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These 5 Ingredient Triple Decker Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars are like a homemade peanut butter cup, but in bar form. A thick milk chocolate base, layered with a sweet and super creamy peanut butter filling, then covered entirely by another thick layer of milk chocolate. So much better than overly sugary store-bought peanut butter cups. And the best part? These are SO easy to make. They call for only 5 pantry staple ingredients and require zero baking. You cannot go wrong with this triple decker chocolate peanut butter bar. Nothing not love.

side angled photo of 5 Ingredient Triple Decker Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars with large bite taken out of bar

Happy Friday everyone! I have to say, this time leading up to and in between Christmas and the New Year truly is the best. Everything is laid back with relaxed holiday vibes. We have most of our family here through New Years and even though I’m working today, it’s nice to have everyone around…and so many people to cook for. I know I say this often, but the reason I love to cook is because I love to cook for others. I love being in the kitchen while the family hangs out. It’s where I find myself most comfortable (probably because I can’t sit still…I get antsy quick).

Anyway, I hope you’re all soaking up these slower days with family and friends. Today I have the best, super easy dessert to share. I’ll be keeping the posts on the shorter side through New Year’s Day. Then back to my regular ramblings (aside from Sunday Favorites post, of course) after the New Year!

Onto all the delicious details of these EASY chocolate peanut butter bars.

overhead photo of 5 Ingredient Triple Decker Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars before adding the final chocolate layer

How to make these easiest chocolate peanut bars.

This is a recipe that I made years and years ago, but completely forget about it. It’s obviously no secret that I love the combination of chocolate and peanut butter (see these cookies and this cake), but the simplicity of these bars is just SO GOOD.

Let me break the bars down layer by layer…

The first layer, sweet milk chocolate.

Layer two, light and extra creamy peanut butter (that is perfectly sweet, buttery, and a touch salty too).

Layer three, sweet milk chocolate.

So incredibly simple. So incredibly GOOD.

side angled photo of 5chocolate being poured over top bars

The secrets?

The two thick layers of chocolate and the extra thick layer of creamy peanut butter.

For the chocolate layers, the key is to melt the chocolate together with a spoonful of peanut butter. This keeps the chocolate from cracking when you go to cut through the bars. Why does this matter? Well, the peanut butter filling is so light and creamy that if the chocolate was difficult to cut through, the filling would just squeeze right out of the center.

overhead photo of 5 Ingredient Triple Decker Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

Still good, but obviously not ideal.

As for the filling, it’s very simple. Peanut butter, salted butter, vanilla, and confectioners’ sugar. The key? Whip the peanut butter and butter until light and fluffy, then add the vanilla and sugar. This gives you a “whipped” peanut butter filling, and trust me, it’s insanely delicious.

My biggest tip? Keep the bars chilled. They will soften at room temperature and be a little messy to eat, so enjoy these straight out of the fridge.

side angled photo of 5 Ingredient Triple Decker Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

To sum this dessert up real quick, these bars are similar to a giant peanut butter cup. But so much better because the chocolate to peanut butter ratio is perfect…just the right amounts of chocolate to peanut butter.

I’ll be making these bars for New Year’s Eve this year, they are so simple. They aren’t all that fancy, but that doesn’t seem to matter. People just cannot get enough of these bars.

Sometimes simple is best, and these bars will be the perfect sweet dessert to ring in the New Year…and new decade for that matter!

overhead photo of 5 Ingredient Triple Decker Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

If you make these 5 ingredient triple decker chocolate peanut butter bars, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!

5 Ingredient Triple Decker Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

Author: Tieghan Gerard
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Refrigerate 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Calories Per Serving: 277 kcal

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

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Ingredients

Instructions

  • 1. Line an 8x8 inch square pan with parchment paper.
    2. In a small bowl, melt together 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips and 2 tablespoon peanut butter in the microwave until melted. Pour the chocolate into the prepared pan and tap against the counter until the chocolate is in an even layer. Transfer to the freezer for 15 minutes to set.
    3. Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter, 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter, vanilla, and 1 cup confectioners' sugar until smooth and creamy. Taste and add more confectioners' sugar to your liking.
    4. Spoon the peanut butter mixture over the chocolate layer into a smooth layer. Transfer to the freezer for 15 minutes to set.
    5. Melt the remaining 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips and 2 tablespoon peanut butter in the microwave until melted. Pour the chocolate over the peanut butter layer, smooth the chocolate out into an even layer. Cover and place in the fridge for 1 hour or until set. Slice into bars (see tip below). Keep bars stored in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Notes

Tip For Cutting:  First, make sure the bars are really cold and the filling is completely set. I'd recommend freezing the bars for 15 minutes to really give them a good chill. Then, run a really sharp chef's knife under hot water, quickly dry the knife off and then cut into bars. 
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horizontal photo of 5 Ingredient Triple Decker Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars with large bite taken out of bar

This post was originally published on December 27, 2019
4.21 from 156 votes (149 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. This is amazingggg. I missed from an earlier post – where did you move? Living alone now? Hopefully all the renovations finish up soon! It’s never an easy ordeal.

    I’m definitely going to make these for my boyfriend – he can eat all of the chocolate and all of the peanut butter so what better recipe! I may try dark chocolate? Thoughts?

    Reply

    1. I renovated a barn into a studio space. You can read all about it here, here and here.

      I think that if you like dark chocolate that, that will work great!! Hope you love these and have a great weekend!

      Reply

  4. Ok these look amazing and I have all the ingredients! Win for me! Another great recipe Tieghan. Hang in there, it will all come together!

    Reply

  6. Just keep telling yourself that it WILL get done. And keep eating these bars. Because that would make anything better!

    Reply

    1. Yes, I am trying to say that over in my head…like a million times a day! 🙂

      Thanks Liz and have a great weekend!

      Reply

  7. I can’t even picture anyone hanging a hood backwards. Knobs and buttons go where??? DUH!!!! I know you are ready for them ALL to be gone, to be finished, and out of your way. These ingredients are similar to the peanut butter balls I used to make.

    Reply

  8. Flipping hec, these look good, part of me wants to give them a buttery, biscuit (cookie) base too!

    Reply

  9. GAH! Backwards? I would DIE!
    But I am also immensely jealous that you get a hood…that is a dream of mine.
    Kind of like these bars. Except this one Imma make happen! Pinned!

    Reply

  10. That electrician doesn’t get a single one – sigh. It’s so stressful doing this sort of work but you’ll be so happy having your custom everything to yourself soon – soonest I hope. These look fabulous 🙂 And just like what my little chef will want to make this weekend 🙂

    Reply

  12. Poor you! I have to say though, it seems like the more stress you are under, the more I adore your posts. These bars look like complete and utter bliss. Thanks!

    Reply

  13. OMG this looks divine! You are a very talented young lady. As a food blogger myself I find your food styling, photography and recipes very inspiring. Thank you

    Reply

  14. Oh my, homemade peanut butter cups! I’m not a chocolate lover unless PB is involved, and these look so yummy and easy, I HAVE to make them! I’ve been through a remodel and wore my teeth down from gritting and grinding over dented appliances, wrong paint colors, and “we need to rewire”. But in the end it’s so worth all the “while you’re at it” additions. Deep cleansing breath, and one of these morsels.
    You’re almost over the rainbow, Tieghan!

    Reply

  15. OK peanut butter is in a tie with pasta for me.
    I told myself I would watch the sweets for a few weeks but I really need to try these!
    The Barn will get done and you will have some peace.
    Enjoy your weekend.

    Reply