Peanut Butter Oreo Bars Recipe
Peanut Butter Oreo Bars are a decadent no-bake dessert featuring a crunchy Oreo cookie crust, a creamy peanut butter layer sweetened with brown sugar and powdered sugar, and topped with a smooth semi-sweet chocolate glaze. These bars combine the classic flavors of peanut butter and Oreo cookies into an easy-to-make treat perfect for any occasion.
- Author: Lila
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours (including 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 on the sides to help lift the bars out later.
- Crush Oreos: Crush the Oreo cookies, including the filling, into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a freezer bag and crushing with a rolling pin.
- Make Oreo Crust: Mix the crushed Oreos with the melted butter until evenly combined.
- Press Crust: Press the cookie crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even layer.
- Mix Peanut Butter Layer: Beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Add Peanut Butter and Salt: Beat in the smooth peanut butter and salt until the mixture is lump-free and uniform.
- Incorporate Powdered Sugar: Gradually mix in the sifted powdered sugar about half a cup at a time, continuing to beat until the mixture is thick and no longer sticky to the touch.
- Spread Peanut Butter Layer: Spoon the peanut butter filling evenly over the Oreo crust, then spread and press it down into a smooth, even layer; using wax paper can help achieve an even surface.
- Melt Chocolate: Chop the semi-sweet chocolate finely and place it in a heatproof bowl. Melt the chocolate in the microwave on medium power in 45-second intervals, stirring between each, or melt over a double boiler on low heat.
- Add Shortening: Stir the shortening into the melted chocolate to achieve a smooth, glossy finish.
- Top with Chocolate: Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the peanut butter layer and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Set Chocolate Layer: Allow the chocolate to harden at room temperature or refrigerate to speed up the process. Note refrigeration may cause slight discoloration.
- Score Before Full Hardening: When the chocolate is about 90% set, score the surface with a thin, sharp knife where you plan to slice the bars to make cutting easier.
- Remove and Slice: Once fully hardened, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment or foil overhang. Place on a cutting board and slice into bars with a sharp, thin knife.
Notes
- Using parchment paper or foil with an overhang makes removing the bars easier.
- Ensure peanut butter mixture is not sticky before spreading to prevent a messy top layer.
- Microwaving chocolate on medium power prevents burning; stirring frequently ensures even melting.
- Shortening helps keep the chocolate layer glossy and firm at room temperature.
- Bars can be stored at room temperature or refrigerated. Refrigeration may discolor the chocolate but will firm the bars faster.
Keywords: Peanut Butter Oreo Bars, no bake dessert, peanut butter bars, Oreo crust, chocolate peanut butter bars