4 Ingredient Easy Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars (Gluten Free, Healthy, Dairy-Free)
Easy Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars (V, GF): a 4 ingredient recipe for healthy gluten free peanut butter bars! The best dairy free dessert recipe: yummy no bake peanut butter bars! Quick ‘n simple vegan dessert, Gluten Free, Dairy-Free, Vegan.
Have you tried making my 4 ingredient Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars? They’ve been one of my most popular recipes since I shared them a few years ago—along with the paleo version: No Bake Paleo Chocolate Almond Butter Bars.
Today, I thought it’d be high time to share some new photos, a bit of a recipe revamp and answer your common questions about my easy vegan chocolate peanut butter bars. Are you ready? Let’s do it!
Easy Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars (Gluten Free)
You might be asking, what the heck are no bake chocolate peanut butter bars? Some folks know them as Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars, Homemade Reese’s No Bake Peanut Butter Bars, or even No Bake Cafeteria Peanut Butter Bars.
The classic version of peanut butter bars include 2 layers: one layer that’s firm & sweet featuring peanut butter, and the second is the chocolate topping. How is my recipe for no bake chocolate peanut butter bars any different?
Most no bake peanut butter bars are made with a combination of butter, confectioners sugar and graham crackers. Years ago, when I really, really craved/needed to make a healthy, vegan + gluten free peanut butter bar, I realized that I had to leave those ingredients out.
So here’s what I came up with… 😉
Quick & Simple Vegan Peanut Butter Bars—in 4 ingredients!
My very favorite dairy free peanut butter bars can be made with just 4 simple & healthy ingredients. They’re so easy to make, gluten free, vegan and delish—basically my favorite easy vegan dessert recipe!
- Ingredient 1: unsalted, natural creamy peanut butter
- Ingredient 2: (dairy-free) vegan chocolate chips
- Ingredient 3: pure maple syrup
- Ingredient 4: coconut flour – which makes it grain-free!
I was a little too proud of myself for figuring out that my heretofore enemy, ahem, otherwise known as the indomitable coconut flour, could be used as a healthy, grain-free thickener for the peanut butter layer in these healthy peanut butter bars. Combined with maple syrup, well, you’ve got the tastiest vegan peanut butter bars. Like, ever.
How to Make No Bake Healthy Peanut Butter Bars
- Step 1: Combine peanut butter, maple syrup and coconut flour in a bowl. Whisk & fold until deliciously thickened.
- Step 2: Pour this peanut butter mixture into a prepared pan & smooth into an even layer.
- Step 3: Melt together vegan chocolate chips & remaining peanut butter. Stir until silky smooth.
- Step 4: Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the bars.
- Step 5: Chill until completely firm.
- Step 6: Slice & enjoy the best healthy peanut butter bars!
How Do I Make these Easy Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars Paleo?
Easy, use my No Bake Paleo Chocolate Almond Butter Bars recipe! It’s also dairy-free, vegan, gluten-free and made from healthy ingredients.
>>RELATED: Ultimate Healthy No Bake Peanut Butter Bars – 5 Ingredients! // Vegan Peanut Butter Cups // 4 Ingredient Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups (Vegan)
Simple & Easy Gluten Free Dessert: Healthy Vegan Peanut Butter Bars!
Isn’t that basically the best easy vegan chocolate peanut butter bars recipe. Evah?!? It’s so simple that I constantly get comments & emails being like, “Uhhh… I really didn’t think these gluten free peanut butter bars would work. But it did. And it’s AWESOME!!” and… “also, can you move next door so I can help you ‘taste-test’?” Tee-hee!!
The best part is that these no bake chocolate peanut butter bars are made without powdered sugar, butter or graham crackers. How cool is that?
Freezing & Storing these Easy Gluten Free Vegan Peanut Butter Bars
These gluten free peanut butter bars are easier to eat than they are to store. But they’re also easy to store. Lol. On the 1st day, the chocolate topping still needs to set, so you’re better off storing your healthy peanut butter bars in the fridge. After Day 1, go ahead and store your PB bars at room temperature, out of direct sunlight.
Great news: you can keep your healthy peanut butter bars for up to 2 weeks!
Freezing: store your dairy free peanut butter bars in a freezer-friendly container for up to 2 months. Allow to thaw for 10 minutes before storing or go for it (if you like it super duper firm & have strong teeth. Lol.)
