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Peanut Butter Oreo Bars Recipe

ByMadison
Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 67 reviews

Hey there! If you’re a fan of sweet, salty, and downright addictive treats, you’re going to flip over this Peanut Butter Oreo Bars Recipe. Seriously, it’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to because it hits all the right spots — crunchy Oreos, creamy peanut butter, and silky chocolate on top. Trust me, once you try these bars, they’ll be your go-to for potlucks, last-minute guests, or anytime you crave a homemade sweet fix. Ready to dive in? Let’s make magic happen in your kitchen!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Perfect Balance of Flavors: The sweetness of Oreos meets the rich, salty creaminess of peanut butter and bittersweet chocolate.
  • No-Bake Convenience: It’s quick to whip up and requires no oven, which is a total win in my book.
  • Texture Contrast: Crunchy Oreo base contrasts beautifully with the smooth peanut butter layer and glossy chocolate topping.
  • Customizable: You can easily adjust sweetness, swap chocolates, or add extras to make it truly your own.
Peanut Butter Oreo Bars, no-bake Oreo dessert, easy peanut butter bars, homemade Oreo bars, chocolate peanut butter bars - A square baking pan lined with white parchment paper holds a chocolate dessert with two visible layers. The bottom layer is light brown with a soft, crumbly texture, while the top layer is smooth, shiny, and dark brown chocolate ganache, evenly spread with a few gentle swirls on the surface. The pan sits on a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each layer of this Peanut Butter Oreo Bars Recipe is thoughtfully crafted with ingredients that play nicely together—and give you that crave-worthy bite. The Oreo crust offers crunch, the peanut butter layer adds richness and a touch of saltiness, and the chocolate topping finishes things off with a smooth, glossy seal. When shopping, grab good quality Oreos and smooth peanut butter (more on that later) to make your bars shine.

Peanut Butter Oreo Bars, no-bake Oreo dessert, easy peanut butter bars, homemade Oreo bars, chocolate peanut butter bars - Flat lay of whole uncracked brown eggs, a small bowl of smooth peanut butter, a small white ceramic bowl filled with light brown soft unsalted butter, a few whole Oreo cookies with dark chocolate wafers and white cream centers, a small white ceramic bowl of light brown granulated brown sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of fine white powdered sugar, a small white ceramic bowl containing semi-sweet dark chocolate chunks, a small white ceramic bowl with a pale yellow melted butter, a small white ceramic bowl with a pinch of salt crystals, a small white ceramic bowl containing pale yellow shortening placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Oreo cookies: Use classic Oreos, but not double-stuffed as the filling becomes too soft; the contrast of wafer and cream is perfect here.
  • Unsalted butter: Gives control over the saltiness—plus, mixing melted butter into crushed Oreos turns the crumbs into a solid, buttery crust.
  • Brown sugar: Adds a hint of molasses flavor in the peanut butter layer, deepening the sweetness and balancing the salt.
  • Salt: Enhances flavors, but omit if your butter is already salted.
  • Smooth peanut butter: Critical for silky texture; avoid natural kinds where oil separates because they won’t blend as nicely.
  • Powdered sugar: Sweetens and helps firm up the peanut butter layer without grittiness.
  • Semi-sweet chocolate: Melts easily and balances the peanut butter’s richness; feel free to choose milk or dark chocolate depending on preference.
  • Shortening or vegetable oil: Helps the chocolate topping set with a silky sheen and smooth texture.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I’m all about making recipes your own, and this Peanut Butter Oreo Bars Recipe is no exception. I often tweak the chocolate topping—sometimes using milk chocolate for a sweeter finish or adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top to amp up the flavor. Play around with it until it feels just right for you!

  • Add Crunch: Folding in chopped peanuts or toffee bits into the peanut butter layer adds great texture—I love that extra surprise in each bite.
  • Go Nut-Free: Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter if allergies are a concern, the texture profile stays similar.
  • Flavor Boost: A splash of vanilla extract in the peanut butter layer adds warmth and complexity.
  • Chocolate Experiment: Try a marbled topping with white and dark chocolate for pretty swirls that impress guests!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Peanut Butter Oreo Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Crush Those Oreos

Start by lining an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper or foil with a little overhang—it makes lifting the bars out a breeze. Then, toss all the Oreos (yes, including the cream!) into a food processor and blitz until you get fine crumbs. Don’t have a food processor? No worries! Throw them in a freezer bag and crush with a rolling pin. Mix those crumbs with melted butter until everything looks evenly coated.

