‘No oven needed’: Just 3 ingredients. This is my easiest Christmas dessert.

These 3-ingredient no-bake chocolate peanut butter bars are the kind of treat I lean on when the day’s been long but I still want to put something a little special on the table. They remind me of the simple church-basement dessert bars I grew up with here in the Midwest—nothing fancy, just good, honest flavors that everyone recognizes. You only need peanut butter, chocolate, and graham crackers, and the whole thing comes together in a foil-lined tray so there’s barely any cleanup. They’re perfect for last-minute potlucks, after-school snacks, or those nights when you want a homemade dessert without turning on the oven.

These bars are rich and sweet, so they pair nicely with lighter sides. I like to serve them after a simple family dinner—something like baked chicken and a big green salad—so dessert feels like a fun little surprise. A cold glass of milk (regular or dairy-free) is perfect for the kids, while coffee or hot tea balances the sweetness for adults. If you’re setting these out for a gathering, add a bowl of fresh berries or sliced apples on the side to brighten up the plate. For a more playful spread, pair the bars with popcorn and cut-up veggies and dip for a casual movie night that still feels put together.

Servings: 12 bars

1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter, divided (about 1 cup for the base, 1/2 cup for the topping)
2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 14–16 full sheets, finely crushed)
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch square pan with aluminum foil, leaving some foil hanging over the sides to act as handles. Lightly spray or grease the foil to make removal easier.

In a medium bowl, stir together 1 cup of the peanut butter and the graham cracker crumbs until the mixture is thick and well combined. It should hold together when pressed; if it seems too dry, add another tablespoon or two of peanut butter.

Press the peanut butter–graham mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the foil-lined pan. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a measuring cup to really pack it down so the base is solid.

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and the remaining 1/2 cup peanut butter. Microwave in 20–30 second bursts, stirring each time, until the mixture is smooth and glossy. (You can also melt this gently in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly.)

Pour the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture over the base layer. Tilt the pan or use a spatula to spread it into an even layer, making sure it reaches all the corners.

Refrigerate the pan for at least 2 hours, or until the bars are firm and the chocolate topping is set.

Once chilled, use the foil overhang to lift the entire slab out of the pan and place it on a cutting board. Peel back the foil, then use a sharp knife to cut into 12 bars (or smaller squares if you like).

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let them sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before serving if you prefer a softer texture.

For picky eaters or different dietary needs, these bars are easy to tweak. If someone in your family isn’t a fan of strong peanut flavor, you can swap half of the peanut butter in the base for softened butter or a mild nut butter like cashew, then keep the chocolate layer the same. To make them a little more fun for kids, sprinkle mini chocolate chips, crushed pretzels, or colorful sprinkles over the melted chocolate topping before chilling. For a slightly less sweet version, use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet and choose a natural peanut butter with no added sugar. If you need these to be gluten-free, use gluten-free graham crackers—just crush them the same way. You can also turn them into “freezer bars” by cutting them smaller and storing them in the freezer; they’ll be firmer and extra chewy, which some kids love. And if you’re packing these for a school lunch or potluck where peanuts are a concern, try using sunflower seed butter or another nut-free spread in place of peanut butter, keeping the rest of the recipe the same.