Indulge in the irresistible sweetness of Katie Bars, a no-bake dessert that's as simple as it is delicious. Perfectly balanced with a rich, buttery peanut butter base and a luscious layer of creamy chocolate, these decadent bars are made with pantry staples like graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and semi-sweet chocolate chips. With just 15 minutes of prep time and no baking required, this easy recipe is a go-to treat for busy weeknights or impromptu celebrations. Featuring a silky peanut butter-chocolate topping and a satisfyingly crumbly texture, Katie Bars are the ultimate combination of sweet, salty, and decadent. Whether you're prepping for a party, packing lunchbox desserts, or treating yourself to a homemade indulgence, these bars are sure to become a favorite! Perfect for peanut butter lovers and chocolate enthusiasts, these bars store beautifully in the fridge for up to a week.
Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
In a medium microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. This should take about 30–45 seconds in the microwave. Stir to ensure it is completely melted.
Add the graham cracker crumbs and powdered sugar to the melted butter. Mix until the ingredients are fully combined and resemble a crumbly texture.
Stir in the creamy peanut butter until the mixture becomes smooth and cohesive. It should be easy to press together.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan and press it down evenly to form the base layer. Use a flat spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth the surface.
In another microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and 1/4 cup of peanut butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted. This should take about 1–1.5 minutes total.
Pour the chocolate mixture over the peanut butter base layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
Refrigerate the pan for 2 hours, or until the chocolate topping is set and firm to the touch.
Once set, remove the bars from the pan by lifting the parchment paper or simply slicing them in the pan. Cut into 16 squares for easy serving.
Store the Katie Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Calories |
6229 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 397.8 g | 510% | |
| Saturated Fat | 143.8 g | 719% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 248 mg | 83% | |
| Sodium | 3295 mg | 143% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 627.4 g | 228% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 49.2 g | 176% | |
| Total Sugars | 410.2 g | ||
| Protein | 138.3 g | 277% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 408 mg | 31% | |
| Iron | 22.5 mg | 125% | |
| Potassium | 3010 mg | 64% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.