No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars are a rich, fudgy, and effortless dessert made from a simple mixture of crushed cookies, peanut butter, butter, and powdered sugar, topped with a smooth chocolate ganache. They are a beloved, retro American treat, popular for their simplicity and satisfying texture. This no-fuss confection is a staple at potlucks, bake sales, and family gatherings across the United States.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dessert is high in both fat and carbohydrates, offering a significant calorie load primarily from peanut butter, butter, and sugar. It provides a good amount of plant-based protein and some dietary fiber, but is best enjoyed as an occasional treat due to its energy density.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 310 kcal |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Carbs | 28 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 18 g |
| Sodium | 180 mg |
| Magnesium | 45 mg |
| Phosphorus | 100 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 2.5 mg |
| Vitamin E | 1.8 mg |
| Iron | 1.2 mg |
| Zinc | 1.0 mg |
| Copper | 0.2 mg |
| Manganese | 0.4 mg |
Per 1 bar (approx. 60 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, these bars are a quintessential example of 'pantry baking'—a no-oven method that became popular for its convenience and accessibility. Nutritionally, the peanut butter base offers a more substantial protein and healthy fat profile than many other no-bake cookies, which often rely solely on oats and sugar.
