When the peanut butter craving hits, there’s nothing quite like it. And when you combine that creamy, nutty goodness with the convenience of no-bake desserts? Pure magic. Whether it’s sweltering outside and you can’t bear to turn on the oven, or you simply need a quick sweet fix, these seven no-bake peanut butter desserts are about to become your new obsession. Get ready to bookmark this page—you’ll be making these all week long!
1. Dreamy No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake
This ultra-creamy cheesecake is peanut butter heaven in dessert form. Built on a graham cracker or Oreo cookie crust, the filling combines cream cheese, peanut butter, and whipped cream into a cloud-like texture. Top it with chocolate ganache, chopped peanut butter cups, or a drizzle of hot fudge for the ultimate indulgence.
Why you’ll crave it: It tastes exactly like a frozen peanut butter cup but with the luxurious texture of cheesecake. One slice is never enough!
Time commitment: 20 minutes prep + 4 hours chilling time
Perfect for: Impressing dinner guests, potlucks, or treating yourself after a long week.
Pro tip: Let the cheesecake sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before slicing for the creamiest texture and easiest cutting.
Get the No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Recipe
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2. Irresistible Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars
These are essentially homemade Reese’s bars, but better. A peanut butter and graham cracker base gets topped with a smooth layer of melted chocolate for the perfect sweet-and-salty combo. They’re dangerously easy to make and even easier to devour.
Why you’ll crave it: That iconic peanut butter-chocolate combo in bar form means easy portion control (or not—we won’t judge!). They slice beautifully for serving or gifting.
Time commitment: 15 minutes prep + 2 hours chilling time
Perfect for: Bake sales, lunchbox treats, midnight snacking, or anytime you need chocolate and peanut butter NOW.
Pro tip: Use natural peanut butter mixed with regular creamy peanut butter for the best texture—too much oil from all-natural varieties can make the bars greasy.
Try Sally’s No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
3. Classic No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie
This pie is what peanut butter dreams are made of. A no-bake filling made with peanut butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and Cool Whip creates an airy, mousse-like texture in a chocolate cookie crust. Garnish with chocolate shavings or mini Reese’s cups for extra wow factor.
Why you’ll crave it: It’s ridiculously rich but somehow light and fluffy at the same time. The texture is like eating a peanut butter cloud.
Time commitment: 20 minutes prep + 3 hours chilling time
Perfect for: Summer BBQs, Thanksgiving dessert table, or when you need to bring something impressive with minimal effort.
Pro tip: Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing for the smoothest, lump-free filling.
Make This No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie
4. Addictive Peanut Butter Balls (Buckeyes)
These iconic Ohio treats feature peanut butter balls partially dipped in chocolate to resemble buckeye nuts (hence the name). They’re sweet, salty, perfectly poppable, and absolutely impossible to stop eating.
Why you’ll crave it: The ratio of peanut butter to chocolate is perfection, and they’re bite-sized which makes them feel less guilty (even when you eat six).
Time commitment: 30 minutes prep + 1 hour chilling time
Perfect for: Holiday cookie trays, football parties, gift boxes, or keeping a secret stash in the fridge.
Pro tip: Use a toothpick to dip the balls, leaving a circle of peanut butter exposed on top. It’s easier than it looks and creates that signature buckeye appearance.
5. Easy No-Bake Peanut Butter Cookies
These vintage-style cookies are made on the stovetop with just a handful of ingredients: peanut butter, oats, cocoa powder, butter, and sugar. They’re chewy, chocolatey, and have that addictive peanut butter flavor that keeps you reaching for “just one more.”
Why you’ll crave it: They satisfy both chocolate AND peanut butter cravings, plus they’re ready in under 30 minutes start to finish. Minimal effort, maximum reward.
Time commitment: 10 minutes prep + 15 minutes cooling time
Perfect for: Quick desserts, after-school snacks, using up pantry staples, or emergency sweet tooth situations.
Pro tip: Don’t skip the boiling step—bringing the sugar mixture to a full rolling boil for exactly 1 minute ensures the cookies set properly and don’t end up too soft or too crumbly.
Make No-Bake Peanut Butter Cookies
6. Decadent Peanut Butter Cup Icebox Cake
Layers of chocolate graham crackers and peanut butter whipped cream filling soften overnight into a cake-like texture. Studded with chopped peanut butter cups and drizzled with chocolate, this dessert is pure indulgence with zero oven time required.
Why you’ll crave it: It’s like eating the world’s best peanut butter dessert lasagna. Each layer brings new texture and flavor, and it’s even better on day two!
Time commitment: 30 minutes assembly + overnight chilling
Perfect for: Make-ahead entertaining, special occasions, or when you want something that looks impressive but is secretly simple.
