Peanut Butter Bars 

I always wondered what Clark Kent does

John: Cuts his parchment perfectly to size Me: Stuffs a piece in the baking dish with reckless abandon

I've been making these for decades. They are always a huge hit, and they taste exactly like Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Pro Tip: If you're using just chocolate for the topping (rather than a mixture of chocolate and peanut butter), you will want to leave them in the fridge only long enough for the chocolate to be *just barely* set but not yet hard (~20-25min). If you chill completely before cutting them into squares, the chocolate will shatter and some pieces will become detached from the peanut butter layer. Doesn't affect the taste at all of course but it does look messy, so if presentation is important (e.g. giving as a gift, or for a party, etc.), then you'll want to make sure you cut before it gets hard.

Made these today. With the exception of adding a light sprinkling of flaky sea salt on the freshly poured chocolate layer, I followed the recipe exactly as written. These bars are amazing. The texture of the peanut butter base and the chocolate topping together are absolutely delicious.

I don't know how he doesn't weigh 400lbs!!!! He's my go-to guy when I'm looking for something new to make ❤️

I feel like John is a guy literally anyone could just hang with, like a baking Mr. Rogers.

No one talking about this kitchen? It's gorgeous and that stove.... damn!

Buttered toast with peanut butter on top this man knows what life is about 👌

Peanut butter + chocolate = perfection Definitely gonna try this amazing recipe tysm

whos a fan of this dude, his recipies r bless!

I came here to make peanut butter bars, instead I learned how to cut parchment paper

I made this with Brown butter and it turned out incredible, also used 63% dark chocolate for top layer, also topped the chocolate with peanut butter chips and flaky sea salt. 🤤🤤

Oh my gosh!! Heading to the kitchen now to make these for the “kids’” after school snack. 😉

Every one has always made fun of me for having toast with butter, then peanut butter. They insist you don't need two butters on your toast. I don't need that butter hating energy. LOL LOL

John, I just made this and it is one of the best desserts ever! I had to substitute stevia for the powdered sugar because I'm type 2 diabetic, but other than that, exactly the same. Amazing and thank you so much for creating this!

I live in a very hot and humid climate, so they would have to remain in the fridge all the time. However, it’s difficult to find dessert recipes that require absolutely zero baking and still are scrumptious. Thanks so much!

I made these for my husband, once, about a year ago and he’s brought up how good they were more times than I can count. Making them for him again for Valentines Day on Monday. Thank you again for this recipe!

I made these and took them to my in-laws tonight. Everyone loved them! My mother-in-law even asked for the recipe. I don’t have graham crackers or biscoff cookies where I live but I was able to find a nice substitute. I loved the fact that this is a no-bake dessert and that I didn’t have to turn on my oven in this stupid hot summer.

We call these Hollywood Squares where I'm from(cuyahoga falls Ohio) they were the treat we would get at school and my grandma gave me a recipe that she got from a lunch lady in the 60's or 70's. This is the exact same recipe! I'm glad I can just send this video to people now instead of writing out the recipe lol! Thanks for this video. I'm gna go make some Hollywood Squares to bring to work tomorrow!

I made a batch of these and my sister said "It's so good, it should be illegal" Thank you for making this! It was easy to follow 💓

This recipe is delicious. I prepared and took these to a party where all manner of fancy food was being served. They were everyone’s absolute favorite . Thanks for sharing your kitchen skills and your passion for preparing food with us. Costal Connecticut loves your peanut butter bars!

Baking, the way to heal a broken heart :)

Dear John, I followed your recipe to the letter and the finished product came out exactly as demonstrated. The squares themselves were satisfactory. After I ate a few, I dawned a cartigan, a pair of brown leather shoes and slacks and headed out the door. I figured it would be as good of time as any to head down to the gay bar. As I walked passed my wife she asked, "Why are you dressed like you're on an Old Navy commercial?" I must say, to that point in my life my everyday attire was a pair of jeans, gym shoes, and a t-shirt with my favorite footbal team logo or something relating to the second amendment or political in nature. I can't be sure what exactly had changed but I can say before then the only time I ever considered eating a weiner was at the stadium and covered with sourkrout and mustard. P.S. I developed some chest pain and I honestly thought it was from heartache from my first boyfriend leaving me after he found out I was married (getting divorced) to a woman but it turns out there was a fat bloackage in an artery from too much butter in the recipe. Sencierly, Francis Rangers Dictated but not read

Me and my fiancé love your recipes. Bless you

I’m so glad I found this channel. John is so wholesome and is such a great teacher! His voice is also so soothing and lovely!

I'm a super huge fan of John. He's so wholesome and happy to watch

One of my childhood treat memories, my mom would combine the peanut butter, butter, AND honey. Incorporate that extra ingredient for some added sweetness. My ultimate favorite, sweet & salty crunch!!

