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
- ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- ½ cup coconut flour
Chocolate Topping
- 1 cup vegan chocolate chips
- ½ 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 look AMAZING!!! Looks like I have baking plans for this weekend!
Haha thank you Bee! . Hope you enjoy them!
I’m all for anything chocolate and peanut butter! Love the combination.
Same here, it’s one of my faves! .
These are my weakness! My husband is not a peanut butter fan so I will have to hide them from myself. But they look divine, and I am making them today. I’m sure they will be perfect because of you!!
Thank you so much Alene! Your comment brought a big ‘ol smile to my face. 🙂 Can’t wait to hear what you think!
Looks delicious! Thanks for sharing. . Question: can you substitute almond flour for coconut flour and sugar free syrup for maple syrup in this recipe? I’ve done this with other dessert recipes but those required actual baking time.
Thanks Sacha! I think you might be able to use almond flour—just increase the amount & expect much softer, moister bars. The sugar free syrup should work. Keep me posted! 🙂
Like 3/4 cup almond flour?
Donna did you try making these? Id love to know what happened.
I love these awesome delicious bars, so easy to make and comes out perfect every single time.
Yay! So happy to hear you enjoy them Meghna! .
I simply LOVE peanut butter and chocolate together! These bars look amazing!
It’s one of my face combos! . Thanks Natalie!
I think I’m going to make 2 batches of these. One just the way you have it and the other with protein powder instead of coconut flour. Wish me luck . I love chocolate and pb. I used to dip my chocolate bars right into PB jars as a kid. My mom would get so mad at me! .
Haha sounds like you and I were a bit similar as kids. . So glad you enjoyed the bars, and let me know how it goes with the protein powder!
I remember those lunch lady peanut butter bars and always loved them. Thank you so much for this healthier version. I’m going to test them out this week!
Yay! I think you’re really going to enjoy these Lisa! .
Terrific photos. I love any sort of chocolate and peanut butter dessert!
Aw thanks Jill! ☺️ Same here, chocolate + PB is soo good!
Oh yummmm you had me at no bake. Will certainly be giving these a try. They look incredible.
Yes! No bake treats are the best. . Hope you enjoy Rosa!
Hello Demeter, awesome chocolate peanut butter bars. thank you for sharing
Yay! So happy to hear it Jessica!
This was a great base recipe! I used almond butter instead of peanut and used 1/2 almond flour and 1/2 oat flour. I also significantly reduced the amount of maple syrup to 2Tbsp since the original recipe called for over 1/3 cup of maple syrup! Good base recipe. Thank you.
So glad you enjoyed the recipe Holly!
Can any flour be used in replacment to the coconut flour? I have a coconut intolerance.
Hi there. Had had a question. I am traveling with them for a few hours that day. Will they soften should i freeze them a few hrs before I travel with them.
Thanks
Hi Kathryn! Yes, I’d recommend freezing them first for easier traveling. Hope you enjoy them!
Do these need to stay cold or refrigerated to serve? Will they soften or melt at all of they’re not cold?
Hi Aaron, the first day, they’ll get a bit soft at room temperature. The second day, they firm up and are okay to keep out. Enjoy!
Like all your recipes, these look fantastic and I want to make this one RIGHT NOW. Unfortunately, I don’t have coconut flour on hand. Do you think I could use a mixture of oat flour and almond flour instead? I love your blog and your recipes! Thank you,
-Alice
Hi Alice!! Did you try them with the mix of flours yet? I know of a few readers who’ve tried oat flour with luck. You may just have to increase the amount by a few tablespoons to get the right texture (coconut flour is much more absorbent than oat flour). Enjoy!!! PS, I’m so glad you love the blog. Hugs!!
DAAAANG. These. Are. TOO. GOOOOOD!! I’m absolutely raving about how yummy they turned out! After Sunday dinner, my family was in the mood for dessert… so BANG I whipped these up and everyone was AMAZED at how fast and good they were, and SHOCKED that they were healthy!! I was flabbergasted that a recipe could have such simple ingredients and still turn out so marvelous! Thank you for this lovely recipe!!
By the way, when I’m in the mood to bake something, I don’t turn to google. I always come to your website to find an amazing recipe! <3 everything always turns out so EXQUISITE!! Happy monday! 😉
Palutena, what did I do to deserve you?!? Seriously, I always truly enjoy your comments and just KNOW that I’ll be experiencing the biggest smile ever when I’m reading your comment. 🙂 I’m over the moon that you and your family enjoyed my chocolate Pb bars recipe!! They obviously have good taste. Hehehe!! LOVE that you turn to my site and not google! Happy Tuesday to you!! Sending you the biggest hugs ever!! <3
Fabulous! And so easy! I’ve made these twice since finding this recipe three months ago and I’m making them again today. I’ve had rave reviews from everyone who has tried them, including the statement “this is the best thing I’ve ever put in my mouth.” High praise indeed! Thank you for the awesome recipe!
Thanks Amy!!! Just so you know, I’m blushing for that seriously high praise! Thank you for taking the time to let me know. Happy no-baking to you!
3:25am in Australia and I just made a batch of these amazing chocolate peanut butter bars after coming across this slice of heaven while Googling recipes for my lactose intolerant, chocolate- loving grandson. Exercising enormous self-control by not trying one right now!
Hi Lola! Isn’t middle-of-the-night baking the BEST? Hehe. I hope you and your grandson absolutely loved these. Can’t wait to see what you try next! 🙂
I am making another cooking recipe, and one of the fixings is horseradish, but instead than blend it into the whole loaf (which will make it less recognizable). Any ways thanks for sharing this amazing recipe with us.
Is it possible to be in love with a chocolate peanut butter bar? If so, I am. I’m one week clean and needed a treat. I’m so glad I found your recipe.
Haha I think it’s absolutely possible Darlene! .. I’m so happy to hear that you’re enjoying the recipe, and that you stopped by to say hi. Happy no-baking! ☺️