Go Back
To make these scrumptious no bake peanut butter bars, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 cup natural peanut butter (creamy or crunchy) - 1 cup rolled oats - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips - 1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional for extra sweetness) - 1/4 cup chia seeds (optional for texture and nutrition) - A pinch of fine sea salt - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Each ingredient plays a key role in flavor and texture. - Peanut Butter: This gives the bars their rich, nutty taste. - Oats: They provide a hearty base and chewy consistency. - Honey or Maple Syrup: These sweeteners bind the bars and add sweetness. - Chocolate Chips: They create a delicious topping that melts beautifully. - Powdered Sugar: This is optional, but it can make the bars sweeter. - Chia Seeds: These add crunch and boost nutrition. - Sea Salt: A pinch enhances all the flavors. - Vanilla Extract: This adds a warm, sweet aroma. Feel free to customize! You can swap the sweeteners or add dried fruits for new flavors. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, grab a large mixing bowl. Add 1 cup of natural peanut butter. You can choose creamy or crunchy, based on what you like. Next, pour in 1/2 cup of honey or maple syrup. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix this blend until it looks smooth and creamy. Now, take a medium bowl and add 1 cup of rolled oats. If you want extra sweetness, add 1/4 cup of powdered sugar. For some nutrition, toss in 1/4 cup of chia seeds. Then, sprinkle in a pinch of fine sea salt. Stir these dry ingredients well to mix them evenly. Gradually add the dry oat mixture to the peanut butter mix. Stir vigorously until it all comes together. You want a sticky, cohesive dough that holds well. Now, line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Make sure the paper hangs over the sides. This helps with easy removal later. Pour the combined mixture into the lined dish. Use your spatula to spread it evenly. Press the mixture down firmly into the bottom. Next, take 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips and place them in a microwave-safe bowl. Melt them in the microwave. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring in between. Stop when the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Drizzle this melted chocolate over the pressed peanut butter mixture. Use your spatula to spread it evenly. Now, place the baking dish in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 1-2 hours. This helps the bars firm up nicely. Once set, carefully lift the bars out by the parchment overhang. Place them on a cutting board. Cut into squares or bars as you like. Enjoy your delicious no bake peanut butter bars! Choosing between creamy or crunchy peanut butter is key. Creamy peanut butter gives a smooth, rich taste. Crunchy peanut butter adds fun bites and texture. Pick what you love! Pressing the mixture tightly is also crucial. This helps the bars hold together. Use a spatula to really pack it down. The tighter you press, the better they stay firm. You can boost the flavor with extra goodies. Try adding mini chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts for added crunch. These mix-ins make the bars even more fun and tasty. Melting chocolate can be tricky. Use short bursts in the microwave. Heat for 20 seconds, then stir. Repeat until it’s smooth. This way, you avoid burning the chocolate. For a great look, arrange the bars on a wooden board. Garnish with extra chocolate chips or chia seeds on top. This makes your dessert pop with color! Pair these bars with fresh fruit or yogurt. Slices of banana or strawberries go well. They add a nice, fresh touch and make your plate more inviting. Pro Tips Choose Your Peanut Butter Wisely: Opt for natural peanut butter without added sugars or oils for a healthier option. The flavor and texture will significantly enhance your bars! Experiment with Sweeteners: Feel free to adjust the sweetness by using more or less honey or maple syrup. You can also try agave nectar or coconut nectar for a different flavor profile. Chill for Perfect Texture: Make sure to let the bars chill in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours. This helps them firm up nicely and makes cutting easier. Add Variety with Mix-ins: Customize your bars by adding ingredients like dried fruits, nuts, or seeds for extra flavor and nutrition. Just be mindful of the ratios to keep the bars cohesive. {{image_4}} You can make these peanut butter bars even healthier. One way is to swap refined sugars for natural sweeteners. Natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup add flavor and nutrients. They also keep the bars moist. If you want a lower glycemic index, use agave nectar. Another great option is to substitute with different nut butters. Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter work well. Each nut butter gives a unique taste and texture. Try them out and see which one you like best! If you want to change the flavor, adding cocoa powder is a great idea. Just a few tablespoons can turn these bars into a chocolate treat. You could also try cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice flavor. These additions make your bars more exciting. You can also include dried fruits or nuts. Chopped dates, cranberries, or raisins add sweetness and texture. Nuts like walnuts or almonds give a nice crunch. Mix and match to find your favorite combo! To keep your no bake peanut butter bars fresh, use an airtight container. You can stack the bars with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Store them in the refrigerator at a cool temperature. They will stay fresh for up to one week. For longer shelf life, you can freeze these bars. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, they won’t get freezer burn. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy a bar, take it out and let it thaw in the fridge for a few hours. This helps maintain the creamy texture. If you need it fast, you can let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Enjoy the soft, delicious flavor! How long do no bake peanut butter bars last? No bake peanut butter bars can last up to one week in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. They may last longer if you freeze them, up to three months. Can I use different types of nut butter? Yes! You can use almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter. Each nut butter adds a different flavor. Just ensure it has a similar texture to peanut butter for the best results. What can I substitute for honey or maple syrup? You can use agave nectar or brown rice syrup. These options give a sweet taste too. If you want a sugar-free choice, consider using stevia or monk fruit syrup. Adjust the amount based on your sweetness preference. Are no bake peanut butter bars healthy? Yes! They are rich in healthy fats, fiber, and protein. The oats provide energy, while peanut butter offers good fats. Just watch the sugar content if you add extra sweeteners. In this post, I covered how to make no-bake peanut butter bars. We talked about the key ingredients and steps for mixing, pressing, and chilling the bars. I shared tips for perfecting texture and flavor, along with storage methods to keep them fresh. Feel free to experiment with variations to match your taste. Making these bars is easy and fun, and you can enjoy them anytime. I hope you feel inspired to try this recipe yourself and make your own tasty treats!

No Bake Peanut Butter Bars

Delicious and easy-to-make no bake bars with peanut butter and chocolate.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup natural peanut butter
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup chia seeds
  • a pinch fine sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  • In a separate medium bowl, mix together the rolled oats, powdered sugar (if using), chia seeds, and a pinch of salt. Stir the dry ingredients well to ensure an even distribution.
  • Gradually add the dry oat mixture to the peanut butter mixture. Stir vigorously until everything is well combined, creating a sticky, cohesive dough.
  • Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring to leave an overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
  • Pour the combined mixture into the lined baking dish. Use a spatula to evenly spread and firmly press the mixture down into the bottom of the dish.
  • In a microwave-safe bowl, place the dark chocolate chips. Melt in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until fully melted and smooth.
  • Drizzle the melted chocolate over the top of the pressed peanut butter mixture. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring complete coverage.
  • Place the baking dish in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 1-2 hours, or until the bars are nicely firm and set.
  • Once set, carefully lift the bars out by the parchment overhang and place them on a cutting board. Cut into squares or bars as desired.

Notes

Arrange the bars elegantly on a rustic wooden board. For an extra touch, sprinkle a few additional chocolate chips and chia seeds on top. Serve alongside a vibrant assortment of fresh fruit for a pop of color!
Keyword bars, dessert, no-bake, peanut butter