Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars combine the irresistible flavors of peanut butter and chocolate in a healthier way. Here’s why you’ll love making them:
- No-Bake: Quick and easy to prepare with minimal effort required.
- Vegan and Gluten-Free: These bars are suitable for various dietary preferences.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make them in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer for a quick, satisfying snack.
- Indulgent Yet Healthy: The combination of oats, peanut butter, and dark chocolate makes these bars both rich and nourishing.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the peanut butter layer:
- 2 cups (480g) natural peanut butter
- 1 cup (90g) rolled oats
- 1 cup (100g) ground almonds
- ⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon (90ml) maple syrup
- Pinch of salt
For the chocolate layer:
- 160g dark chocolate
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Directions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper and set it aside.
- Make the Peanut Butter Layer: Blend the oats into flour using a blender (or use store-bought oat flour). In a bowl, combine the oat flour, ground almonds, peanut butter, maple syrup, and salt. Mix until well combined.
- Press the Peanut Butter Layer: Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan and press evenly. Refrigerate while you prepare the chocolate topping.
- Make the Chocolate Layer: Chop the dark chocolate and place it in a heatproof bowl. Add the coconut oil and melt in the microwave in 15-20 second intervals until smooth.
- Assemble: Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until the chocolate is firm.
- Serve: Cut into bars and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 16 bars
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Refrigeration Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes (prep) + 30 minutes (chill)
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the bars in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: These bars are best enjoyed cold, so no reheating is necessary.
FAQs
1. Can I use any type of peanut butter for this recipe?
Yes, you can use smooth or crunchy peanut butter, but natural peanut butter works best for the healthiest version.
2. Can I substitute maple syrup with another sweetener?
Yes, you can use agave syrup, honey, or any other sweetener of your choice.
3. Can I add extra toppings to these bars?
Yes, feel free to add crushed nuts, seeds, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the chocolate layer for extra flavor.
4. How do I store these bars?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them for longer storage.
5. Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
Yes, almond butter can be used as a substitute for peanut butter for a different flavor.
6. Are these bars gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is gluten-free as it uses oats and ground almonds, both of which are naturally gluten-free.
7. Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, you can use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter taste, but the recipe’s intended flavor comes from dark chocolate.
8. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, these bars are perfect for meal prep and can be made in advance. Store them in the fridge or freezer.
9. How can I make the peanut butter layer firmer?
If the layer is too soft, you can add a little more ground almonds or oats to thicken it.
10. Can I use a different nut butter?
Yes, cashew or sunflower seed butter are good alternatives if you prefer something different from peanut butter.
Conclusion
Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars are a delicious, healthier dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With simple ingredients and no baking required, these bars are vegan, gluten-free, and great for meal prep. Enjoy them as a quick snack, dessert, or energy booster!
Print
Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
- Total Time: 15 minutes (prep) + 30 minutes (chill)
- Yield: 16 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars are a healthier, no-bake dessert that combines the indulgent flavors of peanut butter and chocolate in a nutritious way. With a peanut butter base, rolled oats, and a rich dark chocolate topping, these bars are vegan, gluten-free, and perfect for meal prep. Easy to make in just 15 minutes, they provide a satisfying and wholesome snack or dessert without compromising on flavor. Great for those with dietary preferences, these bars offer the ideal balance of sweet, salty, and nutty.
Ingredients
For the peanut butter layer:
2 cups (480g) natural peanut butter
1 cup (90g) rolled oats (or oat flour)
1 cup (100g) ground almonds
⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon (90ml) maple syrup
Pinch of salt
For the chocolate layer:
160g dark chocolate
1 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions
-
Prepare the Pan: Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
-
Make the Peanut Butter Layer: Blend the oats into flour using a blender (or use store-bought oat flour). In a bowl, combine the oat flour, ground almonds, peanut butter, maple syrup, and salt. Mix until well combined.
-
Press the Peanut Butter Layer: Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan and press it evenly. Refrigerate while preparing the chocolate topping.
-
Make the Chocolate Layer: Chop the dark chocolate and place it in a heatproof bowl. Add coconut oil and melt in the microwave in 15-20 second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
-
Assemble: Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until the chocolate firms up.
-
Serve: Cut into bars and enjoy!
Notes
Sweetener Options: You can substitute maple syrup with agave syrup, honey, or your preferred sweetener.
Nut Butter Variations: If you prefer, almond butter or sunflower seed butter can replace peanut butter for a different flavor.
Chocolate Substitution: Use milk chocolate for a sweeter taste, or keep it dark for a richer, less sweet flavor.
Toppings: Add crushed nuts, seeds, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top for extra texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