Pro tip: Make this at least 8 hours (or overnight) before serving. The longer it sits, the better it gets as the cookies soften into cake-like layers.
7. Adorable No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bites
These individual mini cheesecakes are made in a muffin tin for perfectly portioned treats. Each one features a cookie crust, creamy peanut butter filling, and can be topped with ganache, jelly, or mini chocolate chips. They’re as cute as they are delicious!
Why you’ll crave it: Portion control is built in (though you’ll probably want two), and they’re perfect for parties since everyone gets their own perfectly-sized dessert.
Time commitment: 25 minutes prep + 3 hours chilling time
Perfect for: Birthday parties, brunch spreads, portion-controlled treats, or meal prepping dessert for the week.
Pro tip: Use cupcake liners in your muffin tin for easy removal and prettier presentation. You can even store them right in the liners!
No-Bake Peanut Butter Success Tips
Peanut butter choice matters: Use regular creamy peanut butter (not natural or no-stir varieties) for most recipes. Natural peanut butter can make desserts too oily and soft.
Temperature is key: Most no-bake desserts need time to chill and set properly. Don’t rush this step! Overnight is often best.
Quality chocolate: When chocolate is a main component, use good quality chocolate chips or melting wafers for the best flavor and texture.
Make-ahead friendly: These desserts are perfect for preparing 1-2 days in advance. Many actually taste better after sitting!
Storage: Most no-bake peanut butter desserts keep well in the refrigerator for 3-5 days (if they last that long!).
Frequently Asked Questions About No-Bake Peanut Butter Desserts
This is THE most important question!
Use Regular Creamy Peanut Butter:
- Jif, Skippy, or store brand works great
- Stabilized peanut butters that don’t separate
- Creamy texture blends smoothly
Avoid Natural/No-Stir Varieties Because:
- Oils separate and make desserts greasy
- Inconsistent texture in final product
- Won’t set as firmly
- Can cause bars to be too soft
Crunchy vs. Creamy:
- Creamy is best for most recipes
- Crunchy works in cookies and bars for texture
- Never use crunchy in cheesecakes — lumpy filling!
Exception: Some recipes call for a mix of natural + regular for flavor depth. Follow the specific recipe!
Great news — most are perfect make-ahead treats!
Refrigerator Storage (Covered):
- Cheesecake: 3-5 days
- Peanut Butter Bars: 1-2 weeks
- Pie: 3-4 days
- Buckeyes: 2-3 weeks
- No-Bake Cookies: 1 week (or freeze)
- Icebox Cake: 3-4 days
- Mini Cheesecakes: 3-5 days
Fun Fact: Many no-bake desserts taste BETTER after sitting! The flavors meld and textures improve. Icebox cake especially needs overnight chilling.
Storage Tips:
- Always cover tightly or use airtight container
- Keep away from strong-smelling foods
- Stack bars between parchment paper
- Bring to room temp 10-15 min before serving for best texture
Yes! Most freeze beautifully!
Excellent for Freezing (up to 3 months):
- Buckeyes: Freeze in single layer, then bag
- Peanut Butter Bars: Cut first, freeze between parchment
- No-Bake Cookies: Freeze flat, then stack
- Cookie dough balls: For buckeyes before dipping
Freeze with Caution:
- Cheesecakes: Can freeze but texture changes slightly
- Pies: Whipped cream may weep when thawed
Don’t Freeze:
- Icebox cake (crackers get mushy)
- Anything with fresh fruit garnish
Thawing Tips:
- Thaw in refrigerator overnight
- Never thaw at room temperature (food safety)
- Buckeyes can be eaten slightly frozen — delicious!
Don’t panic! Here’s what went wrong:
Not Enough Chilling Time:
- Most common issue — be patient!
- Overnight is often better than minimum time
- Don’t cut cheesecakes until fully set
Wrong Peanut Butter:
- Natural peanut butter = too soft, oily
- Switch to regular creamy next time
No-Bake Cookies Specific:
- Didn’t boil long enough — need FULL rolling boil for 1 minute
- Humidity can affect setting
- Added oats while mixture too hot
Ingredient Temperature:
- Cream cheese should be room temperature for mixing
- Cold ingredients create lumps
Ratio Issues:
- Too much liquid
- Not enough setting agent (graham crumbs, powdered sugar)
- Follow recipe exactly first time!
Quick Fix: Pop it in the freezer for 30-60 min to firm up faster.
Start with these foolproof options!
Easiest: Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars
- Mix ingredients, press into pan
- Melt chocolate, pour on top
- Chill and slice
- Almost impossible to mess up!
Second Easiest: No-Bake Cookies
- One pot on stovetop
- Just follow boiling time exactly
- Drop and cool — done!
