If you love the delightful combination of peanut butter and Oreos, then this Peanut Butter Oreo Bars Recipe will become your new favorite treat. These no-bake bars feature a thick, crunchy Oreo crust that perfectly complements a rich, creamy peanut butter filling, all topped with a glossy layer of melted chocolate. The balance of textures and flavors, combined with the ease of preparation, makes this dessert an irresistible crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a dark, crumbly mixture that looks like finely crushed chocolate crumbs clumping together. Inside the bowl is a shiny silver fork partially dipped into the mixture, with some crumbs sticking to the sides of the bowl around the edges. The scene is bright and clean, focusing on the texture and rich dark brown-black color of the crumbly mixture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is simple, yet each component plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect taste and texture. From the crisp Oreo base to the smooth peanut butter layer and the luscious chocolate topping, every ingredient brings something special to the table.

Oreo cookies (15, not double stuffed): These form the crunchy foundation for the crust, delivering that iconic chocolate cookie flavor.
Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons for crust, 1/4 cup for filling): Adds richness and helps bind the crust and filling together seamlessly.
Brown sugar (3 tablespoons, light or dark): Provides a subtle caramel sweetness and depth to the peanut butter layer.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the richness if unsalted butter is used.
Smooth peanut butter (1 cup): The heart of the filling that’s creamy and luscious—make sure it’s commercially prepared and smooth for the best consistency.
Powdered sugar (1 2/3 cups, sifted): Sweetens and thickens the peanut butter filling while keeping the texture silky smooth.
Semi-sweet chocolate (6 ounces): Melts into a shiny topping that seals the bars with a touch of indulgence.
Shortening (2 teaspoons) or vegetable oil (1/2 teaspoon): Added to the chocolate to help it melt smoothly and achieve a perfect glossy finish.

How to Make Peanut Butter Oreo Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oreo Crust

Start by lining your pan with parchment paper or foil so you can easily lift out the bars later. Crush the Oreo cookies until they become fine crumbs. You can do this with a food processor or by placing them in a freezer bag and smashing them with a rolling pin. Mix the crumbs with melted butter to create a sticky, flavorful base. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan—this thick crust gives the bars their satisfying crunch.

Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Filling

In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter and brown sugar until smooth and creamy. Incorporate the peanut butter and salt, mixing until no lumps remain. Gradually beat in the sifted powdered sugar until the mixture is thick and won’t stick to your fingers. This filling is rich, sweet, and creamy, providing the classic peanut butter cup flavor we adore. Spread this layer evenly over the Oreo crust, pressing gently to smooth the surface.

Step 3: Add the Chocolate Topping

Chop the chocolate finely and melt it gently in the microwave on medium power or over a double boiler, stirring frequently to avoid overheating. Stir in shortening or vegetable oil to achieve a smooth, shiny finish. Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer, spreading it carefully to cover evenly. Allow the chocolate to set either at room temperature or in the fridge for faster hardening. If chilling, watch out for any discoloration of the chocolate surface.

Step 4: Slice and Serve

For neat slices, score the bars with a sharp knife when the chocolate is nearly set but still slightly soft. Once fully hardened, lift the bars with the parchment overhang and cut them into 16 squares. These layers, from crunchy crust to creamy filling to rich chocolate, create bars that are as beautiful as they are delicious.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Oreo Bars Recipe

The image shows a stack of three square dessert bars on a white marbled surface. Each bar has three visible layers: a dark, crumbly base that looks like crushed chocolate cookies, a thick middle layer of smooth, light brown peanut butter filling, and a thin, shiny top layer of dark chocolate. The bars are neatly stacked, with slight texture visible on the peanut butter layer. In the background, there is a blurred glass of milk, and an Oreo cookie is partly visible on the left side. The overall scene is bright with soft lighting, capturing the details and colors clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While these bars are absolutely delicious on their own, a light sprinkle of crushed Oreos or a drizzle of melted peanut butter over the top adds a fun, decorative touch. You could also toss on some chopped peanuts for a crunchy, salty contrast.

Side Dishes

Pairing these bars with a cold glass of milk or a cup of strong coffee creates a classic dessert experience. For a fancy twist, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to compliment the richness of the bars.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the bars on a rustic wooden board for a casual gathering, or arrange them neatly on a decorative dessert platter to impress guests at a party. You can also package individual bars in clear cellophane with a ribbon for a delightful homemade gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Peanut Butter Oreo Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or store them in the refrigerator if you prefer a firmer texture or live in a warm climate. This storage keeps them fresh and preserves their delightful layers.

Freezing

These bars freeze wonderfully. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Since these are no-bake bars, reheating is not necessary. If you want to soften the chocolate topping slightly, leave the bars at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before enjoying. Avoid microwaving, as it could melt the chocolate and alter the texture.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?

For this Peanut Butter Oreo Bars Recipe, smooth peanut butter is best because it creates a silky, cohesive filling. Crunchy peanut butter might affect the texture and make the filling less smooth and more crumbly.

What if I don’t have shortening for the chocolate topping?

If you don’t have shortening, vegetable oil is a perfect substitute to give the chocolate a shiny finish and smooth texture when melted.

Can I substitute other cookies for Oreos?

While Oreos provide a classic flavor and texture for this recipe, you could try other chocolate sandwich cookies if desired. Just keep in mind that the flavor and crunch will be slightly different.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is not gluten-free as it uses traditional Oreo cookies, which contain wheat. However, you could experiment with gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies as a substitute.

How long does it take for the bars to set?

The bars need about one hour to fully harden, whether at room temperature or in the fridge. Chilling speeds up the process but may cause minor chocolate discoloration.

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Butter Oreo Bars Recipe is a truly fantastic and indulgent dessert that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Whether you’re treating yourself after a long day or sharing with friends and family, these bars deliver comfort and joy in every bite. Give this recipe a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Peanut Butter Oreo Bars Recipe