Indulge in the rich flavor of these No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars, a quick and easy treat that requires no oven time. These creamy, delectable bars combine the roasty taste of peanut butter with a hint of sweetness, making them the ideal dessert for busy days or last-minute gatherings!
If you like easy sweet treats, also try my fudgy brownies and chocolate lazy cake.
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✔️ Why This Recipe is Great
Meal Prep Recipe: this is the perfect sweet treat to add to your weekly meal prep, whether you're treating yourself to a healthier dessert or just adding to your list of favorite sweet breakfast recipes!
Kid-Friendly Recipe: I've been making variations of these bars since I was a teenager, and I can confirm that they're so easy even a kid can do it. Just remember to supervise, if they're prone to messes!
Customizable Flavor: while you could make a couple of changes to make these no-bake chocolate bars better fit certain dietary restrictions, I find that the most difference is made when using different chocolate chips (ideally sugar-free chocolate chips, to keep them healthier).
🍯 Ingredients
Peanut Butter: you can use homemade or store-bought, but using crunchy instead of smooth will change the texture quite a bit.
Maple Syrup: this sugar alternative adds a rich flavor to the peanut butter bars and keeps them moist, though adding too much will cause the bars to crumble.
Vanilla Extract: you can swap this for the same amount of vanilla paste for a richer vanilla flavor and aroma.
Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: not instant oats; this type holds up the best to the heating and cooling involved.
Chocolate Chips: while you can use the typical semisweet chocolate chips, I recommend trying sugar-free chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips for a delicious twist, though whatever you have on hand will add the necessary gooey, melty chocolate.
Peanuts: toasted peanuts add a great textural component and garnish, but you can omit or swap them for whatever chopped nuts you have on hand.
See recipe card for exact ingredients and quantities.
🥜 How to Make Peanut Butter Bars (Step-by-Step)
Step 1) In a medium saucepan, combine the peanut butter, maple syrup (or honey), salt and vanilla extract. Heat over low heat, stirring until the mixture is smooth and well combined (image 1).
Step 2) Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the rolled oats until fully incorporated. If you’re using chocolate chips, fold them in at this stage (image 2).
Step 3) Line a loaf pan or an 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Pour the peanut butter mixture into the prepared dish, pressing it down firmly with a spatula to create an even layer (image 3).
Step 4) If desired, sprinkle the chopped peanuts, more chocolate chips or even flaky salt on top and gently press them into the mixture (image 4).
Step 5) Refrigerate the bars for at least 1-2 hours, or until they’re firm enough to cut. Once set, lift the bars out of the dish using the parchment paper and cut them into squares or rectangles.
🌟 Variations
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt dark or milk chocolate and drizzle it over the top of the bars for an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful presentation.
- Coconut Flakes: Incorporate up to ⅓ cup unsweetened shredded coconut into the mixture for a tropical twist.
- Protein Boost: Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the mixture for a slight nutrition boost.
- Dried Fruit: Mix in up to ¼ cup of chopped dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or apricots for a touch of sweetness and chewiness.
🧊 Storage and Reheating
Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or in the freezer for longer storage.
👩🍳 Expert Notes & Tips
Customization: Feel free to customize these bars by adding mix-ins like dried fruit, seeds, or different types of nut butter.
Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter bar, you can increase the amount of maple syrup or honey to taste.
Use Case: These peanut butter no-bake bars make for a great snack or a quick energy boost before or after workouts!
❓ What to Serve With Peanut Butter Bars
🙋 Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, although to make them completely vegan, use a completely plant-based chocolate and ensure that your peanut butter is free from any animal products.
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, you can use ground nuts or gluten-free oats. Alternatively, you can use crushed gluten-free graham crackers or rice cereal for a different texture.
Yes, adding a scoop of protein powder is a great way to boost the nutritional value of the bars!
To cut the bars neatly, allow them to set completely, then use a sharp knife. You can also warm the knife slightly by running it under hot water in between cuts for cleaner edges.
Have you tried this recipe?
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📖 Recipe
No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter 250g
- ½ cup maple syrup or honey 120ml
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 5ml
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats 200g
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional) 90g
- ¼ cup chopped peanuts (optional, for topping) 60g
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the peanut butter, maple syrup (or honey), salt and vanilla extract. Heat over low heat, stirring until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the rolled oats until fully incorporated. If you’re using chocolate chips, fold them in at this stage.
- Line a loaf pan or an 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Pour the peanut butter mixture into the prepared dish, pressing it down firmly with a spatula to create an even layer.
- If desired, sprinkle the chopped peanuts, more chocolate chips or even flaky salt on top and gently press them into the mixture.
- Refrigerate the bars for at least 1-2 hours, or until they’re firm enough to cut. Once set, lift the bars out of the dish using the parchment paper and cut them into squares or rectangles.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or in the freezer for longer storage.
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