Step 2: Press the Oreo Crust

Dump your Oreo-butter mixture into the prepared pan and press down firmly using a spatula or the bottom of a glass. I find pressing evenly and tightly helps the crust hold together—too loose and your bars might crumble too much when you cut them.

Step 3: Whip Up the Peanut Butter Filling

Beat the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth and creamy. Then, add the peanut butter and a pinch of salt (unless your butter’s salted) and continue beating until there are no lumps. Slowly mix in sifted powdered sugar in batches—half cup at a time—until the mixture is thick and no longer sticky to your fingers. It should be stiff enough to form a firm layer over the crust.

Step 4: Spread the Peanut Butter Layer

Carefully spoon the peanut butter filling over the Oreo crust. To keep your hands clean and get a smooth surface, I like using a piece of wax paper to press it down evenly. This way, you get neat bars once it’s all set.

Step 5: Melt the Chocolate and Top It Off

Chop your chocolate into small pieces for even melting. Microwave it on medium power for 45 seconds at a time, stirring between intervals until silky smooth. Stir in shortening or a little vegetable oil to keep the chocolate glossy and prevent streaking. Pour the warm chocolate over the peanut butter layer, smoothing the top with a spatula. Then, let it sit to harden—either at room temp or in the fridge (watch for possible chocolate discoloration if chilled).

Step 6: Score and Slice

When the chocolate is about 90% set but still a bit soft to the touch, score lightly where you plan to cut your bars later—this makes slicing clean and easy. Once fully hardened, lift the entire slab out using the parchment overhang and slice into 16 squares with a sharp knife. Clean the knife between cuts for perfect edges.

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Pro Tips for Making Peanut Butter Oreo Bars Recipe

  • Soft Butter is Key: Let your butter come to room temperature so it blends seamlessly into the peanut butter layer without lumps.
  • Don’t Skip the Powdered Sugar Sift: Sifting prevents clumps and keeps your filling smooth.
  • Use a Sharp Knife for Slicing: Run your knife under warm water and dry it before slicing for clean edges and to avoid cracking the chocolate.
  • Avoid Overheating Chocolate: Melt in short intervals and stir often to prevent burning and grainy texture.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Oreo Bars Recipe

Peanut Butter Oreo Bars, no-bake Oreo dessert, easy peanut butter bars, homemade Oreo bars, chocolate peanut butter bars - The image shows five rectangular layered bars stacked on a white plate with a white marbled surface below. Each bar has three layers: a bottom dark black crumbly base, a thick middle light brown creamy layer, and a thin top dark smooth chocolate layer. The bars have clean edges, and the layers are even in thickness. In the background, there is a blurred glass of milk and part of a white and black cookie visible on the surface. The overall setting is bright with soft natural lighting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a light dusting of cocoa powder or some crushed Oreos sprinkled on top right after pouring the chocolate. For special occasions, a drizzle of white chocolate zigzagged over the top always gets “ooohs” from my guests. Sometimes flaky sea salt makes a fabulous finishing touch that adds a little unexpected pop to these bars.

Side Dishes

These bars are rich enough to stand alone, but I love pairing them with a simple glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream when I want to serve them as a dessert. For a fun twist, sometimes I bring them along with fresh berries or a fruity sorbet to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I slice the bars into bite-sized squares and serve them on a pretty platter with colorful napkins—I find that smaller bites keep guests coming back for more! If you’re gifting, wrap individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine; it’s a charming, homemade touch that feels extra thoughtful.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days. If your kitchen is warm, the fridge is best to keep the chocolate firm. Just remember that chilling might cause the chocolate top to get a little bloom (those white marks), but it won’t affect taste.

