‘No oven needed’: Just 3 ingredients. This is my easiest Christmas dessert.

These 3-ingredient no-bake chocolate peanut butter bars are the kind of treat I lean on when the day’s been long but I still want to put something a little special on the table. They remind me of the simple church-basement dessert bars I grew up with here in the Midwest—nothing fancy, just good, honest flavors that everyone recognizes. You only need peanut butter, chocolate, and graham crackers, and the whole thing comes together in a foil-lined tray so there’s barely any cleanup. They’re perfect for last-minute potlucks, after-school snacks, or those nights when you want a homemade dessert without turning on the oven.

These bars are rich and sweet, so they pair nicely with lighter sides. I like to serve them after a simple family dinner—something like baked chicken and a big green salad—so dessert feels like a fun little surprise. A cold glass of milk (regular or dairy-free) is perfect for the kids, while coffee or hot tea balances the sweetness for adults. If you’re setting these out for a gathering, add a bowl of fresh berries or sliced apples on the side to brighten up the plate. For a more playful spread, pair the bars with popcorn and cut-up veggies and dip for a casual movie night that still feels put together.

Servings: 12 bars

1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter, divided (about 1 cup for the base, 1/2 cup for the topping)
2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 14–16 full sheets, finely crushed)
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips