These Peanut Butter Ball Bars take the classic, chocolate-coated peanut butter flavor we all love and transform it into an easy-to-make treat that’s just like the lunchroom lady peanut butter bars from back in the day. With a smooth, creamy peanut butter base topped with a thick layer of chocolate, they’re packed with nostalgia and perfect for any occasion.
I absolutely love making chocolate-covered peanut butter balls during the holidays. There’s just something about that rich peanut butter filling coated in sweet, creamy chocolate that screams tradition—kind of like a homemade version of my all-time favorite treat, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
But let’s be real for a minute: they can be a bit of a hassle. Between rolling, dipping, and waiting for everything to set, it’s a time commitment… not to mention a chocolate-dipping mess. Don’t get me wrong, I still make them because they’re worth it, but sometimes I’m just craving something easier. That’s where these Peanut Butter Ball Bars come in.
Why You’ll Love These No-Bake Peanut Butter Ball Bars
This recipe is the perfect solution for those times when you’re craving the nostalgic taste of those old-school lunch lady peanut butter bars from the school lunchroom. It’s like taking a walk down memory lane with a treat that’s just as easy as it is delicious. With just a handful of ingredients and about 20 minutes of effort, you’ll have these bars ready to go. No rolling, no dipping, no mess—just pure peanut butter and chocolate bliss, served up in a way that will remind you of simpler times.
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Bars
- Peanut Butter: Use regular creamy peanut butter, like Jif or Skippy. Avoid all-natural or artisan peanut butter as their higher oil content can make the bars too soft.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: Pre-made graham cracker crumbs are a great shortcut, but you can also crush whole graham crackers yourself (more on that below).
- Powdered Sugar: For that perfect sweetness and structure.
- Salt: Because all desserts need a little salt.
- Chocolate Chips: The chocolate topping is what makes these bars irresistible.
Ingredient FAQ
Can I use chunky peanut butter?
In my opinion, chunky peanut butter doesn’t work well for this recipe because it disrupts the smooth, creamy texture I’m going for. But can you use? Sure you can.
What if I only have all-natural peanut butter?
Unfortunately, all-natural peanut butter isn’t ideal for this recipe because of its high oil content. Stick with regular creamy peanut butter for the best results.
Can I make my own graham cracker crumbs?
Absolutely! If you don’t have pre-made crumbs, simply pulse whole graham crackers in a food processor until they’re fine. No food processor? Place them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Ball Bars
- Line your pan with parchment paper or foil for easy removal and cleaner cuts.
- Use a sharp or serrated knife to slice the bars once they’ve chilled. This helps get clean cuts without causing the filling to squish out.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh.
These Peanut Butter Ball Bars are a game-changer. They’re perfect for parties, gift-giving, or just keeping in the fridge for when that peanut butter and chocolate craving strikes. All the nostalgic flavors come together in a fraction of the time.
Recipe Card
Peanut Butter Ball Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (well softened)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (plus 2 tablespoons)
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 (12-ounce) bag semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment or aluminum foil and lightly spray the foil with nonstick cooking spray.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, combine the butter and peanut butter until smooth. Add the graham cracker crumbs and mix well. Add the powdered sugar and salt and mix well. A soft dough will form. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- In another bowl, melt the chocolate chips in the microwave using 30 second intervals, stirring after each interval. Microwave until the chips are nearly melted but not all the way, then stir until they melt the rest of the way to prevent them from being scorched. Add the 2 tablespoons of peanut butter and stir to combine.
- Spread the chocolate on top. Place in the fridge and allow the bars to chill through – about least 3 hours. Once firm, lift the foil out of the pan and peel it away from the bars. Slice into 1 inch squares using a very sharp serrated knife. Store in the fridge in an airtight container.
Nutrition
* If nutritional values are provided, they are an estimate and will vary depending on the brands used. The values do not include optional ingredients or when ingredients are added to taste. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, I recommend grabbing your favorite brands and plugging those ingredients into an online nutritional calculator.
Last week, I ran into the grocery store for a few things I needed and was cruising down the aisle when I passed a mother with two little girls. I’m guessing they were about 4 and 6 years old. I don’t normally find myself critiquing people’s clothing, but I noticed that the girls’ clothes were obviously worn, but clean. It’s not odd to find unusual characters in the discount grocery store I shop at (yes, I shop at a discount grocery store), but this little family got my attention. They were standing near the snack cake section as the mother was diligently figuring her total on a calculator – not a smart phone, a calculator, which I also found odd. As I was scanning over the juice section I heard one little girl ask her mom, “Mama, can we get some oatmeal pies this time?” Her mother replied, “Baby, I’m just not sure we can afford it… but put them in the basket and we’ll see.” The comment provoked a request from the smaller girl… “Ooooo, Mama, if we get to get prizes this trip can I please have some chocolate syrup,” she asked. “You know how much I love chocolate milk, Mama!” Her mother replied, “Okay, sweetheart. Get some and we’ll see.”
