No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Snack Bars (vegan + gluten-free)

If you’re looking for a quick and easy sweet treat, these no-bake chocolate peanut butter snack bars are for you! They are a great afternoon pick me up when you need a sweet and salty snack.

I’m constantly looking for ways to add peanut butter to anything and everything! I usually get a midday slump and find myself craving a sweet treat to give me a boost of energy. Instead of reaching for a sugary candy bar, these no-bake chocolate peanut butter snack bars provide a healthier alternative. You can even use coconut sugar sweetened chocolate chips to make these refined sugar free.

I love anything peanut butter and chocolate and adding the oats is a great touch to add texture, fiber, complex carbs, and other essential nutrients. You can’t go wrong when you mix salty and sweet! You can incorporate the sea salt into the main mixture and I also like to sprinkle some coarse sea salt to the top before popping it into the fridge to take these bars to the next level. 

The shape of these no-bake chocolate peanut butter snack bars are similar to a granola bar which makes them easy to grab and go. However, you can use a silicone mold and make them into smaller bite sized pieces, put them into mini muffin/cupcake tins, or even create festive shapes and sizes. Remember to either put parchment paper down or use a silicone mold to make sure these will pop out easily. 

Similar to my 3-ingredient Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars, these snack bars will stay fresh in your fridge or you can freeze them as well. To know when your chocolate has reached its prime, you will notice a white coating called bloom. When the chocolate blooms, you can still eat it, but it is not as fresh. In my household, these bars disappear quickly, long before any bloom can appear!

Whether you’re grabbing one on the go, trying to get out of the midday slump, or indulging in a post dinner treat, these no-bake chocolate peanut butter snack bars are sure to hit the spot. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do! 

What ingredients you need to make these no-bake chocolate peanut butter snack bars:

• Creamy peanut butter– any nut butter will work
• Maple syrup- works with the peanut butter for a smooth consistency
• Gluten-free rolled oats– if not gluten-free you can use regular rolled oats
• Chocolate chips– any type will work, I like Hu
• Sea salt- salty and sweet!

How to make these no-bake chocolate peanut butter snack bars:

1. Combine creamy peanut butter and maple syrup in a microwave-safe bowl or saucepan
2. Heat in the microwave or on the stovetop until melted and smooth, stirring occasionally
3. In a separate large mixing bowl, add the rolled oats, chocolate chips and a pinch of salt
4. Stir to combine
5. Pour the melted peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients in the mixing bowl. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
6. Transfer the mixture to a parchment-lined or greased 8×8-inch baking dish or loaf pan
7. Use a spatula or clean hands to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the dish.
8. Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours, or until firm and set
9. Once chilled, use a sharp knife to cut the mixture into bars and enjoy!

FAQs and tips on making these no-bake chocolate peanut butter snack bars:

• Wait until they set! I know you will want to eat these right away but promise me, they are even more amazing when they aren’t a melted mess!
• Make sure to line your baking dish. The parchment paper is important because it allows for easy removal of the solid chocolate peanut butter block and then you can cut it into bars. 
• Can I use a different nut butter? Absolutely! 
• Is there a nut free variation? You can swap out the peanut butter with sunbutter or an Oat Haus granola butter
• Can I add other fixings? Sure! These are perfect as is but you can add other ingredients like marshmallows or chopped nuts. 

A few other peanut butter chocolate recipes to try:

3-ingredient Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars

4-ingredient Reese’s Bars (gluten-free)

Peanut Butter Cup Granola Bark

Chocolate Peanut Butter Frozen Banana Pops

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