Decadent No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars

We love a little something sweet after dinner as a treat. In the summer, we especially love the ones that don't require any baking. During the hot and humid (here in New York) summer days when it's unbearable to use the oven, no-bake treats like these chocolatey, peanut butter bars come to mind. It's amazing how tasty this peanut butter bar recipe is.

Chocolate Peanut Butter BarsPhoto byThe Pioneer Woman

You will love it, especially if you love the chocolate and peanut butter combo. Think Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Funny Bones, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies, Friendly's Reese's Pieces Hot Fudge Sundae, oh my we're on a tangent...

Back to these incredibly delicious and simple peanut butter bars! These bars feature a chewy peanut butter and vanilla wafer base topped with a rich layer of chocolate. You can slice them into small squares for a quick bite, or cut them into larger bars for a bigger, bolder treat.

Ingredients for this Recipe:

• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened, plus more for greasing the pan
• 1 cup chunky peanut butter
• 2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 (12-oz.) box vanilla wafers
• 1 (12-oz.) bag semi-sweet mini chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped peanuts

Simple Step-by-Step Directions:

Step 1 - To make the topping: Melt the chocolate chips and creamy peanut butter using a double boiler or microwave. Let it cool for a few minutes while you prepare the bars.

Step 2 - For the bars: Grease a 13-by-9-inch pan with butter. Use a stand or electric hand mixer to blend the butter and chunky peanut butter until smooth. Mix in the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time.

Step 3 - Put the vanilla wafers in a food processor and process until they turn into crumbs. Add the crumbs and mini chocolate chips to the peanut butter mixture, and mix until just combined. Spread the mixture evenly into the buttered pan and set it aside.

Step 4 - Pour the topping over the base, spreading it evenly and sprinkling with peanuts. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, then cut into 20 or so bars.

Step 5 - Keep the bars refrigerated as they and the chocolate will soften at room temperature. Enjoy!

Soring Tips:

Keep these bars in an airtight container to maintain freshness for a week. They're perfect to have on hand in the fridge for a quick after any meal snack!