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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
Ilsa Billings says
I made the no bake chocolate peanut butter bars. I brought them to work for a co-worker ‘s Birthday. They were a hit! Everyone could eat them! Delicious!!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Ilsa, so happy everyone loved them!!
Amy Tolliver says
Hey!! These look amazing! I didnโt have oat flour so I used chickpea flour instead (which is also a lower glycemic option too!) and am excited to try them.
Amy says
Also forgot to add the stars!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Amy, sounds good. Let me know how they came out with that sub!
Maggie says
These are so delicious and addicting. Also a very filling and satisfying dessert!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Maggie, so glad you loved the bars! ๐
Kim says
Fantastic!! Like a Reeseโs you can feel good about eating ๐
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Kim, so glad you loved them!!
Anna P. says
Absolutely love these! They’re a family favorite! I can literally make any one of your recipes and I know it will be good. Keep being awesome and creating bomb recipes ๐
Anna p says
Forgot to add stars on my fist comment! Lol oops!
★★★★★
Erin says
Yay thank you! ๐
Erin says
Hi Anna, so happy your whole family loves the bars! Thank you for your kind words and support!!
Maggie says
Wish I could give these 10 stars!!!
Erin says
Hi Maggie, so happy you loved the bars!!
Amber Pitts says
These don’t stay in my house more than a day!! Everyone is obsessed with these!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Amber, so glad you enjoyed them so much!!
Bree says
These are my all time favorite ELW recipe!! What a delicious dessert. I could eat these every day for the rest of my life. So darn easy to make too, which makes them even better. Thanks for this outstanding recipe!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Bree, so happy you love the bars so much! ๐
Sarah says
Tasty and easy! I tested these for a company virtual happy hour using almond flour and peanut butter and they were amazing. During the happy hour I tried them with cashew butter, which while good wasnโt the same as peanut butter (which is why you Erin are the food blogger not me!) stick to Erinโs recipe and they are delicious! So rich I could only eat 1/2 a bar a time but worth it for that classic chocolate and PB mix.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Sarah, so glad you loved the bars and made them your own!!
leigh says
Everyone I’ve made these for loves them! So easy and better than Resse’s!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Leigh, so happy they’re a favorite!!
kate says
loved these!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Kate, so glad you enjoyed them!
Amy says
We substituted out the flour for gluten free graham crackers. They are a hit!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Amy, so happy you liked it and made it your own!
Shere says
These are sooo good though my husband suggested trying these with graham crackers. How much did you use?
susan says
I have made these twice and they are delicious and so easy! I made them with the almond flour and love how that adds more protein. My family cannot believe these are good for you. They taste so yummy! ๐
Erin says
Hi Susan, so happy you like the bars and make them your own!!
Catherine says
These are so darn delicious! I topped with coconut flakes and coconut cashews just for fun and had to force myself to put them away so I can save some for the rest of the fam! Only took about 10 minutes to make too :).
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Catherine, I am so glad you enjoyed it and hope you make more soon!
Lauren Badalucco says
Just made these on a whim the other night. They are amazing! I used the almond flour substitute and they are *chefs kiss* perfect. I keep mine in the fridge and they are a tad bit soft but hold their shape nicely. Didnโt use peanut butter in the chocolate on top – I used a couple tbsps of coconut oil instead because I used the last of my PB to make the bars but still delicious! Use a knife that has been run under hot water to cut them after theyโve set for nice cuts!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Lauren, I am so glad you liked them and made them your own! ๐
Janie says
So easy and yummy for a little after dinner treat! Thank you for continuing to create delicious, healthy recipes!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Janie, so glad you enjoyed them!!
Janelle Molitor says
These are awesome!! So fast and easy and delicious
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Janelle, so glad you liked them!
Sarah Templeton says
Loved these bars!!! Easy to make and delicious!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Sarah, I am so glad you liked them!
Nicole says
Loved it! The type of dessert we have to put in the freezer or we would eat the whole thing in a day. Itโs not as sweet as a Reeseโs PB cup but in a good way.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Nicole, I am so glad you enjoyed it! ๐
Kelsey says
Love these! Such a quick and easy treat to make! Great to stick in the freezer and pull one out when you have a chocolate craving!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Kelsey, so glad you enjoyed them!!