The holidays are when I practically live in my kitchen, the scent of peanut butter and chocolate feels like a warm hug on a cold Asheville morning. These peanut butter no bake bars are my go-to when I need something festive, foolproof, and downright delicious. Shaped like Christmas trees and drizzled with green icing, they’re a cheerful way to bring some sparkle to your dessert table without ever turning on the oven.
This recipe is perfect for beginners, kids, and anyone who loves quick, joyful treats that look as good as they taste.
Table of Contents
Why You‘ll Love This Recipe
There’s a certain kind of magic in recipes that look elaborate but are secretly easy. These peanut butter no bake bars are exactly that, minimal effort, maximum delight. They’re rich, creamy, and layered with smooth chocolate that melts in your mouth. No mixers, no baking, no stress.
You can whip up a batch in minutes and decorate them with your family for a fun, hands-on holiday activity. They’re perfect for last-minute parties, edible gifts, or just satisfying your own late-night sweet tooth.
If you’re in the mood for something similar, you might also enjoy my Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal Bars, another quick treat perfect for gifting or sharing during the festive season.
Peanut Butter No Bake Bars (Christmas Tree Treats)
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Rubber spatula or spoon
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Parchment paper
- Piping bag or ziplock for icing drizzle
- Knife (for cutting bars)
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter for chocolate topping
- ½ cup green-colored white chocolate or icing for drizzle
- Edible white sprinkles or small candy stars for decoration
Instructions
- Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, stir together melted butter, peanut butter, graham crumbs, and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Press the peanut butter mixture evenly into the prepared pan and chill for 30 minutes.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons peanut butter together until smooth.
- Pour the chocolate mixture over the chilled peanut butter base and spread evenly.
- Refrigerate again until firm, about 20-30 minutes.
- Remove from the pan and slice into triangles to form tree shapes.
- Drizzle with green icing or melted colored chocolate and top with sprinkles or edible stars.
- Let the icing set before serving or storing.
Notes
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Sugar: 21 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
Ingredients & Step-by-Step Guide for Christmas Tree Treats
What You’ll Need for Perfect peanut butter no bake bars
To make these Christmas tree peanut butter no bake bars, you’ll need a few pantry staples that come together in minutes:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter (for the chocolate topping)
Optional festive toppings:
- Green-colored white chocolate or icing for drizzling
- Edible stars, white sugar pearls, or festive sprinkles
- Pretzel sticks for “tree trunks” (optional but fun!)
This recipe joins my Holiday Dessert Recipes collection, a lineup that turns simple sweets into showstoppers your guests will remember long after the lights come down.
Step-by-Step No Bake Assembly
- Mix the Peanut Butter Layer
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, peanut butter, graham crumbs, and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes thick and smooth. - Press and Chill
Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly into a parchment-lined 9×13-inch pan. Use a spatula to smooth the surface, then refrigerate for about 30 minutes. - Add the Chocolate Topping
Melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter together until smooth. Pour this over the chilled base and spread evenly. - Shape and Decorate
Once set, cut into triangles to form Christmas tree shapes. This is where the fun begins, drizzle with green icing or colored chocolate, add sprinkles and edible stars, and maybe a pretzel “trunk” for good measure.
For more seasonal bar inspiration, take a peek at my Magic Cookie Bars, they’re another favorite for festive cookie swaps and cozy winter gatherings.
Decorating & Storing Your No Bake Christmas Tree Bars
Decorating Tips for Festive Flair
To make these bars sparkle like the season itself, fill a piping bag with green-tinted white chocolate or buttercream and drizzle in zig-zag lines from top to bottom. The idea is to mimic the look of garland or tinsel on a Christmas tree. Top with white sugar pearls, edible glitter, or little star sprinkles for a magical finish.
If you’re going for a peanut butter lover’s dream dessert spread, my Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Bars also makes an incredible addition to your dessert table, rich, creamy, and full of nostalgic holiday flavor.
Storage and Make-Ahead Options
These bars are built for the busy holiday baker. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you’re prepping ahead for a party, freeze them for up to a month, just separate layers with parchment paper.
They’re sturdy enough to travel, making them a perfect addition to cookie boxes, potlucks, and edible gifts.
These are part of my Easy No Bake Desserts series, perfect for busy bakers who still want that homemade magic without the fuss of baking trays and timers.
Serving Ideas, Variations & Reader Questions
Fun Serving and Gift Ideas
These peanut butter no bake bars aren’t just delicious, they’re incredibly giftable. Once you’ve cut them into Christmas tree shapes and drizzled them with green icing, consider slipping each one into a clear treat bag tied with twine or a festive ribbon. Add a gift tag and you’ve got a sweet homemade present for friends, coworkers, or teachers.
You can also serve them as part of a dessert board, mixing them with peppermint bark, cookies, and truffles for a visually stunning display. Kids love decorating these too, set out bowls of sprinkles, stars, and crushed candy canes for a DIY holiday “cookie decorating” station.
If you’re planning to bake with little ones, you’ll find inspiration in my Festive Desserts. These hands-on recipes make it easy to get children excited about cooking and creativity in the kitchen.
Variations and Flavor Twists
The beauty of these bars is their flexibility. Swap peanut butter for almond or cashew butter for a different nutty flavor, or use sunflower seed butter to make them nut-free. You can drizzle with white chocolate, add crushed candy canes, or mix caramel into the chocolate layer for a sweet surprise.
For a more indulgent twist, layer melted dark chocolate and peanut butter cups on top before chilling. Want to make them gluten-free? Simply use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs, they’ll hold together beautifully.
Chocolate lovers will also fall for my No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake Roll, another simple yet satisfying dessert that’s perfect when you crave something rich without turning on the oven.
FAQs
Can I make peanut butter no bake bars ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare them up to a week in advance and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. For long-term storage, freeze for up to one month.
Can I substitute other nut butters?
Yes! Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower butter all work well, just choose a creamy, not runny, consistency.
What’s the best way to melt chocolate evenly?
Use a microwave in 20-second bursts or a double boiler over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
How can I make these more festive?
Add crushed peppermint candies, drizzle with red and white chocolate, or top with edible glitter for an extra touch of holiday sparkle.
These Peanut Butter No Bake Bars are proof that homemade holiday treats don’t have to be complicated. They’re nostalgic, rich, and irresistibly festive, perfect for gifting, parties, or cozy nights in. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, these Christmas tree treats will make your season a little brighter (and sweeter).
As I always say, cooking is about sharing joy, one simple, delicious bite at a time.
