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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I made these as a dessert at a family reunion and these were a HIT! So easy & oh so good! I’m currently making my second batch for another get together & this time I’ve topped them with flakes of sea salt! Cannot wait to share these tomorrow!
My one question is, when I go to cut them, the chocolate begins to crack. Any tips on keeping them from cracking?
So glad the family all enjoyed the bars! And the sea salt addition sounds divine. As for cutting, try warming the knife up a tiny bit first. Also start out with slow, strong cuts. Hope this helps!
These are far better than Reese’s! Your recipes are always the best. Thank you for all you do!
Aww thank you so much, Diana! You’re totally gonna make me blush. 😊
These look amazing! Do you know if I can use oat flour instead of coconut flour?
Hi Goldie! I’ve had a few readers do so, but you might need to adjust the amount to get the right consistency. Hope you enjoy!
Do you know the calorie count? These are delicious!
Hi Cathy! So happy you’re enjoying the bars. I’ve just updated the post with the nutrition info. Hope this helps! 🙂
I have a question about the “4 Ingredient Easy Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars (Gluten Free, Healthy, Dairy-Free)”.
I wanted to make these for someone who can’t have Sugar either. Could the Maple Syrup be replaced with a Sugar Free brand?
Thank you
Hi Carey! You might want to try my recipe for Keto Peanut Butter Bars, which uses a keto-friendly low sugar sweetener. Hope this helps!
Absolutely delicious! Just made these while camping! (I knew I’d be making them so brought everything I needed.) Looking forward to checking out the rest of your site and recipes. Thanks!
That sounds like so much fun Dawn! Nothing like the great outdoors and some yummy treats. Can’t wait to see what you try next!
Holy smokes….these are amazing! They were so quick to make – no fuss, no mess! We loved them. They will be a repeat for sure. Thanks~
Woohoo!! Thank you, Kerry! I’m so happy you loved them. Enjoy!
Easy to make and deliciously addicting.
Thank you, Tania! 🙂 Enjoy!
Everyone already knows how tasty these are, my experience is nothing different. EXCELLENT bar. It came out just as pretty as the pictures and the flavor is AMAZING. One detail that I didn’t see anyone mention, and I might be mistaken on that, was using crunchy PB vs creamy. I did just that and, as I said, couldn’t be more pleased with the results. Although I haven’t made it with creamy PB, I might be so bold to suggest that they’re better with crunchy considering the additional texture it adds.
I seriously loved reading your comment, Rebecca. And I must say, BE BOLD, and keep making these with crunchy PB! 😉 (I say as I enjoy a spoon of crunchy PB –coincidence, much?!) I’m so pleased that you not only loved these peanut butter bars’ flavor, but also how they presented. Happy No Baking!