Impressive But Simple: Buckeyes
- Look professional, secretly easy
- Great for learning chocolate dipping
- Very forgiving recipe
Work Up To:
- Cheesecakes (need smooth mixing technique)
- Icebox cake (timing and layering)
- Pies (crust can be tricky)
Check out our 5-Ingredient Desserts for more beginner-friendly options!
Master the classic Ohio treat!
The Perfect Filling:
- Use softened butter (not melted)
- Regular creamy peanut butter
- Sift powdered sugar to avoid lumps
- Mix until smooth and moldable
Rolling Tips:
- Chill mixture 15-30 min before rolling
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform balls
- Roll between palms quickly
- Place on parchment-lined sheet
- Freeze balls 30 min before dipping
Chocolate Dipping Technique:
- Use toothpick inserted in top
- Dip ¾ of ball, leaving PB circle on top
- Tap gently to remove excess
- Place on parchment, remove toothpick
- Smooth over hole with finger
The Chocolate:
- Add 1 tbsp shortening or coconut oil per cup of chips
- Makes chocolate smoother and shinier
- Microwave in 30-second intervals
Absolutely! Pure peanut butter options:
Skip the Chocolate:
- Peanut Butter Cheesecake: Top with jelly swirl or caramel instead
- Peanut Butter Pie: Skip chocolate crust, use graham
- Peanut Butter Bars: Top with butterscotch or white chocolate
- Buckeyes: Become “peanut butter balls” — still delicious!
Alternative Toppings:
- Jelly or jam drizzle (PB&J vibes!)
- Caramel sauce
- Butterscotch chips
- White chocolate
- Honey drizzle
- Crushed pretzels for sweet-salty
- Banana slices
For Chocolate Allergies:
- Carob chips work as substitute
- White chocolate is technically not chocolate
- Many no-bake cookies can skip cocoa
Professional-looking cuts every time!
The Key Steps:
- Chill completely: Minimum time or longer
- Use a sharp knife: Dull knives drag and crumble
- Hot water trick: Dip knife in hot water, wipe dry between cuts
- Score first: Make light cuts to mark portions
For Bars:
- Line pan with parchment (overhang for handles)
- Lift out entire slab before cutting
- Use bench scraper or large knife
- Cut in one motion, don’t saw
For Cheesecake:
- Let sit at room temp 10-15 min first
- Wipe knife between EVERY slice
- Use dental floss for perfect cuts (seriously!)
For Pie:
- Freeze 20 min before cutting if too soft
- Use pie server, not spatula
- First slice is always messiest — that’s the cook’s slice!
Yes! Several substitution options:
Best Peanut Butter Substitutes:
- Sunflower seed butter (SunButter): Closest match in texture and flavor
- Soy nut butter: Similar consistency
- Cookie butter (Biscoff spread): Different flavor but delicious
- Tahini: More savory, works in some recipes
Important Notes:
- Sunflower seed butter may turn GREEN when baked (chemical reaction with baking soda) — totally safe but surprising!
- Ratios are usually 1:1 substitution
- Cookie butter is sweeter — reduce sugar slightly
- Check labels for tree nut contamination
Best Recipes to Adapt:
- Chocolate bars — very forgiving
- No-bake cookies — sunbutter works great
- Buckeyes — “sunbutter balls” are popular
See our Special Diets section for more allergy-friendly recipes!
There’s a no-bake PB dessert for every occasion!
Impress Dinner Guests:
- No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake
- Icebox Cake (make ahead!)
- Mini Cheesecake Bites
Potlucks & Parties:
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars (easy to transport)
- Buckeyes (everyone loves them!)
- No-Bake Cookies
Holiday Cookie Trays:
- Buckeyes (Christmas staple)
- Peanut Butter Bars
- Mini Cheesecake Bites
Quick Weeknight Treat:
- No-Bake Cookies (under 30 min!)
- Peanut Butter Bars
Gift-Giving:
- Buckeyes in a pretty box
- Bars wrapped in cellophane
- Cookies in a tin
Summer (No Oven!):
- ALL of these! That’s the point!
The No-Bake Peanut Butter Advantage
There’s something wonderfully satisfying about creating spectacular desserts without turning on your oven. These seven no-bake peanut butter treats deliver all the flavor and indulgence of traditional baked goods with a fraction of the effort. Whether you’re dealing with a broken oven, a heat wave, or just a serious peanut butter craving, these recipes have you covered.
The best part? Most of these desserts actually improve with time, making them perfect for busy schedules. Mix them up one day, let them chill overnight, and enjoy incredible homemade desserts the next day. It’s like having a dessert fairy godmother (except the fairy godmother is your refrigerator).
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