I made this two weeks back and it turned out so good. Everyone loved it. I really enjoy your recipes. There’s a simplicity in them and in the way you explain each instruction. I have gotten better at baking, thanks to you 😊

Your toast with butter and peanut butter made me think of one of my favorites: PB&J grilled like grilled cheese.

I love all your recipes but I love how you did the metric and American measurements! I love baking with the metric system. Thank you for what you do! I know it’s your passion but sharing that passion helps me learn!

Looks delicious, definitely gonna try this. Also really love how you just mention the weight to every ingredient, makes it way easier than most recipes.

The beat peanut butter bars i've ever made and eaten

Thank you SO much for all the recipes! My family has especially been enjoying the pizza dough! You've been a huge help. I appreciate you taking your time to explain as you work through your recipes. Looking forward to making these bars this weekend!

I can't believe I have lived this long and have never melted chocolate and peanut butter together, so delicious.

I love that you weigh, or give weighted equivalents, the ingredients! Thank you for that!

Thank you so much for your printable recipe format. It’s so thoughtful of you to give both ‘Merican and metric measurements. ❤

I have just made these and OH MY GOODNESS...They taste insanely good. Thank you for the recipe. I have been watching your creations during the current UK lockdown and they all are amazing.

This would be an AMAZING recipe for young children. So simple, so fun.

Often these amazingly, simple recipes *DO* taste fantastic! The "wavy" top and the thickness adds to a great presentation.

Been making these for 13 years, used to make for people during the holidays, definitely one of my more favorite treats.

I really appreciate how you list things both in cups, tablespoons as well as grams. I'm a bit of a bipolar when it comes to that stuff and I'm often switching around between the two while I grab what's nearest so it really helps to have both listed.

For anyone who has a peanut allergy or gluten intolerance: I substituted the peanut butter with SunButter natural sunflower butter and the graham crackers with Annie's gluten free cocoa and vanilla bunny grahams. I followed the recipe the same way and they turned out delicious. I leave them in the fridge and they stay just the right consistency. :) Thank you, John, for the recipe!

Ima try your elegant parchment trick. I usually lightly crumple it to get it to behave.

New Year, New favorite snack!!! Thank you so much for this recipe!

My husband makes these for me when I'm craving something sweet! He does a variation with white chocolate that's really good, too. When he makes chocolate ones, he does a mix of milk and dark chocolates. It's to die for! 👌😎

Real food!! The best one ❤ thank you for your work

My family and friends loved these over the holidays! Thanks, John 😀

Peanut butter and chocolate combo is the TRUE 8th wonder of the world

Why wasn’t I ever taught how to cut the parchment paper?! 🤩 I love butter and PB on my toast too. Thank you for this recipe! I’m making my husband these in a heart shaped pan for a Valentine’s Day treat. 🙂

You had me at “peanut butter”

That sliding scale trick was sick!!!

See, I am not crazy... twice you have said butter before peanut butter on toast! I love that!

Classic. Iconic. Peanutbuttery Goodness. YES.

I just checked the pantry and lo and behold...I HAVE EVERYTHING TO MAKE THESE! I'm heading back into the kitchen right now to do this! Thank you again for another wonderful and simple recipe John! :D

My family LOVES these! Thanks John :)

Your snack is alright with me! My great grandmother used to make us homemade bread, toast it, and then add butter, peanut butter, AND honey! So good!

I made these tonight and they are fantastic! I did use less sugar as I am very sensitive to the taste of it, especially powdered. 1 1/4 cups worked so well for me! A new summer favorite, I love keeping it in the fridge.

I legit listen to John’s videos before bed like his voice is so relaxing and comforting

It's so appetizing by looking at the presentation. thanks for sharing this delicious recipe.

Thank you for this recipe!

These look amazing. I’ve been really struggling after a very significant loss, but maybe I will be able to find the energy and motivation to make these. They’re nice and simple.

Going through a very hard time in my life right now, your videos and calmness really soothe my thought of train. I have made over 7 of your recipes now, this peanut butter bar will be my 8th...I just wanted to say THANK YOU so much for being a fun kind soul in all your food videos :) Keep them coming!! PS- You should think of making a delicious home made lasagna with fresh home made Italian sauce :) My fav!! :)

My grandma does something similar to this around Christmas time and we call them incredibles. 🥰

Thanks for sharing John these look very delishous

this is the earliest i’ve ever been to your vids:’) ive been watching for a while but today i just wanted to say thankyou! i’m in a very bad place but whenever i watch your videos they really cheer me up. your happiness really rubs off on people. love u x

That is a gorgeous stove/range. Holy moley.

We used to get these in public school back in the 70s and 80s with our lunches sometimes. Loved 'em!

