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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 โ 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.
Hereโs 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
Hereโs 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. Donโt see the answer youโre 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 canโt 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
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!
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!
There may be affiliate links in this post!ย By purchasing a product I recommend, I may receive a small compensation. However, I only recommend products I absolutely love and use myself. Thank you for supporting Erin Lives Whole, it helps keep this blog afloat ๐
ShaToya says
These have become a staple and family fave here in my household. The most perfect sweet treat!
Erin says
Hi ShaToya! Ah I am so happy to hear the bars are such a hit in your house!
Rachel says
Anything I’ve made from Erin has been 10/10, but this recipe has been the best yet! I subbed oat flour for almond and it turned out spectacular. A new family favourite!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Rachel! Thank you for your kind words and support! So happy you and your family enjoyed them!
Heather Corcoran says
Can you sub the almond flour for chickpea or buckwheat flour?
Erin says
Hi Heather, yes you can use whatever flour you’d like. Before you bake be sure to check the ratio for the flour you’re using since it is not always 1:1. Let me know what flour you use and how it comes out! ๐
Tracy says
Just made these and they are delicious! So easy to make, thank you so much for the recipe! I will definitely be making these again!
Erin says
Hi Tracy! I am so happy you enjoyed the bars!!
Alexis says
Made these yesterday and theyโre almost gone! I love how simple, easy, and delicious all your recipes are!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Alexis, thank you so much for your kind words! SO glad you like them!!
Kim says
This was delicious.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Kim! Thank you so much!! ๐
Sharanne says
I LOVE these easy healthier Reeseโs! I have made FOUR batches as my quarantine snack! Definitely recommend whipping these treats up!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Sharanne, thanks for your kind words! I am so happy you’re enjoying the bars!! ๐
Isabella says
I loved this recipe! It was so easy it barely took me any time at all and you are so right they really do taste like a healthier Reeses. Highly recommend!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Isabella! I am so happy you enjoyed them!! ๐
Taylor says
Yum!!! Making asap (:
Erin says
Hi Taylor, let me know how they come out!
Anna says
You said to use 1 cup salted peanut butter and half a cup of regular peanut butter. Which one is used to make the peanut butter base and the chocolate base?
Erin says
More for the base! I’ll clarify!
Erin says
Hi Anna, the 1 cup salted peanut butter is for the base and the 1/2 cup peanut butter is for the topping. Let me know how yours come out!
Marita says
So easy and delicious – absolutely exceeded expectation! Erin always manages to make yummy recipes so accessible – not even a mixer required for this one!!1
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Marita, thank you so much for your kind words! I am so happy you enjoyed them! Thanks for your support!
Gina says
Just made these and they are amazing !!! Another great recipe Erin !
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Gina, I am thrilled you like them!
Ashley says
I made this for my bday party and they were amazing! Everyone loved them! I used honey instead of maple syrup and I didnโt not mix pb with the chocolate. I just melted the chocolate with a little coconut oil and it was perfect!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Ashley, happy belated birthday!! I am so happy everyone liked them and you made them your own! ๐
Lindsay says
I have been eyeing these for awhile now and finally got around to making them. So good! I cut them into smaller squares and they are the perfect amount for satisfying my nightly sweet tooth.
★★★★★
Erin says
So glad you liked them!
Barbara Cohen says
Just made these and they are so yummy…I changed a couple things…used all purpose flour I just saw your comment above recommending not to use it….sigh…) I didn’t use peanut butter with the chocolate for the topping and they turned out delicious! Thanks so much for the recipe!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Barbara, I am so happy you enjoyed the bars and made them your own!! ๐
Kelsea says
This recipe is 11/10. Definitely going to be making again!!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Thank you girl!!! Love that you love them.
Danielle says
These are so easy to make and perfect for when Iโm feeling a sweet tooth come on.
★★★★★
Erin says
SO glad you liked them Danielle!
Erin says
Hi Danielle! I am thrilled you love the bars!
Teresa Witten says
WOW!!! These are so good and so few ingredients, and easy to make.
★★★★★
Erin says
YAY! SO happy you enjoyed them!
Erin says
Hi Teresa, thank you so much for your kind words! I am thrilled you enjoyed them!
Sarah says
I made these earlier and they were so tasty!!! I had to put them back in the freezer after I cut them to harden them a bit more but will definitely make them again, and I used almond flour for mine?
★★★★★
Erin says
Ah good to know! Thanks for sharing this.
Erin says
Hi Sarah, thanks for your kind words! I am so glad you liked them! I would say not to add more flour because it might make them too dry. I think popping them back in the freezer is better to harden them so the taste stays the same. Hope this helps!
Sylvia G says
Made these last night and we loved them! Super easy to make and cures that Reeseโs craving.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Sylvia, thanks for your kind words! I am so happy you enjoyed them!