4 Ingredient No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars (V, GF, DF): an easy recipe for thick, decadent peanut butter bars that taste like Reese’s. Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy-Free.
Do you love peanut butter? Or are you more of an almond butter fan? Or, perhaps you don’t like either of these nut butters? *Gasp!!!!* J/k… or maybe you’re allergic, which I am so, so sorry for. Perhaps apple butter then? 😉
Well folks, if you’ve been a reader long enough, you might very well have noticed that I have a thing for peanut butter. Scratch that—I have a HUGE thing for peanut butter. It’s just, when you see those two words, everything magically turns yummier, ya know?
Anyway, ages ago, I really, really wanted to make my own version of No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars. But after I looked at like a bajillion recipes for these bars, I was dismayed by the idea that I wouldn’t be able to make a feel-good ingredients version. Like… how would I replace the graham crackers? The powdered sugar? The… oy, let’s just not even get into it. ????
So for months and months, I saw delectable no bake chocolate peanut butter bars every where I went. Online, in magazines at the grocery store, on billboards, online, in my dreams, online, on Pinterest, and finally, online. It tortured me and my peanut butter lovin’ soul. I just thought, to heck with it. It can’t be done. It just can’t be done!
But over those looooong months, I created peanut butter cups, chocolate almond butter pretzels, almond butter cups, and no bake chocolate pecan bars. There’s actually a connection to everything I was just saying, I promise! (I wasn’t just trying to make you super hungry, or anything…) ????
Well, those recipes all had elements to them that I was filing away, in the old dusty back burner of my mind. Boy, does that sound flammable and dangerous or what? Ahem. Anyway, I just knew that if I had a moment to breathe, really furrow the good ol’ brows, and erm… eat something with chocolate and peanut butter, I’d be able to figure it out. ????
Guess what? I did!! I did!! Not that I couldn’t do with some humble pie or anything, but goshdarnit, I did it! I took the filling from my peanut butter and almond butter cups, made some delicate adjustments, tested up and tested down, and voilà: the peanut butter layer for these bars was born.
Then, I took the filling from my AB pretzels, which had already evolved into the gloriously room-temperature perfect chocolate topping for my no bake chocolate pecan bars, tested back and forth, and voilà: the chocolate topping for these incredible 4 Ingredient No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars was born.
And before you even get to ask, allow me to answer: YES, they taste deliciously like a Reese’s peanut butter cup. YES, they rock, like all the socks off. And YES, they are made with feel-good ingredients. And oh, YES, they are crazy easy to make!
So what do you think? Excuse my pure excitement—I mean, tell me what you think if you try this! Erik and I are seriously waiting ever so patiently for the day to pass so we can have dinner, blah blah blah, and finally—finally sit down to a most perfect piece of chocolate peanut butter heaven. 🙂
I’m SO making these for my family this Christmas! I know, I know, my holiday recipe list is gettin’ extensive as heck! I’m already making this, this and this… If you’re curious about my official list of goodies, check out this post. But how could I possibly say no to a super-duper easy no bake recipe like this?
While I sit and eagerly await your thoughts on these 4 Ingredient No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars, let me tell you all about them. These bars are:
- SO easy to make
- made with just 4 ingredients
- vegan, gluten free, dairy-free
- the perfect amount of soft and firm
- taste just like a Reese’s PB cup
- plant-based and allergy-friendly
- made with feel-good ingredients
- rich, chocolatey, and satisfyingly nutty
- great for dessert, a snack or an afternoon pick-me-up
- just perfect for the holiday dessert table
I can’t wait to hear what you think of these. What are your recipe plans for this holiday season? Will you be making mostly sweet treats, savory eats or a combo both? If you’re planning on ordering takeout, tell me all about it, too! 🙂 I’m so pleased to spend the holidays with you.
Sending you all my love and maybe even a dove, xo Demeter. ❤️
☀︎ Click below to Pin ☀︎
☀︎ Did you make this recipe? Take a pic and share it on Instagram with the hashtag #beamingbaker and tag @beamingbaker. I would love to see it! ☀︎
Here are a few items I used in today’s recipe. 🙂
Coconut Flour | Glass Mixing Bowls | My Favorite Knife
Stainless Steel Measuring Cups | Silicone Spatulas
- 1 cup natural, unsalted peanut butter
- ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- ½ cup coconut flour
- 1 cup vegan chocolate chips
- ½ cup unsalted, natural peanut butter
- Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment or wax paper. Clear some space in the freezer for this pan. Set aside at room temperature.