Love your recipes and they are easy to follow.Thank you

These look so good! I also love that you keep any little accidents or mistakes in the video; it makes me feel like I can make things too, even if I mess up sometimes.

I got this recipe from a cooking class in high school over 30 years ago. So, so good. Kids love them, teens love them, adults love them. Great for a dessert potluck!

Love toast with butter and peanut butter

Wow, how simple, great recipe! I must make this! Thank you so much!

Thank you, Mr. Kanell. I am a cooking enthusiast, not even an amateur really, coming across recipes and personalities that are pleasant to have running while I work during the day. I think I found you when I was looking into crust recipes - and eventually came across this peanut butter bar treats. I managed to put this together - initially weighing everything to get the idea - but I often eyeball it or start to feel the ingredients that suit me or who I'm making it for. This was a huge success, enjoyed by both kids and adults. BTW, I enjoyed a segment I found on you when you were on the Drew Barrymore show. It is so nice for me to see you and your lovely family. As an older member of the LGBTQ+ world, I certainly appreciate your role in others' lives whether you realize it or not. I come from a time where being part of this world was very dangerous - and somehow I survived (just barely). I spent several years working for The Trevor Project, giving back to my community in any way I can. People like you help people like me to just be ourselves. Thank you, thank you. Just being you will inspire anyone to be himself/herself/themselves. Plus we get delicious treats out of all your hard work! You are an excellent teacher and give us enthusiasts glimmers of hope when our treats turn out well!

I need to try this! I'm known for being a peanut butter addict😂! I already tried more than 10 of your recipes and they were all a huge success! Keep up the great work! Greetings from the Netherlands. PS: Thanks for mentioning our Dutch speculaas cookies ;)

This is the second recipe I tried from Preppy Kitchen, You already know these are going to be amazing when your kid is licking the batter off the bowls. We both tasted the end result and this bar is WAY BETTER than any peanut butter cup you can buy in the store. Thank you John!

Thank you so much for the recipe 😊😁😃😄😍🤗☺

By using natural peanut butter the sugar is greatly reduced. Vanilla needs to be added to the base. Also many crunchy things can be used instead of Graham cracker. Rice Krispies, Chex, Corn Flakes or even granola.

Bro dis looks so good I'm finna go and make some

I'm going to have to try making these. They resemble almost perfectly a dessert my piano teacher used to make when hosting piano recitals, where her students could perform their best works in front of their families and the other students. Sadly, she lost her battle with cancer in 2020. She is greatly missed.

Delicious and easy to make. This will be one of my go-to recipes.

I just made these again and added a small red ball and two green leaves (both edible candy sprinkles) to one corner of each bar. They were a huge Christmas luncheon hit. 🎄❤️

i love this channel!!!

I made these!! They were super easy. Friends and family really enjoyed them. Had to make it 3 times for Easter!!

Thanks for the cup conversions - appreciated as well as the great recipe. 👍

Buddy whoever you married is one LUCKY man🕊🌹💜

I made these today.... And I had to give more than half away to a friends family to preserve my 14 pounds that I recently lost haha. Very delicious though

Just made them, I used speculos instead of graham cracker and it’s amazing! Thank you so much for the recipe!

Thank you for sharing that looks delicious

UPDATE: yes! Scoring the pb base worked! Allowed warm chocolate to fill the grooves and stay on. Makes an interesting pattern in the cut profile as well. ok, I made these and are they delicious! Only problem is that top layer popped off when cut into bars. Will try drawing grooves into PB to help choco "grab". Thanks. Rich and addicting.

Omg your gonna kill me I’m supposed to be on a diet but I don’t think I can resist

so neat , so delicious thank you for sharing

Made many times🙏thank you💛🧡🤎

Great recipe! Here’s a few tips though. 1: instead of using the microwave, use a hot pot of water with a glass bowl in it to melt the chocolate and butter. 2: to give your chocolate a glossy texture add a few splashes of double cream. 3: when transferring your mixtures to your tray give them a little shake, this will even out your layers and make them perfectly flat. 4: I would also recommend you use a dark chocolate rather than a milk one since the peanut butter mix is very sweet. Love this channel, and this recipe is really delicious!!!

When you get a notification saying preppy kitchen posted 5 seconds ago and go crazy!

I have been thinking of making something like these since your peanut butter fudge recipe! YUM!

Just made this and they are incredible!! Thank you so much ❤️🙌

"All these measurements are, you know, give or take..." Funniest line I have heard this year!! :-)

Too much sugar for my taste. I entirely discarded powdered sugar, used a low-sugar peanut butter and 70% dark chocolate to reduce the overall sugar percentage to 14%. Then it was delicious. Thanks so much for the recipe!

Easy and delicious, thanks!!!

Great recipe! You're great!😀👍