Tools for Making Easy Healthy Gluten Free Vegan Peanut Butter Bars & Desserts!
Here are the tools that I used to make this healthy no bake peanut butter bars recipe:
- Coconut Flour: one of my favorite ingredients to use in gluten free vegan desserts!
- 8-inch Baking Pan: just the perfect pan for baking & no-baking vegan treats!
- My Favorite Knife: folks are always asking me about the super clean cuts that I make on my no bake bars. Here’s my secret weapon. 😉
- Vegan Chocolate Chips: no vegan kitchen is complete without some amazing vegan chocolate!
Are you ready to make ALL the vegan chocolate peanut butter bars?!? Wait ‘til you tell your loved ones that they’re gluten-free, dairy-free and made with healthy ingredients! 😉 I can’t wait to hear what you think of one of my favorite easy dairy free desserts recipes! Try this recipe & let me know what you think! I can’t wait. ‘Til then…
Sending you all my love and maybe even a dove, xo Demeter ❤️
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Did you make this healthy peanut butter bars recipe? Take a pic & share it on Instagram with the hashtag #beamingbaker and tag @beamingbaker. I’d love to see it!
Quick & Easy Vegan Gluten Free Desserts Recipes (Healthy, Dairy-Free)
If you’re looking for more quick ‘n simple vegan desserts, try my favorites below! They’re all gluten free & dairy-free!!
- No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Oatmeal Bars
- Healthy Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten Free)
- Healthy Vegan Rice Crispy Treats
- Chocolate Peanut Butter No Bake Energy Bites Recipe
- No Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
- Peanut Butter Crunch Bars
- 2 Ingredient Chocolate Peanut Butter Vegan Fudge Recipe
- 4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Energy Bars
- Soft Baked Chocolate Vegan Donuts Recipe (Gluten Free) – w/ Vegan Chocolate Ganache Glaze!
- 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Bites
4 Ingredient Easy Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars (Gluten Free, Healthy, Dairy-Free)
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Only 4 ingredients for healthy gluten free peanut butter bars! The best dairy free dessert recipe: yummy no bake peanut butter bars! Quick ‘n simple vegan dessert. Gluten Free, Dairy-Free, Vegan
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Layer
- 1 cup natural, unsalted creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup coconut flour
Chocolate Topping
- 1 cup vegan chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup unsalted, natural creamy peanut butter
Instructions
- Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or wax paper. Clear some space in the freezer for this pan—you’ll need it later. Set aside.
- 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. Using a rubber spatula, stir and fold until well-mixed and thickened, with no visible flour patches remaining.
- Transfer peanut butter 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 melty. Stir in between heating increments, until smooth.
- Pour the chocolate mixture over the peanut butter filling. Using a clean rubber spatula, smooth 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 firm. Remove from freezer and slice into 16 bars. Enjoy! Storing instructions below.
Also try my 4 Ingredient No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Oatmeal Bars and my Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Breakfast Bars.
For the Paleo version: No Bake Paleo Chocolate Almond Butter Bars.
Notes
- Note: On the first day, these bars are best stored in the refrigerator, as the chocolate topping hasn’t fully set yet. Serve and enjoy within 1 hour.
- Where to Buy Ingredients: Organic Peanut Butter | Coconut Flour | Pure Maple Syrup | Vegan Chocolate Chips
- Storage Instructions: After the first day, you may store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature (1-2 weeks) or in the refrigerator (1-2 weeks). Starting week 2, the bars are a bit drier (like Reese’s PB cup filling), but still delicious.
- Freezing Instructions: 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.
- Recommended Tools: Unbleached Parchment Paper | Baking Pan (8-inch) | 4 Event Timer | My Favorite Knife
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
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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! 🙂
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!
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!
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! 🙂
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. 🙂
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. 🙂
I <3 peanut butter & chocolate!
100% agreed! 😉
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 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! 🙂
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!
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
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! 🙂
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 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
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 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
Have you tried these with Carob powder? Thanks so much Demeter, your recipes like you are a burst of sunshine. Hugs!
Hi Kailynn, no I haven’t actually! You might have better luck with carob chips for the topping. Also, you’re so sweet!! Thank you. Let me know how it turns out. Big hugs back to you!
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! 🙂
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 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
I put the ingredients into My Fitness Pal. It calculated everything for me.
what nutrition information did you calculate ?