DISNEYLAND COPYCAT PEANUT BUTTER BARS are basically my answer to that very specific craving that hits after you scroll past theme park snack videos at midnight. You know the one, where you can almost taste the chocolate and peanut butter through the screen. I love Disneyland treats, but I do not love the price tag, the lines, or the fact that I cannot teleport to California on a Tuesday. So I started making these bars at home, and honestly, they’ve become a repeat recipe in my kitchen. They are sweet, rich, and a little dramatic in the best way, like a dessert that knows it is the main character. 
The Story Behind This Recipe
Hey, I’m Alexandraa! This DISNEYLAND COPYCAT PEANUT BUTTER BARS was built for real kitchens: simple steps, reliable results, and flavor that makes people ask for seconds. DISNEYLAND COPYCAT PEANUT BUTTER BARS are basically my answer to that very specific craving that hits after you scroll past theme park snack videos at midnight.…
So are these Disneyland Peanut Butter Bars as good as the real thing?
I have eaten the park version, and I have eaten my homemade version while standing at my counter in socks, which is a pretty solid comparison if you ask me. The real ones have that classic thick chocolate layer and a peanut buttery base that is soft but not greasy. These DISNEYLAND COPYCAT PEANUT BUTTER BARS get you very, very close, and sometimes I think they’re better because you can tweak everything to your taste.
Here’s what I pay attention to when I want that true copycat vibe:
- The chocolate layer should be smooth and easy to bite through, not rock hard.
- The peanut butter base should taste like peanut butter first, sugar second.
- The chill time matters. If you cut too early, they get messy fast.
The other win is that you can make a whole pan for the cost of a couple park treats. And if you are in a peanut butter mood lately, you might also like these chocolate peanut butter no bake cookies because they hit a similar sweet spot with way less effort.
“I made these for my sister’s movie night and everyone thought I bought them from a bakery. The chocolate layer was perfect and they disappeared in like ten minutes.”
Pick the right Peanut Butter
This is one of those recipes where the peanut butter you use really changes the final texture. I’m not saying you need a fancy brand, but I am saying you should choose on purpose. For DISNEYLAND COPYCAT PEANUT BUTTER BARS, I usually grab regular creamy peanut butter from the grocery store because it blends smoothly and sets up nicely.
My peanut butter “rules” that keep the bars from going weird
If you want the bars to slice clean and taste like the classic treat, here’s what works best in my kitchen:
- Use creamy peanut butter if you want that theme park style bite.
- Avoid super oily natural peanut butter unless you are ready to adjust. The oil can separate and make the base softer than you want.
- If you only have crunchy, you can use it, but the texture will be more like a candy bar with little peanut bits.
If you do want to experiment with natural peanut butter, stir it really well first, like really well, and expect the base to be a little softer. You can also chill longer to help it firm up.
And if you’re the type who keeps peanut butter desserts on rotation, I have to mention these peanut butter and jelly cookies for when you want something nostalgic but still dessert worthy.
What Makes these Peanut Butter Bars even better than the real thing
Let me say this gently, because Disneyland is iconic and I love it. But homemade gives you a few advantages that the real thing cannot. First, you can control the sweetness. Some people love an ultra sweet bar, but I like it sweet with a strong peanut butter flavor, so I keep that balance.
Second, you can control the chocolate. If you want a darker chocolate top, do it. If you want milk chocolate because that’s your comfort zone, do it. You can even go half and half if you are feeling indecisive.
Third, you can make the texture exactly how you want. Want a thicker base? Press it in deeper. Want a thinner chocolate layer that is easier to bite? Use less chocolate. It is your kitchen. No one is stopping you.
Also, you can make these ahead. I actually think DISNEYLAND COPYCAT PEANUT BUTTER BARS taste better after they’ve chilled overnight. The flavors settle, the layers firm up, and they cut cleanly instead of smearing everywhere.
If you love the peanut butter and chocolate combo as much as I do, you might also be into these chocolate covered peanut butter hearts. They give that candy shop vibe without much fuss.
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Substitutions And Additions
This is the part where you can have a little fun, or a lot of fun. The classic version is peanut butter base plus chocolate topping, and it is already perfect. But if you’re making these for a party or just want to make them your own, here are some easy swaps and add ons that actually work.
Easy swaps if you are missing something
Because life happens and sometimes you start baking and realize you are out of something. Been there.
- Butter: You can use salted butter and just skip adding extra salt. If you use unsalted, add a small pinch of salt to wake up the flavors.
- Chocolate chips: Any melting chocolate works. Chips, chunks, baking bars, whatever you have.
- Cracker crumbs: If you do not have graham crackers, crushed vanilla cookies can work too, just expect a slightly different flavor.
Additions that make people ask for the recipe
These are totally optional, but they’re great when you want to level up without making it complicated:
- A sprinkle of flaky salt on top of the chocolate before it sets. It makes the chocolate taste even more chocolatey.
- Mini chocolate chips mixed into the peanut butter layer for extra texture.
- Crushed pretzels on top for crunch and that sweet salty thing.
If you like that sweet salty pretzel situation, you should absolutely check out these peanut butter pretzel bites sometime. They are snacky in the best way.
How To Serve This Disney Peanut Butter Bars
Once your bars are chilled and sliced, serving is honestly the easiest part. The hardest part is not “sampling” three pieces while you pretend you are just cutting them. DISNEYLAND COPYCAT PEANUT BUTTER BARS are rich, so I usually cut them into smaller squares if I’m serving a crowd. People can always go back for seconds, and they usually do.
My favorite ways to serve them:
- Straight from the fridge for clean layers and a firm bite.
- Room temp if you like a softer peanut butter base and slightly creamier chocolate.
- With coffee because peanut butter and caffeine are a top tier combo.
- On a dessert tray with fruit or something lighter, so it feels balanced.
For storage, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for about a week. You can also freeze them. I like to freeze individual squares, then pull one out when I want a treat. They thaw fast, and they still taste great.
Common Questions
Do I have to bake these bars?
Nope. That’s one of the best parts. Most versions of DISNEYLAND COPYCAT PEANUT BUTTER BARS are no bake, just mix, press, melt, chill.
Why is my chocolate layer cracking when I cut them?
This usually happens when the chocolate is too cold and sets very hard. Let the bars sit at room temp for 10 minutes before slicing, and use a warm knife.
Can I make them less sweet?
Yes. Use darker chocolate on top and go a little lighter on any added sugar in the base. A pinch of salt also helps balance sweetness.
Can I make these gluten free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten free crumbs or cookies in the base and check your chocolate labels.
How far ahead can I make them for a party?
I like making them the day before. They slice better after a longer chill, and it takes stress off your party day.
A sweet little wrap up before you run to the kitchen
If you’ve been craving that park style treat at home, DISNEYLAND COPYCAT PEANUT BUTTER BARS are honestly the move. They’re simple, they travel well, and they make people ridiculously happy. If you want to compare versions or see other home baker takes, I found these helpful reads: Disneyland Peanut Butter Bars Recipe | My Mommy Style and Peanut Butter Overload Bars (A.K.A The Disneyland Bars). Make a pan, stash a few in the fridge, and thank yourself later. You deserve a Disneyland moment, even if it is just in your own kitchen.
Disneyland Copycat Peanut Butter Bars
Ingredients
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and unsalted butter until smooth.
- Gradually mix in the powdered sugar and graham cracker crumbs until well incorporated.
- Press the peanut butter mixture into an even layer in a prepared square pan.
- Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave or double boiler until smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter base and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top if desired.
- Refrigerate the bars for at least 1 to 2 hours until set.
- Once set, cut into squares and serve cold or at room temperature.