- Make the peanut butter layer: In a medium bowl, add Peanut Butter Layer ingredients: 1 cup peanut butter, ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons maple syrup, and ½ cup coconut flour. Whisk until thickened and difficult to stir. Switch to folding with a rubber spatula until well-incorporated.
- Transfer this mixture into the prepared baking pan. Using the rubber spatula, smooth into an even layer. Set aside.
- Make the chocolate topping: Use the double boiler method or the following. Add Chocolate Topping ingredients to a medium, microwave-safe bowl: 1 cup chocolate chips and ½ cup peanut butter. Heat in 20-second increments until chocolate is softened and melted. Stir in between heating, until smooth.
- Pour the chocolate mixture over the peanut butter layer. Using a clean rubber spatula, smooth chocolate into an even layer. Tap the pan a few times to help even out the chocolate.
- Transfer pan to freezer. Freeze for 45-60 minutes, or until hardened. Remove from freezer and slice into 16 squares. Enjoy!* Storing instructions below.
- *On the first day, these bars are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Serve chilled and enjoy within 1 hour.
- After the first day, you may store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature (1-2 weeks), refrigerator (1-2 weeks). Starting week 2, the bars are a bit drier (like Reese’s PB cup filling), but still delicious.
- These bars freeze well. Store in an airtight container in the freezer for 1-2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 10 minutes before enjoying. Or, heat in the microwave in 20-second increments until just softened.
- Homemade Candy (all v, gf, df): Paleo Almond Joy, Paleo Almond Butter Cups, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles.
- Peanut Butter Love recipes (all v, gf, df): peanut butter chocolate chip oatmeal breakfast bars, peanut butter ice cream smoothie, no bake peanut butter coconut bites.
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☀︎ More Peanut Butter Recipes ☀︎
No Bake Peanut Butter Coconut Bites (Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy-Free)
Gluten Free Vegan Peanut Butter Cups (Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy-Free)
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies (Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy-Free)
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I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE peanut butter! And almond butter, cookie butter, you get the point! 🙂 But I have to say that pb is my favorite. And you know I’m all about no-bake recipes, so it’s like this was meant for me! I am seriously drooling over here, Demeter! It’s not good to read food blogs when you haven’t eaten breakfast yet! 🙂 I’ve made a similar version before, but I’m loving your gluten free bars. Such a fun treat for Christmas! I bet this will be the hit of the dessert table. Pinned, of course! Hope your week is off to a great start, friend!
You and I shall have ALL the butters! 😉 I mean, let’s not forget cashew butter! So true on not reading food blogs before eating… it happens to me all the time! Lol. Thanks so much for the kind words, my friend! Have a fantastic and festive week! 🙂
Do you post nutrition facts on your recipes?
Hi Samantha, as of right now, I don’t. Sorry for the inconvenience! xo
You cut the most perfect squares! Bahahaha!
These look delicious and I love chocolate PB <3 Who doesn't?!
Lol. I’ve got to add that to my resume! 😉 Yeah to chocolate + PB together! 🙂
Hi Demeter!
Oh wow, what a way to start a Monday morning! I could barely drag myself out of bed this morning. Then I see this glorious creation on your blog and thought, I should make this for myself as a treat at the end of today! Thank you for giving me something to look forward to on a Monday! And- I love peanut butter chocolate EVERYTHANG! 😉
Haha. I thought these would make Monday MUCH better! 😉 I hope your Monday is short and sweet so you can make these and cuddle up to a movie marathon (or something equally awesome). Yay for a fellow PB lover! <3
I am a full-on peanut butter super-fab, so I really wish I had a giant plateful of these right this very minute! Pinning and Happy Monday my friend!
Oh, Kate, you would SO love this!! Happy Monday to you, too! Thanks for pinning and stopping by! 🙂
Oh my little D to the Meter and your beautiful mind!!! Umm if anyone can make something magical and delicious, it is YOU, my sweet n’ sassy friend! These bars look AMAZING! Almond Joy and Reeses were my favorite candies when I was little, way back before the nasty cocoa allergy stole all the joy from my life. So these bars are a weird form of torture to my soul. I mean, bars that taste ridiculously delicious, exactly like a Reeses AND are better for you? I’m totally pouting right now. I WANT THEM ALL!!! Oiy. Guess I’m just going to have to make these for Boy and try not to die of jealousy as he eats them all. Pinned!!! Cheers, my little peanut butter loving friend! xoxoxoxoxoxox
Aw… you always make my day. I’m just saying. 🙂 I’ve totally got to file away the fact that you seriously loved Almond Joy and Reese’s. One day, I’m gonna make it (cocoa-free) for you. <3 Thanks for the laughs, as usual my dear. Hope Boy just loves them! xoxoxoxoxoxoxooxo <3
I am and will always be a peanut butter lover. Chocolate and peanut butter is the best combo ever and I love how simple and easy this recipe is. I could seriously whip some up now and that is the coolest thing!
