No Cook Peanut Butter Cups

Prep: 15 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

No Cook Peanut Butter Cups are rich, creamy treats featuring a layer of peanut butter and graham cracker crumbs topped with smooth chocolate. Perfect for peanut butter lovers and those craving an easy, no-bake dessert, these squares are quick to prepare and satisfy sweet cravings effortlessly.

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Ingredients

  • 2 sticks margarine
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 cup crunchy peanut butter
  • 2 1/3 cups confectioners sugar
  • 12 oz. chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Melt margarine in a bowl.
  2. Add graham cracker crumbs, peanut butter, and confectioners sugar to the melted margarine. Mix well.
  3. Spread the mixture evenly in a greased 9 x 13-inch pan.
  4. Melt chocolate chips and spread the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer.
  5. Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill until set.
  6. Cut into squares and serve.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using natural peanut butter instead of crunchy, as it can enhance the overall taste profile. If you prefer a sweeter treat, add a touch more confectioners sugar. You can also substitute the margarine with coconut oil for a different texture. For a fun twist, try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top before chilling.

Serving Suggestions

These no-cook peanut butter cups are perfect as an indulgent snack or dessert. Pair them with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. They also make a delightful addition to a dessert platter alongside Easy Country Gravy or Orange Pineapple Dessert for a sweet spread.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover peanut butter cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze individual squares for up to three months. To enjoy them after freezing, let them thaw in the fridge for a few hours before serving.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of No Cook Peanut Butter Cups contains roughly 519 calories, with 7g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is a good source of protein (13% of the Daily Value).

519 kcal 26% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.7g 13% DV
Total Fat 39.1g 50% DV
Carbs 41.1g 15% DV
Fiber 2.3g 8% DV
Sugar 30.7g 61% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 253.1mg 11% DV
Potassium 308.2mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 1.9mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin C 0.6mg 1% DV
Calcium 52mg 4% DV
Iron 1.6mg 9% DV
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten Peanut

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use smooth peanut butter instead of crunchy?

Yes, you can definitely use smooth peanut butter if you prefer a creamier texture. It will still set well and maintain the delicious flavor of the cups. Just keep in mind that it will alter the texture slightly, removing the crunch from the crunchy peanut butter.

How long do these peanut butter cups need to chill?

The peanut butter cups typically need to chill for about 1-2 hours in the refrigerator or until set. For quicker results, you can place them in the freezer for about 30-45 minutes. Just be careful not to leave them in too long to avoid freezing completely.

Can I add other ingredients to the mixture?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in chopped nuts, mini marshmallows, or even a drizzle of caramel for added flavor. Just keep the overall ratio of dry to wet ingredients balanced to ensure the mixture sets properly.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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