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To make these tasty no bake peanut butter bars, you will need a few simple ingredients. Here’s the list: - 1 cup creamy peanut butter - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup - 2 cups rolled oats - 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips - 1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional) - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 teaspoon salt Each ingredient plays a role in making these bars delicious. The creamy peanut butter gives a rich, nutty flavor. Honey or maple syrup adds sweetness and binds everything together. Rolled oats provide texture and bulk, making the bars filling. Dark chocolate chips add a touch of indulgence. If you want them sweeter, the powdered sugar can help. Vanilla extract enhances the overall taste, while salt balances the sweetness. Using quality ingredients makes a big difference. Choose natural peanut butter with no added sugars or oils. The oats should be rolled, not quick oats, for best results. For the chocolate, dark chocolate chips offer a nice contrast to the sweet peanut butter. Feel free to gather your ingredients before starting. This helps the cooking process go smoothly and quickly. Enjoy making these easy and tasty bars! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Mixing the Peanut Butter and Sweetener In a medium bowl, add 1 cup of creamy peanut butter and 1/2 cup of honey or maple syrup. Use a spatula or spoon to mix them together. Keep stirring until the mixture is smooth and well combined. - Incorporating Vanilla and Salt Next, add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir again until everything is blended evenly into the peanut butter mixture. - Adding Rolled Oats Gradually add 2 cups of rolled oats to the bowl. Stir continuously until all the oats are coated in the peanut butter mixture. If you want extra sweetness, fold in 1/4 cup of powdered sugar at this stage. - Lining the Baking Pan Grab an 8-inch square baking pan and line it with parchment paper. Make sure the paper hangs over the sides. This will help you lift the bars out later. - Spreading the Mixture Pour the peanut butter-oats mixture into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly. Press down firmly to create a compact layer. - Melting the Chocolate In a microwave-safe bowl, add 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, then stir. Repeat this process in 15-30 second intervals until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. - Pouring the Chocolate Carefully pour the melted chocolate over the pressed peanut butter and oat layer. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the top. - Chilling in the Refrigerator Place the pan in the refrigerator. Chill for at least 1 hour or until the chocolate sets and the bars are firm. - Cutting into Servings Once set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into squares or rectangles of your desired size. Serve and enjoy! To make your no bake peanut butter bars taste even better, you can adjust the sweetness. If you want them sweeter, add powdered sugar. Start with 1/4 cup. Mix it in with the oats. Taste the mix. If you want more sweetness, add a little more. You can also boost the nutrition with fun add-ins. Try adding flax seeds or chia seeds. These tiny seeds add fiber and omega-3s. You could also mix in some chopped nuts, like almonds or walnuts. They add crunch and flavor. When it comes to presenting your bars, use a nice platter. Arrange the bars neatly on it. You can drizzle some extra melted chocolate on top for flair. It makes them look fancy and delicious. Garnish your bars with a sprinkle of sea salt. This adds a nice contrast to the sweetness. Just a pinch will do. Sea salt makes the chocolate taste richer and the peanut butter pop. Enjoy the process of making them look great! Pro Tips Use Natural Sweeteners: For a healthier option, consider using natural sweeteners like maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey. Adjust the Oats: Feel free to experiment with different types of oats, such as quick oats or steel-cut oats, for varied textures in your bars. Customize Your Toppings: Add toppings like chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or a sprinkle of sea salt for extra flavor and crunch. Store Properly: Keep the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage. {{image_4}} If you need a nut-free option, use sunflower seed butter. This option is great for those with nut allergies. Sunflower seed butter has a creamy texture and a slightly sweet taste. It blends well with the other ingredients. Just substitute it for peanut butter in your recipe. The rest of the steps stay the same. You’ll enjoy a tasty treat without the nuts. To add a chocolate twist, mix in cocoa powder. Start with 1/4 cup of cocoa powder when you add the oats. This change gives the bars a rich chocolate flavor. It pairs well with the peanut butter. You can also include