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- 1 cup natural peanut butter (smooth or crunchy) - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup - 2 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned preferred) - 1/2 cup ground flaxseed - 1/2 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened) - 1/2 cup chocolate chips (dark or semi-sweet) - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Optional toppings When making No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars, you need to gather some simple ingredients. First, choose your favorite peanut butter. Smooth peanut butter gives a creamy texture, while crunchy adds some fun bits. Next, pick a sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Both options work well to bind the bars together. For chewiness, grab rolled oats. Old-fashioned oats are best for this recipe. Ground flaxseed adds nutrition and a nice nutty flavor. You can also include shredded coconut for extra texture. Unsweetened coconut keeps it healthy and light. Chocolate chips are a must for a sweet touch. Choose dark chocolate for a rich flavor or semi-sweet for more sweetness. A little salt helps to bring out all the flavors in the bars. Lastly, add vanilla extract for some aromatic sweetness. If you want extra flair, consider optional toppings like melted chocolate or more coconut. These simple, wholesome ingredients make for a delicious treat! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Start by mixing the peanut butter and sweetener. In a large bowl, add 1 cup of natural peanut butter and 1/2 cup of honey or maple syrup. Use a spatula or spoon to blend until smooth and creamy. - Next, incorporate the dry ingredients. Gradually add 2 cups of rolled oats, 1/2 cup of ground flaxseed, 1/2 cup of shredded coconut, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir well until everything combines. - Now it's time to fold in the chocolate chips. Gently mix in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips, ensuring even distribution. This adds a lovely chocolate burst in every bite. - Prepare the baking dish by lining an 8x8 inch dish with parchment paper. Let some of the paper hang over the edges. This helps lift the bars out later. - Transfer the mixture into the lined baking dish. Use the back of a spatula or your hands to press down firmly. This creates an even layer and helps the bars hold together. - For added flair, melt some extra chocolate for a drizzle. You can microwave a few chocolate chips or use a double boiler. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the pressed mixture. - Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This chilling time is crucial for the bars to set and hold their shape. - When set, lift the mixture from the baking dish using the parchment overhang. Place it on a cutting board and slice into squares or rectangles for serving. Choosing the right peanut butter is key. You can pick smooth for a creamy treat or crunchy for added bites. Both styles work well in this recipe. The flavor changes slightly based on your choice. Smooth peanut butter gives a rich, velvety taste, while crunchy peanut butter adds fun texture. For sweeteners, you have two great options: honey or maple syrup. Honey provides a rich sweetness and a slight floral note. Maple syrup has a warm, earthy flavor. Both bind the ingredients well. Using one or the other will not hurt the bars. Just choose what you like best. Presentation matters when serving these bars. Arrange them on a colorful platter. A sprinkle of shredded coconut on top makes them look inviting. Drizzling melted chocolate over the bars adds a touch of elegance. Pair these bars with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee. They can also be a great snack for kids after school. You can serve them with fresh fruit or yogurt for a more balanced treat. Enjoying these bars with friends or family makes them even better! Pro Tips Choose Your Peanut Butter Wisely: Opt for natural peanut butter without added sugars or oils for a healthier option that enhances flavor. Chill for Best Results: The longer you chill the bars, the firmer they will become, making them easier to cut and more enjoyable to eat. Customize Your Mix-Ins: Feel free to add nuts, seeds, or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor variations. Storage Tips: Keep the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week for optimal freshness. {{image_4}} You can easily change this recipe to suit your needs. - Gluten-free options: Use certified gluten-free oats. This way, everyone can enjoy them without worry. - Vegan adaptations: Swap honey for maple syrup. Use dairy-free chocolate chips for a fully vegan treat. - Nut-free alternatives: Try sun butter or soy nut butter instead of peanut butter. This option is great for kids' schools. Adding flavors makes these bars even better. - Adding spices: Sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg. These spices give a warm touch and add depth to the flavor. - Incorporating dried fruits or nuts: Mix in raisins, cranberries, or chopped nuts for extra texture and taste. Dried fruits add natural sweetness, while nuts give a nice crunch. To keep your no-bake peanut butter bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This will help maintain their taste and texture. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers if you stack them. Make sure to store them in the refrigerator. The cool temperature keeps them firm and tasty. These bars last about a week in the fridge. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. Can I use different nut butters? Yes, you can. Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter work well. Just keep the same amount. How do I make these bars firmer? To make the bars firmer, add more oats or flaxseed. You can also chill them longer in the fridge. Are these bars healthy? These bars are a good source of protein and healthy fats. They are also rich in fiber from oats and flaxseed. Can I add protein powder? Yes, you can add protein powder. Start with a scoop and mix it into the peanut butter blend. What to do if I don’t have flaxseed? If you don’t have flaxseed, you can use chia seeds. They provide similar nutrition and help bind the mixture. These no-bake bars are easy and fun to make. You need just a few simple ingredients like peanut butter, oats, and chocolate chips. I shared step-by-step instructions that let you mix and set the bars perfectly. There are also tips on flavors, dietary changes, and storage. Enjoy making these bars your way. They are tasty and fit many diets! Try different ingredients to find your favorite mix. Get creative and make these bars a treat everyone will love.

No-Bake Peanut Butter Heaven Bars

Delicious no-bake bars made with peanut butter, oats, and chocolate chips.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup natural peanut butter
  • 1 2 honey or maple syrup
  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 2 ground flaxseed
  • 1 2 shredded coconut
  • 1 2 chocolate chips
  • 1 4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • to taste additional chocolate chips for topping

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, begin by adding the peanut butter and honey (or maple syrup). Mix the two together using a spatula or spoon until they form a smooth, creamy blend with no lumps.
  • Gradually incorporate rolled oats, ground flaxseed, shredded coconut, salt, and vanilla extract into the peanut butter mixture. Stir vigorously until the mixture is uniformly mixed and cohesive.
  • Gently fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture for a delightful burst of chocolate in every bite.
  • Prepare an 8x8 inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, allowing some paper to hang over the edges. This will make it easier to lift the bars out later.
  • Transfer the peanut butter mixture into the lined baking dish. Using the back of a spatula or your clean hands, press down firmly to create an even layer, ensuring compactness for stability once set.
  • If you want a fancy touch, melt a few extra chocolate chips in the microwave or over a double boiler. Drizzle this melted chocolate over the top of your pressed mixture for added flair and sweetness.
  • Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the bars to chill for at least 2 hours so they can set properly.
  • Once set, lift the mixture from the baking dish using the parchment overhang. Place on a cutting board and slice into squares or rectangles as desired for serving.

Notes

Arrange the bars on a decorative platter and garnish with a sprinkle of shredded coconut or a drizzle of melted chocolate for an added touch of indulgence.
Keyword bars, dessert, no-bake, peanut butter