I got my juice and went along my way grabbing things from each aisle – marking things off my list. I passed the sweet little family several times and exchanged smiles as I watched her diligently choosing her groceries. Turning the corner and finding a place in the line at the register, I ended up right behind the mother and her two girls. She carefully placed her items on the belt – eggs, canned biscuits, oranges, bagged salad, some frozen veggies, meat, etc – but held the oatmeal cream pies and chocolate syrup as the very last things to go on the belt. With anxious anticipation on her girl’s faces, I watched as they seemed to keep a running total in their heads. It was obvious they knew there was a chance that they would not have enough money to get their treats. They had been here before. As the cashier rang up the last item before their girls’ items, their mother asked the cashier for a total. “$35.80” she said. I saw the utter defeat in their mother’s face as she turned to her babies and said, “Y’all, I’m sorry. We just don’t have enough this trip. Maybe next time,” she said. The girls’ looks of excitement turned to disappointment, but I could tell, again, they had been here before. The cashier sat the snack cakes and syrup aside and bagged the other groceries. The mother paid for her groceries with her EBT card and placed them in her cart. The two girls trailed along as they left. Getting up to the cashier I asked if she would hand me those cakes and that chocolate syrup. There was no one in line behind me, so I asked if she could hold my other stuff for just a moment. I paid for the girls’ goodies and raced out to meet their mother at the cart corral. I handed her the bag and said, “I want your girls to have this.” “I know things are tight and I want you to know that it will get better. Sometimes it seems like it won’t but it will, I promise,” I said. “It wasn’t too many years ago that I was in your shoes. Basic necessities were all we had money for, so I know,” I said. She seemed a bit embarrassed. “Things are so hard for us right now – around Christmas, you know,” she said. I nodded. “I know. I’ve been there,” I said. “But keep your head up. You’re doing the right thing for your girls,” I told her. “Thank you,” she said. “Merry Christmas,” I said.
You know, our world is one that is hurting. The tense social and political climates have us being nothing but critical of one another. So many times I hear folks being negative of our public assistance programs and their recipients. Are there people who abuse the system? Of course. Is the system broken? Yes. I’ve seen it first hand – in that very same store. A woman with a Coach purse will pay for her crab legs and steaks with her EBT card and then walk out to get in her brand new $50K vehicle. But, then you see people like this sweet mother and her two girls who are doing things right. They are obviously relying on the assistance they get to survive. She was buying basics – things she HAD to have.
Do me a favor? Make an effort to see the good in folks this holiday season. We all have our struggles. We all are fighting something. And when the world has turned you cold, try to be better than that. Know the joy of helping someone who can do nothing for you. Offer a random act of kindness. Donate to a food pantry. Help a neighbor. Invite someone who is lonely to your holiday celebration.
We all need reminders every now and then. The mama and her girls were my reminder. This is yours.
Juanita Moestl
I made these today and they were great! The only thing I would do differently next time is to add some heavy cream to the chocolate to make them easier to cut. The chocolate layer was so firm that it crushed the peanut butter layer when I tried to cut them. I turned it upside down and sliced through the peanut butter layer into the chocolate layer and that helped but the chocolate still crumbled a bit. My grandsons didn’t want to stop eating them!
I know that was frustrating, but way to get creative with it. Did you have to refrigerate them?
JUANITA MOESTL
I did, but just long enough for the chocolate to cool. I think the flavor is better at room temperature.
Marlys Kay McGregor
You know, this hits different in 2023. I assumed the message of this story was that the EBT Mom should have known that it costs less to make it from scratch. And we all know just how disgusting it could get these days.
No, that’s not it at all. When we’re talking about things like chocolate syrup and oatmeal cream pies, those things couldn’t have added up to much more than $5. My point was more about the fact that we all struggle and have to make tough decisions for our families. The Lord put me in a spot to be able to help that family and put a smile on those little girls faces. The post was about simple finding ways to help others.
Niki
I am sitting here in 2020 just llooking for a simple recipe and read your story. Tears streaming down my face because I was there before too! I know now it will get better because it did. Thank you for reminding where I was and where I am now. I will definitely make this recipe tonight and remember your story!
It does get better! And sharing your story will prove just that to many others. Thanks, Niki. Merry Christmas, friend!
Ashley
Made this for Christmas and my family loved it. Especially my sister, she said they reminded her of peanut butter balls from elementary school. Will absolutely make again!
Awesome! So glad everyone enjoyed them!!
