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Nothing says festive and fun quite like these Homemade Halloween Peanut Butter Bars—rich layers of creamy peanut butter topped with a gooey chocolate drizzle that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No oven needed—just chill and slice!
- Ready in under 45 minutes, including chill time.
- Crowd-pleasing Halloween treats the kids (and grown-ups) adore.
- Easy ingredients you probably have in your pantry right now.
- Perfect for gift boxes, party platters, or a midnight snack.
- Customizable spooky toppings—sprinkles, candies, you name it.
- A sweet and salty dessert that hits all the right notes.
- Great for last-minute holiday hosting or classroom parties.
- Dairy-free and gluten-free variations are a breeze.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups creamy peanut butter (I love Skippy Natural or Justin’s)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips (Ghirardelli recommended)
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil (helps the chocolate set smoothly)
- Festive sprinkles or mini candy corn, for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the pan. Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a 1-inch overhang on two sides—this makes lifting out the bars a breeze.
- Whip the filling. In a large bowl, beat the peanut butter and softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides. Add vanilla, then gradually beat in powdered sugar until thick and smooth—you’ll see it come together like a dreamy dough.
- Press into pan. Scoop the peanut butter mixture into the lined dish and press down firmly with a spatula (or your clean hands) to create an even layer about ½-inch thick. Pro tip: dampen your spatula to prevent sticking.
- Chill until firm. Pop the pan into the fridge for 30–35 minutes. You want the base to be solid to support that glossy chocolate layer.
- Melt the topping. While it chills, combine chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second bursts, stirring after each, until silky and lump-free—takes about 1 minute total.
- Drizzle and decorate. Remove the peanut butter slab from the fridge, pour the chocolate evenly over it, then use an offset spatula to spread in a thin, uniform layer. Quickly sprinkle on your Halloween candy or festive sprinkles before the chocolate sets.
- Final chill. Return to the fridge for another 10–15 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm to the touch.
- Slice and serve. Lift the parchment out, cut into 16–20 bars with a sharp knife (wipe it clean between cuts for neat edges).
Servings & Timing
Makes 16–20 bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes hands-on
Chill Time: 35 minutes + 15 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour (with room for snack sampling!)
Variations
- Halloween Peanut Butter Pumpkin Bars: Stir in ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice to the filling for a fall twist.
- Nut-Free Swap: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter for allergy-friendly treats.
- White Chocolate Drizzle: Replace semi-sweet chips with white chocolate for a ghostly look.
- Keto-Friendly Bites: Swap powdered sugar for powdered erythritol and use sugar-free dark chocolate.
- Candy Bar Remix: Mix chopped Snickers or Reese’s pieces into the filling before chilling.
- Spicy Peanut Butter Bars: Add a pinch of cayenne for a surprising, grown-up kick.
Storage & Reheating
Storage:
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Room Temperature: Store the Halloween Peanut Butter Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
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Refrigeration: For longer storage, place the bars in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
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Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating:
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Microwave: If you prefer a warm, gooey texture, microwave a bar for 10-15 seconds.
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Oven: Alternatively, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C), place the bars on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5 minutes.
FAQs for Halloween Peanut Butter Bars
1. Can I use other nut butters instead of peanut butter?
Yes, you can substitute peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
2. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or gluten-free cookies as the base for a gluten-free version.
3. How do I prevent the chocolate layer from cracking?
Ensure the bars are completely cooled before cutting. Use a warm knife (run it under hot water, then dry) to make clean cuts without cracking.
4. Can I make these bars dairy-free?
Yes, replace butter with a dairy-free alternative and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
5. Can I add toppings to the chocolate layer?
Absolutely! You can sprinkle crushed candies, colorful sprinkles, or even a drizzle of white chocolate for a festive touch.
Conclusion
Halloween Peanut Butter Bars are a deliciously easy treat that’s perfect for any spooky celebration. With their creamy peanut butter filling and rich chocolate topping, they’re sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Customize them with your favorite toppings or keep them classic – either way, they’re a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy this sweet, no-bake dessert, and make your Halloween celebrations even more delicious.
Halloween Peanut Butter Bars
Ingredients
- 1½ cups creamy peanut butter I love Skippy Natural or Justin’s
- ½ cup unsalted butter room temperature (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
- 2 cups powdered sugar sifted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips Ghirardelli recommended
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil helps the chocolate set smoothly
- Festive sprinkles or mini candy corn for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a 1-inch overhang on two sides—this makes lifting out the bars a breeze.
- Beat the peanut butter and softened butter with an electric mixer, then add vanilla and gradually beat in powdered sugar until thick and smooth.
- Scoop the peanut butter mixture into the lined dish and press down firmly to create an even layer.
- Pop the pan into the fridge for 30–35 minutes to allow the base to solidify.
- Combine chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl, heat in 20-second bursts, stirring until smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter slab and spread in a thin layer. Sprinkle with festive toppings.
- Return to the fridge for another 10–15 minutes until the chocolate is firm.
- Cut into 16–20 bars with a sharp knife. Enjoy the Halloween Peanut Butter Bars!
