Peanut Butter Oreo Bars Recipe
Decadent Peanut Butter Oreo Bars combine a crunchy Oreo cookie crust with a creamy, sweet peanut butter filling, topped off with a smooth layer of melted semi-sweet chocolate. These no-bake bars are easy to prepare, perfect for dessert lovers who enjoy a delightful blend of chocolate and peanut butter.
- Author: Tim
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes plus setting time
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Oreo Crust
- 15 Oreo cookies (not double stuffed)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (42 grams), melted
Peanut Butter Layer
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (56 grams), softened
- 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 (183 grams), sifted
Chocolate Layer
- 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate (170 grams), chopped
- 2 teaspoons shortening (or 1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil)
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving an overhang around the sides for easy removal of the bars later.
- Make Oreo Crust: Crush the Oreo cookies including the filling into fine crumbs using a food processor, or place them in a freezer bag and crush with a rolling pin. Mix the crushed cookies with the melted butter until fully combined.
- Form the Crust: Press the cookie and butter mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust layer.
- Prepare Peanut Butter Layer: Beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until smooth. Add the peanut butter and salt, beating until no lumps remain. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar about 1/2 cup at a time, mixing thoroughly. The mixture should be thick and not sticky to the touch.
- Assemble Peanut Butter Layer: Spoon the peanut butter mixture over the Oreo crust and spread or press it into an even layer. Using wax paper can help spread it evenly without sticking.
- Melt Chocolate: Chop the semi-sweet chocolate finely and place it in a heatproof bowl. Microwave at medium power for 45 seconds at a time, stirring between intervals, until melted and smooth. Alternatively, use a double boiler on low heat. Stir in shortening or vegetable oil to keep the chocolate smooth and glossy.
- Top with Chocolate: Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the peanut butter layer and smooth out the top with a spatula.
- Set the Bars: Allow the chocolate layer to harden at room temperature or refrigerate. Note that refrigeration may cause slight discoloration of the chocolate.
- Score and Slice: When the chocolate is about 90% hardened, score the surface with a sharp thin knife where you plan to cut the bars. Once fully hardened, lift the bars out using the parchment overhang and slice with a sharp knife for clean pieces.
Notes
- Using melted butter in the Oreo crust helps bind the crumbs together for a firm base.
- Adjust the salt in the peanut butter layer depending on whether salted or unsalted butter is used.
- Melting chocolate slowly and stirring frequently prevents scorching and ensures a smooth finish.
- For easier slicing, scoring the bars before the chocolate fully hardens prevents cracking.
- Refrigerating the bars speeds up setting but may cause chocolate to discolor slightly; room temperature setting is preferred for appearance.
Keywords: Peanut Butter Oreo Bars, no bake dessert, chocolate peanut butter bars, easy dessert bars, Oreo crust, peanut butter filling, semi-sweet chocolate topping