixer
  • Rubber spatula

Method
 

Make the Crust
  1. Stir cookie crumbs and melted butter until evenly moistened. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9x13 inch pan using the bottom of a measuring cup to create an even layer. Refrigerate while making the filling.
Make the Filling
  1. Beat cream cheese and peanut butter together until completely smooth and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add powdered sugar and beat until incorporated, scraping down the bowl as needed.
  2. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream to stiff peaks. Gently fold into the peanut butter mixture in two additions until no streaks remain. Spread evenly over the chilled crust.
Make the Ganache
  1. Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until steaming and just beginning to bubble around the edges. Pour over chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let stand 2 minutes, then stir until smooth. Add butter and stir until glossy.
  2. Pour ganache over the peanut butter layer, tilting the pan to spread evenly. Refrigerate at least 2 hours until set, or overnight for cleanest slices. Let sit at room temperature 10 minutes before cutting.

Notes

For clean cuts, run a sharp knife under hot water and wipe dry between slices. These bars freeze beautifully - wrap individual squares and freeze up to 2 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator. Substitute graham crackers for the chocolate cookies if you prefer a lighter crust.