Sweet peanut butter bars come together in a jiffy, plus they’re gluten free and vegan, so they count as an energy-packed snack, too.
By Robin Runner
I’m always testing out bar recipes for my kids and husband. I feel like I can’t keep enough healthy dairy and gluten free snacks in my house. This is definitely a problem during swim season with a voraciously starving teenager.
This recipe could also be used as a pie – springform pan would be best. Would also be fun drizzled with melted dark chocolate (recipe for a sauce below). It is decadent so a little goes a long way. Plus a great vegan protein source and who doesn’t love more peanut butter in their life?! My husband and kids have loved these as a post dinner treat right from the freezer.
Find more vegan and gluten free dessert recipes here.
No Bake Peanut Butter Bars
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Makes 16 1x
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
Sweet, salty, and totally no-bake, these peanut butter bars are a quick and easy treat. Perfect for satisfying a sweet craving, and theyre gluten-free and vegan!
Ingredients
- 1 cups (237 ml) organic gluten free rolled oats
- 1 cups (237 ml) almond flour
- 4 tbsp maple syrup
- Pinch of salt
- 2 cups (473 ml) your favorite peanut butter
- 2 large ripe bananas or 3 regular sized bananas
- 1/3 cups (79 ml) maple syrup
- 1/4 cups (60 ml) melted coconut oil
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- Peanuts
- Chocolate chips
- Gluten free pretzels
- Chocolate sauce drizzle
Instructions
- Line your 8×8 glass baking dish with parchment paper overlapping the sides for ease of removal.
- Add the crust ingredients to your food processor and blend until you can pinch the ingredients together between your fingers and it sticks.
- Dump the crust mixture into your pan and press the mixture evenly throughout the bottom of the pan using your palms or the backside of a measuring cup. Ensure that the mixture is firmly pressed down.
- Add all of the filling ingredients into your food processor and blend until smooth and creamy.
- Spoon the filling atop the crust and spread it out with a spatula.
- Optional: Add peanuts and/or mini chocolate chips to the top.
- Cover and freeze until solid.
- Before serving, remove from the pan and slice into squares.
- Let the bars thaw for 10 minutes before serving.
- Freeze for storage.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate.
- If your peanut butter is very thick, microwave it for 10-15 seconds to make it easier to blend.
- To prevent the bars from sticking, lightly grease the parchment paper before adding the crust.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 5
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use natural peanut butter instead of regular peanut butter?
Yes, natural peanut butter can be used, but make sure it’s creamy and well-stirred to achieve the right consistency in your bars.
What type of sweetener works best in these peanut butter bars?
Maple syrup or agave nectar are great options for sweeteners, as they blend well with the peanut butter and maintain the vegan integrity of the recipe.
Is it necessary to freeze the bars, or can I just refrigerate them?
While refrigeration is an option, freezing the bars helps them set properly and enhances their texture, making them easier to cut into squares.
Thanks Poshnessary. I’m with you – life is better with peanut butter!
Amazing recipe. Love everything with peanut butter. And no bake is always great, too.
Kisses from http://poshnessary.com ?