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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
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!
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Kara says
I hate to be “that person” and say these are DANGEROUS. But really. They are! It’s absolutely impossible not to cut a piece off every time you’re in your kitchen. They’re so so good and easy to make with ingredients on hand!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Kara, I feel the same way too! Thanks for sharing!
Taylor says
These are so easy and absolutely delicious! Better than Reese’s!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Taylor, I am so happy you like them!
Tina Moore says
Turned out perfect! We typically use another recipe that includes butter, powdered sugar, and GF graham crackers. This is much less rich and should be a bit less caloric than our other recipe yet delish. Ty!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Tina, I am thrilled you enjoyed them so much!!
Sarah says
Just made this for my boyfriend’s birthday! Can’t wait to taste it.
What is the use of the extra 1TBSP maple syrup? I don’t see it mentioned anywhere. Is it just a little extra for the peanut butter base?
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Sarah, the 1 TBSP of maple syrup goes into the base. You need 1/4 cup + 1 tbsp maple syrup of it. Let me know how they came out and happy belated to him!
Lauren says
Loooove this recipe! I’ve made it twice now and they are dangerous!
Any tips for getting an even peanut butter base? I have a hard time making it so it’s not too thin around the edges or lumpy in the middle. I used a spatula but it seems like it more difficult than it should be! I used almond flour if that matters?
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Lauren, are you using natural peanut butter? It should be runny when pouring in; hopefully making the base easier to spread. If not, just add a little more pb next time – or less flour! Let me know how it comes out next time.
Alexa pawlowski says
I made these and they are delicious! They’re not overly sweet.
I had to remake the topping though; the first time I made it I used the same measuring cup with leftover maple syrup and almond flour residue in it and it made the chocolate peanut butter mixture swell up and burn in the microwave lol yikes.
The second time I used a clean dish and had zero problem!! Hopefully this saves someone a small disaster lol
I made some for thanksgiving and I’m putting the leftovers in the freezer to enjoy later!!
★★★★★
LA Beverley says
Absolutely delicious, super easy to make, crowd pleasing, and soul filling! I keep making these over and over again. It’s perfect for the person that loves to cook but doesn’t love to bake. A household favorite now. Thanks for sharing this Erin.
Erin says
Hi! Thanks for your kind words! I am so glad everyone enjoyed them!
Abby says
I can’t say enough about these! So easy to make and taste just like a Reese. They quickly became a staple in my family’s house during the COVID shut down.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Abby, thanks for sharing! I am so glad everyone enjoys them! 🙂
Summer Tuman says
Easy, yummy and addicting! Flake salt on top is a must!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Summer, thanks for sharing! So glad you enjoyed them!
Julia says
These are dangerously good. One of your best creations in my peanut butter loving opinion!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Julia, thank you! Thrilled you enjoyed them! 🙂
Kayla says
These are incredible! My family loves them, too.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Kayla, so happy to hear that!!
Nicole says
I love this! 😍 Made it for my mom who was craving for Reese’s but I offered this instead as a healthier alternative. Haha. But I need help. Every time I cut the bars the chocolate on top cracks. 🙁 What can I do?
Erin says
Hey Nicole! Let the bars sit at room temp for a little before cutting. Cold chocolate cracks. Also, warm your knife under hot water.
Kellen says
So so good and easy! Had to mix my natural with regular peanut butter because I didn’t realize I was running low, but didn’t cause any issues. Such a crowd pleaser!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Kellen, thanks for your kind words!! I am so happy you enjoyed them and made them your own! 🙂
Lynn says
These are delicious!!! I was craving chocolate and peanut butter and found the recipe when looking for ideas. So simple, but so good!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Lynn, I am so happy you enjoyed them!! 🙂
Diana says
Are there any substitutes for maple syrup?
Erin says
Hi Diana, yes you can use honey instead- same amount. Let me know how your bars come out! 🙂
Stephanie says
These bars are fantastic! I’ve wanted to make them for so long and finally did and I’m so glad. Everyone that ate them loved them and I loved how easy they were to make. Definitely keep them in the freezer because they are so good frozen! Love love love! This is staying as a go-to dessert recipe in my house!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Stephanie, thank you for your kind words. I am so glad you got around to making them and love that they’ll be a new staple in your house. 🙂
Kayla says
Quickly became my new favorite quick treat to make! The best post dinner treat or PB chocolate craving fix!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Kayla, I’m so thrilled you love the bars and agree they always fill my craving too! 🙂
Angeline McGee says
So I’m short on maple syrup today and can’t go to the store for a few days but these look so good I gotta try em. Could I use coconut sugar in some way?
★★★★★
Erin says
Ahhhh you need the liquid from the maple syrup! Do you have honey? that works in the same amount!
Angeline McGee says
Ah, nope. I have typical, cheap syrup.. just not pure maple syrup.. maybe that?
Angeline McGee says
Think I’ll actually try my hand at making a simple syrup from the coconut sugar lol. Thanks for your inspiration! Looks great!
Erin says
Hi Angeline, how did the bars come out? Thanks again for baking one of my recipes!
Kelly says
These are my go to dessert I make for myself and my husband most weeks. We absolutely love these! Such a good recipe.
Erin says
Hi Kelly, I’m so happy you two love the bars and they are part of your weekly routine!! 🙂
Larson says
Erin, these are SO good. Made them last week with almond flour instead of oat. They’re the perfect mid-day pick me up snack as well as after dinner dessert. Reminds me of reese’s I always had as a kid… will make sure they’re always stocked in the freezer.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Larson! Thank you so much for your kind words! I am so happy you enjoyed them and they bring you back to your childhood! 🙂