Chocolate Peanut Butter No Bake Bars Recipe
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 (3x3 inch pieces) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Chill to Set: Refrigerate the bars for 2-3 hours, or preferably overnight, until firm and set.
- Serve: Remove from refrigerator and allow bars to rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes before cutting to prevent the chocolate from cracking.
- 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