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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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Benedette says
These were so easy to make and so tasty!! Will def make them again
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Benedette, so happy you loved them!!
Sari says
These sound amazing! Can I make these ahead of time (couple days before)? If so, what’s the best way to store them? Also, can they sit out for a couple of hours prior to serving? I’ll be taking this to a potluck so I’m looking for something that can travel well.
Erin says
Hi Sari, yes, make them ahead of time and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until the potluck. They can or if possible, leave the in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
Tess says
Oh, I totally went rogue with this. I used protein cashew butter, half almond, half protein powder for the base and then half of the chocolate and PB for the topping and they turned out delicious!! This was just a great recipe, super easy to play with per my taste! Thank you, this is going in my snack rotation!
Erin says
Hi Tess, so happy you loved them and made them your own! 🙂
Jillian says
Every time I make these for my friends they get DEVOURED. The perfect dish to bring to a hangout!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Jillian, so happy you loved them!!
Jeanette says
What kind of peanut butter do you find works best?
Erin says
Hi Jeanette, I like Trader Joes or Smuckers natural! Let me know how your bars come out!!
Kelly says
Love the recipe! Thanks!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Kelly, so glad you enjoyed them!!
Kelsey says
Love these! We use a natural crunchy pb for the base, and creamy for the topping. Always a crowd pleaser, and easy to double!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Kelsey, so glad you loved them!!
Maria says
I had several months where I was making these every week for a sweet treat. I love them! I would freeze them and let them thaw for a bit before eating.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Maria, so happy you loved them!! 🙂
Kathleen Stay Mehnert says
Great ideas. Changed mine up. PB protein + choc PB protein, stevia and water. way less carbs and sugar.
Erin says
Hi Kathleen, so happy you love the bars and made them your own!! 🙂
Courtney says
Sadly these didn’t turn out great for me – the pb layer didn’t firm up and they were a mess cutting because the chocolate layer was hard and the pb layer squished out everywhere. I think it’s because of the peanut butter I used – Whole Foods 365 natural creamy. It’s thin, drizzlable pb. I would recommend a thicker pb – if you wanna go for natural get the no-stir kind. They still taste great and I’m going to keep them in the fridge to stay as firm as possible. But wanted to share this experience in case it helps others!
Erin says
Hi Courtney, I’m sorry that you did not like the recipe! I’ve heard tons of good things about this one, bummed it didn’t work out for you. That definitely could have been it. I haven’t tried it with natural pb, but let me know if you remake them with the exact recipe and how they come out!
Danica says
These are delicious, easy,no bake, peanut butter chocolate bars. I love them and so did my Dad! I’m making him a batch for Fathers day 2023
Thank you
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Danica, so happy they were a hit!! 🙂
Anna says
Can you use natural peanut butter?
Erin says
Hi Anna, yep that should be fine!
Laura says
Logging this as one of my favorite, easy desserts. Yet another recipe of Erin’s that is seriously delicious!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Laura, so glad you loved them! 🙂
TinyBirdie says
These were okay. Not bad but I was expecting something sweeter and wanted more like a healthier reese cup
★★
Erin says
Hi, I’m sorry that you did not like the recipe! I’ve heard tons of good things about this one, bummed it didn’t work out for you. Did you make them to a T?
Maddie Papke says
Can you use gluten free flour instead of oat flour or almond flour?
Erin says
Hi Maddie, raw gluten free flour is not safe to eat, so I wouldn’t unless you bake the flour first. Hope this helps!
Shauna says
Hi there! Just wanted to note that I have made these with GF heat treated flour! They turned out GREAT!
Erin says
Hi Shauna, so happy you loved them and made them your own! 🙂
Ashley says
Could you use PB fit peanut butter here?
Erin says
Hi Ashley, no, it won’t work the same. I’m sorry!
Nick says
Can I add protein powder?
★★★★★
Myracles says
Good idea! I’d replace 1/4 cup of whatever flour you’re using with ~1/4 cup protein powder
Erin says
Hi Nick, yep! Let me know how they come out!
Gina says
Nick, I used PB powder instead of oat flour and they turned out amazing
Erin says
Hi Gina, thanks so much for sharing your subs!!