Chocolate Peanut Butter No Bake Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Chocolate Peanut Butter No Bake Bars are a delicious, simple treat that comes together quickly without any baking. Creamy peanut butter combined with oat flour and topped with rich melted chocolate makes for a perfect snack or dessert.

Ingredients

• 1 cup natural peanut butter or nut/seed butter of your choice (creamy preferred)
• 1 cup gluten-free oat flour or almond flour (see note for oat flour)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 cup chocolate chips or dairy-free chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cover an 8 x 8 inch square pan with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the peanut butter and maple syrup. Stir until smooth and well combined, about 2 minutes.
3. Step 3: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the oat flour until the mixture is thick and uniform.
4. Step 4: Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press it down evenly with a spatula to create an even base layer.
5. Step 5: Clean the saucepan, then place it back on low heat. Add the chocolate chips and coconut oil, stirring frequently until melted and smooth.
6. Step 6: Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the peanut butter base, gently rocking the pan side to side for an even spread.
7. Step 7: Refrigerate the bars for 2 to 3 hours, or overnight, until firm.
8. Step 8: Remove from the fridge and allow bars to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before cutting to avoid cracking the chocolate.

Tips & Variations

• To make your own oat flour, pulse gluten-free oats in a food processor until finely ground.
• For an oat-free and grain-free version, substitute oat flour with almond flour.
• Use dairy-free chocolate chips to keep the recipe vegan.
• Press the base mixture firmly into the pan to prevent crumbling.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They can also be frozen for longer storage. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving. Let the bars sit at room temperature briefly after reheating to soften.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other nut butters besides peanut butter?

Yes, natural almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter work well as substitutes, though texture and flavor may vary slightly.

Do I have to refrigerate these bars?

Yes, refrigeration helps the bars set properly and keeps the chocolate topping firm. Without refrigeration, the bars may be too soft and sticky to cut neatly.

Chocolate Peanut Butter No Bake Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 129 reviews

These Chocolate Peanut Butter No Bake Bars are a delectable and easy-to-make treat combining creamy peanut butter with a rich chocolate topping. Perfect for a quick snack or dessert, they are naturally gluten-free and can be adapted for grain-free diets. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, these bars require no baking, making them ideal for fuss-free preparation and satisfying your sweet tooth in no time.

• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes (including chilling time)
• Yield: 9 bars (3×3 inch pieces) 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base

• 1 cup natural peanut butter (creamy)
• 1 cup gluten-free oat flour or almond flour (for oat-free, grain-free alternative)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup

Topping

• 1 cup chocolate chips or dairy-free chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil

Instructions

1. Prepare Pan: Cover an 8 x 8 inch square pan with parchment paper and set aside to prevent sticking and facilitate easy removal of bars.
2. Combine Peanut Butter and Maple Syrup: In a small saucepan over low heat, stir the peanut butter and maple syrup together until smooth and fully combined, about 2 minutes. This warm mixture helps achieve a uniform texture.
3. Add Flour: Remove the saucepan from heat and add the gluten-free oat or almond flour. Stir thoroughly until the mixture becomes thick and well incorporated.
4. Press Mixture into Pan: Transfer the thick base mixture into the prepared square pan. Use a spatula to press and spread it evenly across the pan, ensuring a consistent thickness.
5. Melt Chocolate Topping: Wipe the saucepan clean. Return it to low heat and add the chocolate chips and coconut oil. Stir frequently until fully melted and smoothly combined.
6. Top Base with Chocolate: Remove the saucepan from heat, then pour the melted chocolate evenly over the base layer. Gently rock the pan side to side to distribute the chocolate evenly.
7. Chill to Set: Refrigerate the bars for 2-3 hours, or preferably overnight, until firm and set.
8. Serve: Remove from refrigerator and allow bars to rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes before cutting to prevent the chocolate from cracking.
9. Storage: Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can also be frozen for longer preservation.

Notes

• You can substitute oat flour with almond flour for a grain-free version.
• Using dairy-free chocolate chips makes this treat suitable for dairy-sensitive diets.
• Letting bars come to room temperature before cutting helps avoid cracking of the chocolate layer.
• Bars can be stored in the fridge for up to one week or frozen for up to three months.

Keywords: no bake bars, chocolate peanut butter bars, gluten free dessert, easy no bake recipe, healthy snack, dairy free option