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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
Kerry says
Sooooooo good! Serving these today for dessert! Iโve also made the very similar Reeseโs eggs for Easter.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Kerry, so glad you liked them!
Maggie says
LOVE this recipe from Erin. Obvs anything chocolate and peanut butter is going to be amazing, but the use of oat flour makes these friendly to gluten lovers and haters alike! Such a quick and easy dessert to whip of for friends who can’t have gluten. I think the use of oat flour makes these even more delicious and tender!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Maggie, so happy you loved the bars!
Renee says
This was my first time
Trying anything vegan. I wanted something quick, something they didnโt require daily and something that didnโt require a whole bunch of ingredients. First time using Oat flour too. And I have to say, I am so impressed. This came together in 5 min! I donโt own a microwave so I melted the chocolate and peanut butter on low stove top until combined. I frozen it and managed to cut a little piece out and OMG. It was literally like eating a frozen Reeseโs cup. This is going to be my go to even for the kids. They always complain that kids at school have candy and sweets in their lunch boxes at least I will feel good giving this to them and not have any guilt. Iโm obsessed! Donโt hesitate to make this! Thank you
★★★★★
Renee says
*^that
*^dairy
.*^froze ๐
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Renee, so happy you loved the bars so much! Thanks for sharing!! ๐
Renee says
I made the bars without the chocolate for my Shitzu and omg he devoured! Thank you again! Iโve reposted this recipe on my IG feed and so many have already come back to tell me they are grateful for such a delish recipe!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Renee, so happy he loved them too! Thanks for sharing! ๐
Elisabeth says
I make these ALL of the time. Followed the recipe as directed and used almond flour. So easy, quick, and taste great! Also a nice quick dessert to bring to parties!
Erin says
Hi Elisabeth, so happy you love them!!
Grace says
Made this recipe in under 5 mins and it was a huge hit for my gluten free and non-gluten free friends alike! I cut the bars really small and itโs a perfect little treat after a meal, and thereโs so much protein packed in there with the peanut butter itโs guilt-free ๐
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Grace, so so happy you loved them so much and they were a hit!!
Robert Kathleen says
These are amazing! I only changed 2 small things.
1. I added about 1/4 teaspoon vanilla. This helped boost the flavour of the bars.
2. I didn’t use all of the topping. I used around 3/4 of it and the top layer was already quite thick, so I left the rest out.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Robert Kathleen, so glad you liked them and made them your own!!
Karen says
Can you use natural peanut butter (just peanuts and salt) in this recipe?
Erin says
Hi Karen, Yes! That is preferred. Let me know how the bars came out!
Brigitte says
Turned out great . I ran out of peanut butter so I used to have peanut butter half almond butter and they were delicious. I also donโt have a microwave so I heated everything on the stove ๐ thank you for the recipe
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Brigitte, so happy you loved the bars so much!!
Ellen says
How can I make these without a microwave
Erin says
Hi Ellen, yep, you can use a double boiler to melt it! Let me know how your bars come out!
Michelle says
Absolutely amazing! Thank you for this recipe. Just tried today and wow. As a new vegan these make this lifestyle so easy. ๐น๐น๐
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Michelle, so happy you loved them!! ๐
Stacy Faber says
So glad I decided to make this! It is so delicious, tastes like a healthy Reeseโs peanut butter cup, it was super easy to make!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Stacy, so happy you loved them so much! ๐
Randi says
Re the no bake chocolate peanut butter bars. It says to use oat flour. Or almond flour. You can eat this raw? Without baking first. Just freeze and eat? Thank you
Erin says
Hi Randi, yes you can use oat or almond flour. Either 3/4 cup oat flour certified gluten-free or 1 cup almond flour also works! Yes, just follow the directions to a t and you’ll be good. Let me know how yours come out!
Jenna says
Could I use a rice flour blend instead? ๐ค That’s what I have on hand right now.
Erin says
Hi Jenna, I haven’t tried it with that sub. I’d say to double check the flour ratio since not all flours are 1:1 and see how it comes out! Let me know!
Erin H says
I need these in my freezer at all times! These are so easy and incredible!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Erin, so happy you love them! ๐
Lindsay says
These are so easy and taste better than Reeseโs! Could eat a whole pan. I leave them cut up in the freezer for a quick treat.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Lindsay, so glad you loved the bars so much! ๐
Janis says
I made these tonight for my Environmental Club’s bake sale tomorrow. I just taste-tested them and boy oh boy…they may not make it to the bake sale after all. They are so delicious! I ended up putting them in a 13.5″ x 4″ tart pan. They popped right out and are beautiful with the little scalloped edge. Thank you Erin for another great recipe!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Janis, so happy you loved them so much! Thanks for sharing! ๐
Kara says
While mine were NO WHERE near as pretty as the bars in these pics, they were delicious! I made my own oat flour and really didnโt mind the consistency/texture. Such a good treat!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Kara, so happy you loved them!!
Tom says
Turned out amazing! A new family favourite and loved by my boy with a severe dairy allergy. My second time making them I added a splash of oat milk and vanilla. Also added some course ground Himalayan sea salt to the top. Delicious!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Tom, so happy your family loved them and made them your own! Great ideas!!
Sophie says
these are my favorite dessert to make. Super easy, and SO tasty. Thank you for sharing!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Sophie, I am so happy you loved them!!
Ilsa says
I call made the no-bake peanut butter chocolate bars for a co-worker’s birthday! They were a hit! Everyone loved them. Everyone could eat them!
Delicious
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Ilsa, so glad the bars were a hit!!