If you adore the irresistible combination of crunchy Oreos and creamy peanut butter, this Peanut Butter Oreo Bars Recipe is going to be your new favorite dessert obsession. These no-bake bars feature a dense Oreo cookie crust, a luscious peanut butter filling, and a smooth chocolate topping that creates a perfect trio of flavors and textures. Super easy to prepare and impossible to resist, they make a wonderful treat for parties, family gatherings, or simply indulging your sweet tooth at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with light brown, soft, and slightly lumpy dough mixed with darker brown specks, sitting on a white marbled surface. The dough shows a thick and creamy texture with some visible folds and swirls from stirring. The bowl is viewed from above, with some dough slightly sticking to the sides. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe requires just a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Each component plays a crucial role: the Oreos give a chocolatey crunch, the peanut butter layer adds creamy richness, and the chocolate topping finishes it all with a silky shine.

Oreo cookies (15, not double stuffed): Provides the perfect crunchy and chocolatey base for the bars.
Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons for crust, 1/4 cup for filling): Adds richness and helps bind the crust and filling layers.
Brown sugar (3 tablespoons, light or dark): Gives a subtle caramel sweetness to complement the peanut butter.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Enhances flavors, but omit if you use salted butter.
Smooth peanut butter (1 cup): The heart of the filling, bringing creamy texture and that classic peanut butter flavor.
Powdered sugar (1 2/3 cups, sifted): Sweetens and thickens the filling, helping it set nicely.
Semi-sweet chocolate (6 ounces): Adds a luscious, bittersweet finish on top.
Shortening (2 teaspoons) or vegetable oil (1/2 teaspoon): Keeps the melted chocolate glossy and smooth when set.

How to Make Peanut Butter Oreo Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oreo Crust

Start by lining an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, making sure to leave an overhang for easy removal later. Crush the Oreo cookies, including the filling, into fine crumbs using a food processor or a rolling pin in a freezer bag. Mixing these crumbs with melted butter creates a beautifully dense and flavorful crust. Press this mixture firmly into the base of your prepared pan, establishing a sturdy foundation for your bars.

Step 2: Create the Peanut Butter Layer

Beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until smooth and creamy, then blend in the peanut butter and salt until fully combined with no lumps in sight. Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar, half a cup at a time, until the mixture thickens enough that it won’t stick when squeezed between your fingers. This filling is rich, slightly sweet, and indulgently creamy. Spread it evenly over the Oreo crust, gently pressing it down to form a smooth layer.

Step 3: Melt and Add the Chocolate Topping

Chop your semi-sweet chocolate into fine pieces for even melting. Warm the chocolate gently in the microwave at medium power in 45-second intervals, stirring each time, or melt it over low heat in a double boiler. Stir in shortening or vegetable oil to keep the chocolate glossy and fluid. Pour this luscious chocolate over the peanut butter layer, smoothing it into an even coat. Let it harden at room temperature or in the fridge, keeping in mind that refrigeration can sometimes cause chocolate to discolor.

Step 4: Slice and Serve Your Bars

When the chocolate is about 90% set, use a sharp knife to score the top where you want to slice, making for cleaner cuts later. Once fully firm, lift the bars from the pan using the overhanging parchment or foil, place on a cutting board, and slice into 16 squares with a thin, sharp knife. The result is a perfect balance of crunchy, creamy, and chocolatey goodness with every bite.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Oreo Bars Recipe

The image shows a plate with four layered dessert bars, each with three clear layers: the bottom layer is dark and crumbly, resembling a chocolate cookie crust; the middle layer is thick and creamy with a light brown, peanut butter color and smooth texture; the top layer is a thin, shiny, dark brown chocolate coating. The dessert bars are stacked with some leaning on others on a plain white plate, placed on a white marbled surface with a faintly blurred background. There is a glass of milk in the background and part of a chocolate sandwich cookie visible on the left side of the frame. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a few crushed Oreo cookie pieces, a drizzle of melted peanut butter, or even a light dusting of sea salt on top to add an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal. These garnishes turn your Peanut Butter Oreo Bars Recipe into a show-stopping dessert perfect for sharing.

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent treat. A glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee also makes an ideal complement, enhancing the richness of the peanut butter and chocolate.

Creative Ways to Present

For festive occasions, place the bars on a decorative platter lined with parchment paper or surround them with whole Oreos and peanuts. You can even layer them in a clear glass dish to showcase the distinct layers, making your Peanut Butter Oreo Bars Recipe as beautiful as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain freshness and firmness. Proper storage ensures the bars remain deliciously moist and gooey without drying out.

Freezing

Freeze your Peanut Butter Oreo Bars Recipe by wrapping the cut squares individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to three months and can be thawed overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

Though these bars are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, you can warm individual pieces slightly in the microwave for about 10 seconds to soften the chocolate and enhance the peanut butter’s creamy texture. Just be careful not to overheat and melt the layers completely.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful textural contrast to the smooth Oreo and chocolate layers, though the filling might be a bit less creamy.

Do I have to use shortening in the chocolate topping?

Shortening helps keep the chocolate shiny and easy to cut, but if you don’t have it, a small amount of vegetable oil or even coconut oil works well as a substitute.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, just swap the regular Oreos for gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies, and make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free to enjoy these bars safely.

How long do these bars take to set properly?

They typically need about one hour in the fridge or at room temperature until the chocolate topping fully hardens, so planning ahead is key for perfect cutting and serving.

Is it okay to double the recipe for a larger batch?

Definitely! Just use a larger pan or multiple pans and adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly. These bars scale up well for bigger gatherings.

Final Thoughts

Whipping up this Peanut Butter Oreo Bars Recipe is like creating a little slice of happiness. With its no-fuss preparation and decadent layers, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience that magical combo of peanut butter and Oreo in every blissful bite!