Marsha
So well said, Stacey! I shop this store too-
Thank you for your open eyes and caring heart ♥️
🙂
Rebecca Caldwell
Thank you for this. God bless your wonderful heart!
🙂
Candace
I had. Girlfriend whose mom used to make something like this with Frosted Flakes and corn syrup? Anyone know that recipe? I loved them!
Mary Jo
God bless you Stacey for your kind and loving heart.
Thanks, Mary Jo. 🙂
The Better Baker
Love love love this recipe…certainly am wondering…WHY DIDN’T I THINK OF THAT??? Pinning! Thanks so much for all you do, for all you are. What a sweet blessing!
Betty
Merry Christmas to you and your family,Thank you for that store I know how that ladies felt.
Caylee
Does using that much powdered sugar make the bars really sweet?
It’s a dessert, so it’s sweet, but I don’t think it’s too sweet. Especially being that you use semi-sweet chocolate.
Debra Parsons
Stacey,
This is a very good story. May the good Lord bless & keep you.
Merry Christmas
D
Thanks so much, Debra! Merry Christmas!
Mary Frances
What a lovely story, may God bless you in abundance.
I love your recipes but this was just so touching i just had to comment on how touched i was by this beautiful gesture.
A very Merry Christmas to you, and thank you, hugs and blessings.
Thanks, Mary! You too!
Aileen
This made me teary-eyed. Thank you for the reminder and for sharing this story! 🙂
It’s my pleasure!
Lisa Arnold
Thank you for reminding me of how far I’ve come! I was that young mom with 3 small kids and a calculator. I’m now able to feed my family and give to others by couponing. We who have been there can truly relate! Bless you for your kindness.
Yes! We all need a little reminder every now and again! Merry Christmas!
debbie
loved this thank you for your kindness !! this is something i do all year every year due to the political arena not being calm we have taken a hit on our finances but i still help those in need
🙂
Diane Taylor
This is just what we should be doing. It’s what Jesus did. The Scriptures tell us “When you have done it unto the least of these, you have done it unto me”. Thank you for the Christmas blessing. Love your recipes!
So true! Merry Christmas!
Beth
Thank you for this story. It gave me chills.
Beth
Merry Christmas, Beth! 🙂
Jane K
Thank you so much for sharing this story – – what a sweet thing to do, and thank you for reminding us of the meaning of the season. From your story I will pay it forward … Merry Christmas!
Thanks so much, Jane!
Tina
Thanks for the good thought for the day. You brought a tear to my eyes with your heartwarming story. And, thank you for being so kind. Just as you mentioned, “you’ve been there,” well, so have I, and I think a lot of us have. It’s the act of kindness and little things that help get us through in life. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful Christmas story. May God bless you and your family. Love the stories and recipes. Keep ’em coming!!
Merry Christmas, Tina!
Aunt J
Can you spell C-H-R-I-S-T m-a-s? Blessings to you and yours.
Kate b.
Your story touched my heart and I appreciate you sharing it with us. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family. I enjoy your website and cookbook very much.
Thanks so much, Kate! Merry Christmas!
Virginia Moore
You just put another star in your crown with that unselfish act. Thanks for sharing this story with us.
It’s my pleasure, Virginia! I just hope it will encourage others to give when they can.
Linda Studdard
Your parents raised a fine young man! If each of us keeps this lesson in mind and follows your example our world would be better place!
You’re so sweet! Merry Christmas, my dear friend!
Megan
This story gave me the chills.
Thank you so much for sharing it with us. We all need reminders now and then of how we can impact our world for the good.
I have never commented before, but this was just so touching.
Thank you.
Don’t we? I agree! Thanks for you comment, Megan! I look forward to many more!
Melissa @ Served Up With Love
Oh Stacey, you are certainly pulling at my heart strings today! Exactly one year ago our family faced our hardest battle yet. My husband had a heart attack and in that instant our life changed. Being the soul breadwinner of our family, it was devastating. We leaned on so many people to help us stay afloat. No insurance, no income, and Christmas was only weeks away. We relied on our faith and our many wonderful friends and family. My kids were able to stay in our home and were well fed. Without that help, we would be homeless! We have walked this long road all year and it has not been easy but we are not the same people we were before the heart attack. We learned so much in those 12 months that we will take with us throughout our lives. I would have done the exact same thing as you did for that wonderful family. You made such a huge impact for that family more than you realize. Those sweet girls will remember your kindness as well as that mother. God placed you in their path for a reason. Oh how I wish we had more Stacey Little’s in this world! We would all be in a much better place.
🙂 Merry Christmas!!!
The Better Baker
What a beautiful post Melissa. How inspiring to know of stories like yours and the one Stacey shared…heart warming. Makes me want to go out and find someone to bless. Thanks to both of you for sharing!