You can say that again! 😉 It’s one of the most magical and tasty combos. Like, EVER! 🙂 Thanks so much, Meg!
Oh wow, these peanut butter bars are gorgeous, and look SO delicious! You know I love chocolate and peanut butter, so I would LOVE these bars! The photos are just beautiful! Sharing, of course Demeter 🙂 xo
Thanks so much, Marsha! I was just hoping that you’d love these. 😉 Thanks so much for the sweet words and sharing, Marsha. xo
Girl I love love peanut butter but the classic PB & J combo on a white bread is the closest to my heart and tongue!! 😛 These look so good and now I wish I had some of these!! Send me some please hehe!!
Oh HECK YES on PB&J. I will take that combo any which way! In fact, my fave is having it in smoothie form. 🙂 Thanks so much, Ami! Shall we do a holiday cookie exchange? Haha. 😉
Oh my goodness gracious! Why, why don’t we live closer!?! These are just too perfect to be true, and the fact that they are made with healthy ingredients and so easy to make make them even more perfect. Love them and pinned them! Continue like that, my friend, love the path you’re on 😉 .
That is the exact question I ask myself every time I see a treat of yours and Loreto’s! 😉 Thank you so much, my friend. Big hugs to you! 🙂
Hang on a sec while I go put on 5 pairs of socks so that these beautiful nutty bars can rock ALLLL of them off!!!! As if turning peanut butter cup into bar wasn’t tricky enough you also made them with the good stuff, the wholesome stuff, and I love you for that. Because eating Reese’s flavor in every shape and form possible is one of my life’s missions…okay actually I had not thought of that yet to add to my life missions list, but it should be. That bite shot where you can really get a feel for the super luscious texture–irresistible! You nailed it–and it seems like you and ol’ coconut flour are getting closer and closer by the delicious recipe 🙂 Love ya!! <3
LOLOLOLOL. Nat, you almost made me spit my coffee out! ???? But to be fair, I knew I was about to read a comment from you, so I totally should have removed all drinks from the premises. 😉 Please add that to your life’s mission. Then, when we meet up, I will GLADLY help you cross it off your list! <--Who said I never do anything? Haha. Me and coconut flour now have a tentative and fear/respect understanding. ???? Muah! Love ya more! <3
Is there anything better than peanut butter…well yes, peanut butter with chocolate. I love these bars so much and love that you made them vegan. Saving this one!
Oh. YES. Peanut butter is only better when combined with chocolate. ???? Thanks so much, Karen! I can’t wait to hear what you think!
I think you read my mind!! Ain’t nothing more perfect than the combo of chocolate and peanut butter!! PINNED!
Haha. I’ve been known to do that… once or twice. 😉 Thanks so much, Rachel! 🙂
So amazing you can make a treat this delicious with just a handful of ingredients and no bake! Pinning this recipe for later.
Yeah! It’s totally one of my goals in life to make delicious recipes easy and super approachable. Thank you, Bobbi! 🙂
I <3 peanut butter & chocolate!
100% agreed! 😉
Good job! I can totally imagine your struggle. My aunt makes the bars you’re talking about with the powdered sugar and the graham crackers for holidays, and yeah, they’re amazing, but not great for folks with allergies and intolerances. Plus, I try not to say ‘never’ to any foods, but margarine’s becoming a bit of a ‘never’ for me–or at least, as little as possible.
Thanks for sharing the results of your diligent experimenting (and pining!) with us.
Thanks so much, Joyce! 🙂 It must be so hard to resist those bars! And definitely torture for folks who simply can’t have them. Margarine–interesting to learn! Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by. 🙂
These look absolutely incredible! Peanut butter and chocolate is my favorite combination of flavors!
Thanks so much, Miranda! It’s got to be one of the best flavor combos of all time. 🙂
Hi! I’m new to your site, actually came here because this recipe was listed on “it doesn’t taste like chicken’s” website.
One question: Can I use all purpose flour if I don’t have coconut flour? Are they interchangeable in a 1:1 ratio???