Freezing

These bars freeze wonderfully! I wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When it’s time to enjoy, just thaw in the fridge overnight. The texture stays intact, and it’s a lifesaver for prepping ahead.

Reheating

Since these are no-bake bars, I don’t usually reheat them. But if you prefer your chocolate a touch melty, a few seconds in the microwave (10–15 seconds) works—just keep an eye so it doesn’t get too soft.

FAQs

  1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter in this Peanut Butter Oreo Bars Recipe?

    You can, but keep in mind crunchy peanut butter will add texture and small nutty bits to the filling—if you like that extra crunch, go for it! Just be sure any mix-ins don’t overpower the delicate balance with the Oreo crust.

  2. Can I substitute another cookie for Oreos?

    Absolutely! While Oreos give that classic flavor, you can experiment with chocolate wafer cookies or gluten-free sandwich cookies if needed. Just make sure the cookies are sturdy enough to form a solid crust.

  3. Why does my chocolate topping sometimes get white spots?

    That’s called chocolate bloom. It happens when chocolate is stored in the fridge or experiences temperature changes. It’s purely cosmetic and won’t affect taste or texture. To avoid it, let bars set at room temperature if possible.

  4. How do I make sure the peanut butter layer isn’t too soft?

    Be patient adding powdered sugar—sift it and add gradually. The mixture should form a stiff, non-sticky dough that holds shape when pressed into the pan. Using smooth peanut butter and softened (not melted) butter helps achieve the ideal texture.

Final Thoughts

I can’t stress enough how special this Peanut Butter Oreo Bars Recipe is in my dessert rotation. It’s simple, sure, but the layers of flavor and texture remind me why homemade treats still beat store-bought any day. Plus, it’s fun to make—and even more fun to share. I hope you find yourself reaching for these bars time and again, sharing sweet moments with friends and family. Go ahead, try them—you’re going to love every bite!

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Peanut Butter Oreo Bars Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 67 reviews
  • Author: Madison
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 16 squares
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

Delight in these rich Peanut Butter Oreo Bars featuring a crunchy Oreo cookie base, a smooth peanut butter layer, and a luscious chocolate topping. Perfectly balanced in sweetness and texture, these bars are an irresistible treat for any dessert lover.

Ingredients

Oreo Base

  • 15 Oreo cookies, not double stuffed
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (42 grams)

Peanut Butter Layer

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (56 grams)
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar, light or dark
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, omit if using salted butter
  • 1 cup smooth peanut butter
  • 1 2/3 cup powdered sugar, sifted (183 grams)

Chocolate Topping

  • 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate (170 grams), or your favorite variety
  • 2 teaspoons shortening, or 1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving an overhang around the sides to easily lift out the bars later.
  2. Make the Oreo Crust: Crush the Oreo cookies with a food processor until fine crumbs form, or place them in a freezer bag and crush with a rolling pin. Mix the crushed cookies with melted butter, then press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust.
  3. Create the Peanut Butter Layer: Beat softened butter and brown sugar together until smooth. Add peanut butter and salt, mixing until no lumps remain. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, about 1/2 cup at a time, mixing thoroughly until the mixture is stiff and no longer sticky. Spread and press the peanut butter mixture evenly over the Oreo crust using a spatula or wax paper.
  4. Prepare the Chocolate Topping: Chop the chocolate into fine pieces. Melt the chocolate in a microwave on medium power in 45-second intervals, stirring between each until completely melted, or melt over a double boiler. Stir in the shortening or vegetable oil until smooth. Pour this warm chocolate over the peanut butter layer and smooth the surface.
  5. Set and Slice: Allow the chocolate to harden at room temperature or in the refrigerator (noting fridge may cause discoloration). When the chocolate is about 90% hardened, score with a sharp knife to mark slices. Once fully set, lift the bars out using the parchment overhang and slice into 16 squares with a sharp, thin knife.

Notes

  • Use smooth, commercially prepared peanut butter to ensure the right texture; avoid natural peanut butters where oil separates.
  • Nutrition details are estimates based on slicing the pan into 16 equal bars.
  • Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge to maintain freshness.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 90 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg

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