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A close-up, tasty shot of a square Peanut Butter Nanaimo Bars showing the three distinct layers: crumbly base, thick peanut butter filling, and chocolate topping.

Peanut Butter Nanaimo Bars


  • Author: cocktailmixguide.com
  • Total Time: 2 hr 20 min
  • Yield: 16 bars 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A no-bake dessert bar featuring a crumb base, a creamy peanut butter filling, and a chocolate topping.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides.
  2. Combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup melted butter, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and milk in a medium bowl. Mix until well combined.
  3. Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Place in the refrigerator to set while you prepare the filling.
  4. Beat the 1/2 cup softened butter, confectioners’ sugar, 1/2 cup peanut butter, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
  5. Spread the peanut butter filling evenly over the chilled crumb base. Return the pan to the refrigerator.
  6. Melt the chocolate chips and the remaining 1/4 cup peanut butter together in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
  7. Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the peanut butter layer and spread evenly.
  8. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate topping is firm.
  9. Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares before serving.

Notes

  • You can substitute graham cracker crumbs with crushed vanilla wafers for a different texture.
  • For easier cutting, let the bars sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before slicing.
  • Prep Time: 20 min
  • Cook Time: 0 min
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: North American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 35
  • Sodium: 120
  • Fat: 22
  • Saturated Fat: 10
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 38
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 6
  • Cholesterol: 30

Keywords: peanut butter, nanaimo bars, no-bake, chocolate, dessert, graham cracker