dried fruits or nuts. Try adding 1/2 cup of chopped dried fruits. Raisins, cranberries, or apricots work well. For a crunchy texture, add nuts like almonds or walnuts. Chop them up, and mix them in with the oats. These variations make your bars unique and fun to eat. - Storing in the Refrigerator Store your peanut butter bars in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you keep them in the fridge, they will stay firm and tasty. You can enjoy them for a quick snack anytime. - Freezing Instructions You can freeze these bars too! Wrap each bar in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to eat one, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. - How Long Do They Last? If stored in the fridge, the bars will stay good for about a week. In the freezer, they can last up to three months. Just check for taste and texture before enjoying them. - Signs of Spoilage Look for any off smells or changes in texture. If the bars feel too soft or sticky, it’s best to throw them away. Keeping an eye on them helps ensure you enjoy fresh, tasty treats! To make no bake peanut butter bars, gather your ingredients. You need creamy peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, rolled oats, dark chocolate chips, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. First, mix the peanut butter and sweetener in a bowl until smooth. Then, stir in vanilla and salt. Gradually add the oats, mixing well. Line an 8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Spread the mixture into the pan and press it down firmly. Melt the chocolate in the microwave and pour it over the mixture. Chill the bars for about an hour, then cut them into squares. Yes, you can substitute some ingredients. If you don’t have creamy peanut butter, try almond butter or sun butter. You can use agave syrup or brown rice syrup instead of honey. If you want a nut-free option, sunflower seed butter is great. For those who don’t like oats, you can use crushed graham crackers. Just keep in mind that these changes will alter the flavor and texture slightly. The best way to cut no bake bars is to use a sharp knife. First, lift the bars out of the pan by holding the parchment paper. Place the bars on a cutting board. Cut them into squares or rectangles. To avoid sticking, run the knife under hot water before cutting. Wipe the knife dry between cuts for clean edges. No bake peanut butter bars can be healthy. They contain protein from peanut butter and fiber from oats. If you use honey or maple syrup, you get natural sweetness. However, they can be high in calories, so watch your portion sizes. For a healthier version, you can reduce the sweetener or use less chocolate. Overall, they can serve as a nutritious snack when enjoyed in moderation. You now have a simple recipe for making no-bake peanut butter bars. Start with the right ingredients. Mix them well, follow the steps to assemble, and chill. You can tweak flavors and storage methods for your needs. These bars offer a tasty, quick snack that can fit any diet. Enjoy using your creativity to make them unique. Whether you share them or keep them for yourself, they are a fun treat. Happy baking!

Decadent No Bake Peanut Butter Bars

Delicious and easy-to-make no bake bars with a rich peanut butter and chocolate flavor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional, for added sweetness)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and honey (or maple syrup). Using a spatula or spoon, mix until the ingredients are well combined and smooth.
  • Add the vanilla extract and salt to the bowl, stirring until both are fully blended into the peanut butter mixture.
  • Gradually incorporate the rolled oats into the mixture, stirring continuously until the oats are completely coated. If you'd like additional sweetness, you can fold in the powdered sugar at this point.
  • Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring there’s some overhang on the sides; this will make it easier to lift out the bars later.
  • Transfer the peanut butter-oats mixture into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, then press down firmly to create a compact, even layer.
  • In a microwave-safe bowl, add the dark chocolate chips. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, then stir. Repeat this process in 15-30 second increments until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
  • Carefully pour the melted chocolate over the pressed peanut butter and oat layer. Use a spatula to spread the chocolate evenly across the top.
  • Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate is set and the bars are firm.
  • Once set, lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares or rectangles of your desired size. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Arrange the bars on a decorative platter. Consider drizzling some extra melted chocolate on top or sprinkling a few sea salt flakes for a gourmet touch!
Keyword dessert, no-bake, peanut butter