Thanks!
Di =)
Hi Diane, welcome! 🙂 You know, I’ve never tried making these bars with all purpose flour. However, I’ve had a few readers swap the coconut flour with oat flour with success. Oat flour works pretty similarly to all purpose. The only thing I’d caution is that coconut flour is MUCH more absorbent. As such, the bars may be more moist and not as thickly packed and dense as they should be. You might just have to keep the bars in the refrigerator. Hope this helps! 🙂
Hello, Demeter!
I have just stumbled across your blog – so excited to try a bunch of new recipes. Have you ever substituted honey for the maple syrup?
Hi Jess! I’m so excited to have you here! 🙂 I haven’t, but I think it’ll work just fine. Can’t wait to hear how it turns out!
Just curious… has anyone made them yet?
How did you cut such perfect squares (what’s the trick)?
Could they be cut into small rectangles (4 out of each of your 1)?
Any tips?
I need to make enough for approx. 200 people… any tips? Aside from start making them!
Thanks!
These bars look absolutely delicious…. and are healthy too! I can’t wait to try your recipe. I have a feeling that they won’t last long around here with several peanut butter lovers in the house. 🙂
Oh, the Peanut Butter Lovers will go crazy for this! I can’t wait to hear what everyone thinks! 🙂
These were WONDERFUL! I think I made a happy accident too. 🙂 I thought in the peanut butter layer I was supposed to add in a cup and a fourth a cup of peanut butter. But I just realized your recipe said a fourth of maple syrup (well I used honey actually!). But you know? It turned out to taste fantastic anyways! I also used crunchy, salted peanut butter. The result was the bars were pretty…flat, I guess. But still it tasted AMAZING. I’m so glad I found this recipe. Thank you!!
That’s AWESOME, Nicole!! 🙂 Happy accidents in the kitchen are kinda the best because you can eat the results! Lol. You know what? I think the extra peanut butter made up for the crunchy PB you used! (Since crunchy has less liquid due to the solid peanut bits). I’m so glad you enjoyed it! My pleasure. 🙂
Can I use homemade oat flour instead of the coconut flour? Or will it change the flavour? I really want to make these!
Hi Allison, a few readers have tried swapping the coconut flour out for oat flour with success. 🙂 I’d suggest increasing the amount by at least 2 tablespoons (since coconut flour is WAY more absorbent than oat flour). Play around with the amounts until you get the consistency you like. Remember that the oat flour will absorb the oils from the peanut butter over a few days, and thus thicken the bars. See what you like. Can’t wait to hear how they turn out! Enjoy! 🙂
I made these bars and they were AH-MAY-ZING!! I even added some extra peanut butter on top and made a swirl – so pretty! They definitely satisfy the peanut butter bar craving 😉
Awesome! Love the idea of adding that swirl, Sofia. 🙂 Happy no-baking! 😉
Is it possible to these a two layer bar, with PB then chocolate then almond or cashew butter then more chocolate? Would that work?
Hi Anna! Do you mean a 4 layer bar? That sounds amazing! If so, it might just work–my only concern is the chocolate layer being firm enough to place another layer of peanut butter filling on top. Here’s my suggestion: follow the recipe as written. In the last step, freeze for 1-2 hrs (until extremely firm) and do not slice. Repeat making the PB and chocolate layers, but put them on top of the first set of bars you made. Slice. Enjoy! 🙂
I’m be to all this. Long story short the hardest bit for me has been sweets. I want to make this recipe! I already have potato flour and tapioca flour… Would either of this be an acceptable substitute?
Hi Rose, I’m not really sure how potato flour or tapioca flour would affect this recipe. A potential issue would be that the bars would turn out a bit too soft, or too dry. I’d say give them a try with the measurements as listed, then see how you like ’em. If they’re too dry, reduce the flour for next time. If they’re too soft, increase the flour next time. Also keep in mind that they dry up over time. Enjoy! 🙂
This recipe made a teenager who is gluten free, dairy free and corn free VERY happy.
I followed the recipe exactly. It was wonderful! I am a fan.
Just curious, I have tried to ‘print’ this recipe with no success. Blank pages?
I’m SO happy to hear that, Annie! 🙂 It cannot be easy (at ALL) being a teenager that’s GF, DF, AND corn free. Your kiddo is very lucky to have you making special treats for him/her. 🙂 Printing: hmm… I’m not sure. Just checked myself and it works. Maybe clear your cache or use a different browser? Hope this helps!