Chocolate Peanut Butter No-Bake Bars Recipe
Delicious and simple no bake chocolate peanut butter bars made with natural peanut butter, gluten-free oat or almond flour, and sweetened with maple syrup. These bars are perfect for a quick snack or dessert, featuring a creamy peanut butter base topped with a rich chocolate layer. No baking required – just a bit of stove top heating and chilling to set.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars (assuming 2x2 inch pieces) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 1 cup natural peanut butter (creamy preferred, or any nut/seed butter)
- 1 cup gluten-free oat flour or almond flour (for oat-free option)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
Topping
- 1 cup chocolate chips or dairy free chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Prepare pan: Cover an 8 x 8 inch square pan with parchment paper and set aside for easy removal of bars later.
- Make peanut butter mixture: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the peanut butter and maple syrup. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and well blended without overheating.
- Add flour: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the oat or almond flour until completely incorporated. The mixture will become thick.
- Press mixture into pan: Transfer the thick peanut butter mixture to the prepared pan and use a spatula to press it down evenly to form the base layer.
- Clean saucepan: Wipe the saucepan clean, then return it to low heat to melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil together, stirring often until smooth and combined.
- Add chocolate topping: Remove from heat and pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter base. Gently rock the pan side to side to spread the chocolate evenly.
- Chill bars: Refrigerate the pan for 2 to 3 hours or overnight until the bars are firm and set.
- Rest before cutting: Remove bars from refrigerator and let them rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes to avoid cracking the chocolate when slicing.
- Store and serve: Store bars in an airtight container in the fridge. These bars can also be frozen for longer storage.
Notes
- If avoiding oats or grains, substitute oat flour with almond flour for a grain-free version.
- Use dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan or dairy-free option.
- Letting bars sit at room temperature before cutting helps prevent cracking of the chocolate layer.
- For easier cleanup, line the pan with parchment paper before adding mixtures.
- Keep bars refrigerated to maintain firmness, but allow them to warm slightly for best texture when serving.
Keywords: no bake bars, peanut butter bars, chocolate peanut butter, gluten free dessert, easy no bake recipe, healthy snack, dairy free option
