By: Erin
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These healthy peanut butter bars are a delicious and healthy snack that satisfies your sweet tooth! This easy-to-follow recipe is made with FOUR wholesome ingredients that will give you all the energy you need to power through your day. It’s like a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup- But healthier!
Salty, chocolate peanut butter bars recipe
If you didn’t catch on, I am 100% a peanut butter girl. I mean… peanut butter + chocolate? Is there anything better?!
After baking a batch of these chocolate-baked oats, I wanted to use some of that salted peanut butter to make something else. That’s when I decided to make these healthy peanut butter bars.
They are super easy to make and taste SO good. The best part is that it only requires four ingredients! Plus, they are not overly sweet and have the perfect balance of salty/sweet.
Enjoy these peanut butter bars as an afternoon pick-me-up or as an after-dinner dessert – either way, these bars are sure to be enjoyed by everyone!
Video tutorial
Ingredients needed
Making a batch of these no-bake chocolate peanut butter bars are simple and requires only four ingredients.
Here’s a bit more about what I used:
- Peanut Butter: I used creamy peanut butter for the base of this recipe. Not only does it add flavor, but it also helps bind the other ingredients together into delicious bars. I prefer to use salty peanut butter, but you can use crunchy or smooth.
- Oat Flour: Oat flour is a great alternative to all-purpose flour and adds more fiber, texture, and flavor. If you don’t have oat flour, you can make your own by blending rolled oats in a food processor.
- Maple Syrup: I used pure maple syrup as the sweetener in this recipe. You can also use honey or agave nectar if you prefer. I used a 1/4 cup.
- Chocolate Chips: I added mini chocolate chips for a hint of sweetness and crunch. You can also use dark chocolate chips or dairy-free chocolate chips (like Enjoy Life) to keep this recipe vegan-friendly.
Tip: For a yummy twist, you can add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut or chopped nuts as a topping. It can add an additional crunch and texture.
Kitchen tools required
Here’s a bit more information about what I used to make these healthy peanut butter bars.
- Medium bowl
- 8×8 baking pan
- Small microwave-safe dish
- Parchment paper (optional)
For measuring, you will need 1/4 cup, 1/2 cup, 1 cup, and 1 tablespoon.
How to make healthy peanut butter bars
To make the bars, combine peanut butter, maple syrup, and oat flour in a medium bowl. Then press this mixture into an 8×8 dish.
Tip: Want my hack to easily cut and remove the bars from a baking dish? Add a sheet of parchment paper to the bottom of the dish before pressing in the peanut butter mixture.
Next, melt the chocolate chips in a small microwave-safe dish
In a separate microwave-safe dish, melt chocolate chips and remaining peanut butter in 30-second increments. Make sure to actually stir the chocolate when you remove it from the microwave so it doesn’t burn.
Pour this mixture over the peanut butter base and put the dish in the freezer for an hour.
Cut them into bars and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
Below are some common peanut butter bar recipe questions. Don’t see the answer you’re looking for? Leave a comment at the bottom of this post!
Should I use storebought or homemade oat flour?
I find store-bought oat flour to be better than homemade. Although I’ve attempted to make homemade oat flour several times, it never turns out as smooth as store-bought.
It’s totally put to you!
Can I use another type of flour?
Yes, you can use almond flour or other types of gluten-free flours. However, oat flour is the best for this recipe because it gives the bars a nice texture.
What do I do if I can’t find salted peanut butter?
If you can’t find salted peanut butter, you can use unsalted and add 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt to the recipe. This will give the bars a nice salty flavor.
Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Yes, you can use honey as an alternative sweetener.
Can I use different types of nut butter?
Yes, you can use almond butter or other types of nut butters. Just make sure to use a creamy and sweetened variety for the best results.
Is it easy to double this peanut butter bars recipe?
Yup! Double the recipe for these bars if you’re looking to feed a crowd. You could use a 9×13 cake pan and yield more no-bake bars.
Can I make these bars into a different shape?
You can turn these into peanut butter balls! Roll the peanut butter mixture into balls and then place in the freezer for at least a half hour before dipping into chocolate. You could also drizzle the chocolate on top as well!
Storing leftovers
To store these healthy peanut butter bars, wrap them individually or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can also freeze them and thaw them when ready to eat.
Enjoy!
If you make this recipe, be sure to comment below and let me know how it was! Also tag @erinliveswhole on Instagram and use the hashtag #erinliveswhole so I can see it and feature you!
If you liked this recipe, you’ll want to try these!
Here are some of my favorite peanut butter recipes you should make next. Enjoy!
- Chocolate Baked Oats With Peanut Butter
- Salted Peanut Butter Banana Bread
- No-Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
- Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Cookie Cups
- Flourless Peanut Butter Blondies
★★★★★5 from 86 reviews
Healthy Peanut Butter Bars Recipe
These no-bake chocolate peanut butter bars are super easy and healthy dessert made from four gluten-free and vegan simple ingredients like peanut butter, oatmeal, maple syrup, and chocolate chips. They taste like a Reese’s peanut butter cup but made healthier!
Prep: 5Cook: 5Total: 10 minutes
Yield 12 bars 1x
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Ingredients
Base:
- 1 cup salted peanut butter (if not salted, add in a pinch)
- 1/4 cup + 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 3/4 cup oat flour certified gluten-free (1 cup almond flour also works here)
Topping:
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix together peanut butter, maple syrup, and oat flour until well combined.
- Press mixture into an 8×8 dish.
- Pour chocolate chips and remaining peanut butter into a microwave safe dish and microwave on 30 second increments until chips are melted.
- Pour melted chocolate peanut butter mixture over peanut butter base.
- Place in freezer for one hour, then cut and serve.
- Store in fridge or freezer!
Author: Erin MorrisseyCategory: dessert, snackMethod: no-bakeCuisine: AmericanDiet: Gluten Free
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