How to Make the Perfect No Bake Peanut Butter Bars
American · Easy · 75 min · 16 servings
These no bake peanut butter bars are a rich and satisfying vegan dessert that comes together in minutes without turning on the oven. This vegan recipe layers a creamy peanut butter base with a smooth dark chocolate topping for an irresistible treat.
Why this recipe works
This No Bake Peanut Butter Bars recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 75 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 245 calories with 6g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup natural peanut butter
- 0.33 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup vegan dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Make the Peanut Butter Base
In a large bowl combine rolled oats, peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until a thick dough forms that holds together when pressed between your fingers.
Step 2: Press into Pan
Line an 8 by 8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Press the peanut butter oat mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan using the back of a spoon or your hands.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate
In a small saucepan over low heat or in a microwave in 30 second intervals melt the vegan dark chocolate chips with coconut oil stirring until completely smooth and glossy.
Step 4: Add Chocolate Layer
Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the pressed peanut butter base and use a spatula to spread it into an even layer covering the entire surface.
Step 5: Chill and Slice
Transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour until the chocolate is completely set. Lift out using the parchment paper and slice into 16 bars with a sharp knife.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- natural peanut butter → almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut free version
- rolled oats → puffed rice cereal for a lighter crunchier texture
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Using sweetened peanut butter which makes the bars overly sweet and alters the texture
- Cutting the bars before the chocolate is fully set causing it to crack and crumble unevenly
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 245 calories, 6g protein, 22g carbs, 16g fat, 2g fiber.
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