Best Nutter Butter Bars Recipe

For peanut butter lovers, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as this Nutter Butter bars recipe. With a buttery, crumbly Nutter Butter crust, a rich and creamy peanut butter filling, and layers of sweet and salty toppings, these bars are the ultimate dessert for any occasion. Not only are they packed with texture and flavor — from crunchy peanuts to melty peanut butter chips — but they’re also easy to make and perfect for sharing.

These bars strike a wonderful balance of salty and sweet, with the familiar taste of childhood favorites like Reese’s Pieces and Nutter Butter cookies. Whether you’re baking them for a party, potluck, bake sale, or just a fun weekend project, you can count on these bars disappearing quickly from the plate. If you’re looking for a new treat that’s indulgent yet simple, this is the one to try. And if you love desserts that are nostalgic yet creative, you might also enjoy our cinnamon sugar blondies or our cheesy pizza pockets for something savory.

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Why You’ll Love This Nutter Butter Bars Recipe

There are so many reasons to fall in love with this recipe. First, it’s loaded with peanut butter flavor in every single bite. Second, it comes together quickly, with most of the work being simple mixing and layering. Third, it’s versatile — you can easily swap in your favorite toppings or adjust the sweetness level to suit your taste.

You’ll also appreciate how these bars hold up well, making them perfect for packing in lunchboxes, stacking on dessert tables, or giving as homemade gifts. If you enjoy crowd-pleasing desserts that are both delicious and visually appealing, this one’s a keeper. You might also enjoy pairing them with our mochi cinnamon rolls for a full dessert spread.

Who Will Love These Nutter Butter Bars? Perfect Occasions to Serve Them

These Nutter Butter bars are perfect for anyone who loves the classic combination of peanut butter and chocolate. They’re ideal for kids’ parties, holiday gatherings, bake sales, or just an afternoon treat. Because they’re so easy to slice and serve, they also make a great addition to dessert buffets and cookie trays. Anytime you want a dessert that’s guaranteed to impress yet simple to make, these bars deliver.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Nutter Butter Bars

This recipe is packed with layers of deliciousness, yet the ingredients are easy to find:

For the Crust

• 32 Nutter Butter cookies (about 4 cups crumbs)
• ½ cup melted butter
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Filling

• 1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk
• ¼ cup creamy peanut butter

Toppings

• 1 cup peanut butter chips
• ½ cup roasted peanuts
• 12 Nutter Butter cookies, chopped
• ¾ cup Reese’s Pieces candy
• Flaky sea salt (optional)
• 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter (for drizzling)

For another nostalgic and peanut butter-inspired recipe, you might also enjoy our cheese log — perfect for parties and snacking.

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Essential Kitchen Equipment for This Recipe

You don’t need anything fancy to make these bars, just:

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Food processor, blender, or zip-top bag and rolling pin — to crush cookies
• Microwave-safe bowl
• Spatula
• Mixing bowls and measuring spoons/cups
• Wire rack — for cooling

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Nutter Butter Bars

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

Step 2: Make the Crust

Crush 32 Nutter Butter cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor, blender, or by sealing them in a zip-top bag and rolling with a pin. In a large bowl, stir the cookie crumbs, brown sugar, and salt together. Pour in the melted butter and mix until evenly combined. Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan using a flat-bottomed measuring cup or glass to create an even crust.

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Step 3: Make the Filling

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt ¼ cup peanut butter for about 30 seconds until soft. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk until smooth and well blended.

Step 4: Assemble the Bars

Sprinkle peanut butter chips and roasted peanuts evenly over the crust. Pour the peanut butter filling over the top and spread evenly. Sprinkle the chopped Nutter Butter cookies and Reese’s Pieces over the filling. Use a spatula or fork to gently press the toppings into the mixture so they stick. If desired, sprinkle with a little flaky sea salt for a gourmet touch.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Place the pan on a wire rack to cool completely, then refrigerate to set.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Once chilled, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of peanut butter in the microwave and drizzle over the top of the bars. Slice into squares or rectangles and serve.

If you’re looking for more fun baking projects, you might also enjoy our red, white and blue flag cake — perfect for festive occasions.

Expert Tips for Perfect Nutter Butter Bars Every Time

For the best texture, press the crust firmly and evenly so it doesn’t crumble when sliced. Let the bars cool completely before cutting to get neat squares. If you like a less sweet bar, you can reduce the amount of Reese’s Pieces slightly or add more peanuts for a saltier balance. And don’t skip the parchment paper — it makes removing the bars so much easier.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Nutter Butter Bars

One common mistake is overbaking — the edges should be golden but the center will still look a little soft when done. It will firm up as it cools. Another is not pressing the toppings into the filling — if you skip this step, some may fall off when slicing. Finally, rushing the cooling process can result in messy cuts, so be patient.

Serving and Presentation Ideas for Nutter Butter Bars

These bars look gorgeous just as they are, but you can also drizzle them with melted chocolate or dust with powdered sugar for a fancier presentation. Arrange them on a tiered dessert tray alongside other treats like our salted honey pie or honey peach cream cheese cupcakes for an impressive display.

Recipe Variations and Creative Swaps You Can Try

Feel free to swap out the toppings based on your preferences. Try chopped pretzels or mini chocolate chips for a twist. Use crunchy peanut butter in the filling for extra texture, or even almond butter for a different flavor profile. You can also add a drizzle of caramel on top for added decadence.

How to Store Nutter Butter Bars Properly

Once cooled and sliced, store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for longer storage — just thaw at room temperature before serving.

Best Food and Drink Pairings for Nutter Butter Bars

These bars pair perfectly with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee. For a party spread, serve them alongside savory options like our ranch mushrooms or cheesy pizza pockets to balance the sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nutter Butter Bars

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes — they store well and are actually easier to cut and serve after chilling overnight.

Do I have to use Reese’s Pieces?
Not at all — you can substitute with M&Ms, chopped peanut butter cups, or skip them altogether.

Can I use a different cookie for the crust?
Yes — graham crackers or chocolate cookies would work, though the flavor will change.

Final Thoughts: Bake, Share & Subscribe!

This Nutter Butter bars recipe is a must-try for any peanut butter lover. With layers of creamy filling, crunchy toppings, and a buttery cookie crust, these bars are as impressive as they are easy. Whether for parties, lunchboxes, or a special weekend treat, they’ll quickly become one of your go-to recipes.

If you enjoyed this recipe, share it with friends and family, and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more irresistible dessert ideas. And if you’re looking for another sweet treat, you might also love our cinnamon sugar blondies — another bar cookie worth baking.

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