When a chocolate craving hits, these no-bake peanut butter bars are my go-to solution. They’re rich, satisfying, and taste just like my favorite childhood treat. Plus, with simple ingredients and quick prep, they come together in no time.
The information provided on this site is based on my personal experience living with alpha-gal syndrome. I consistently cite and link to expert sources, but nothing published on this site should be perceived as medical advice.
Alpha-gal sensitivities vary by person. You should understand your dietary restrictions, making any adjustments needed, and directing any questions to your physician.
Growing up, Reese’s peanut butter cups were my all-time favorite treat. The combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate was pure perfection. But now that I have daily protein goals to hit and want dairy-free treats for my oldest daughter with alpha-gal syndrome, I need a recipe that checks all the right boxes.
That’s where these no-bake peanut butter bars come in. They have all the nostalgic flavors of my favorite childhood candy, but with simple, real ingredients and packed with protein. They’ve been such a hit at my house that I always make a double batch so my youngest daughter can take some back to college.
In This Article
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- No oven required – These no-bake peanut butter bars come together with minimal effort, making them perfect for hot days or quick dessert cravings.
- Dairy-free and vegan – Made without butter or milk chocolate, this recipe is completely plant-based without sacrificing flavor.
- Naturally gluten-free – With oat flour instead of traditional flour, these bars are delicious, gluten-free treats..
- Protein-packed and satisfying – Thanks to peanut butter and protein powder, each bite delivers a boost of protein to keep you full and happy. Dessert that doubles as fuel? Yes, please.
Key Ingredients
These no-bake peanut butter bars come together with just a handful of simple ingredients. Each one plays an important role in creating a rich, chocolatey, peanut buttery goodness you’ll love.
- Creamy Peanut Butter – The star of the show! You can use your favorite store-bought peanut butter or make your own peanut butter in just a few minutes. And, homemade peanut butter makes you feel like a pro with almost no effort — just saying! If I buy peanut butter, I always choose natural peanut butter to avoid added sugars and unnecessary ingredients.
- Maple Syrup – A natural sweetener that adds just the right amount of sweetness while keeping this recipe free of refined sugar.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the peanut butter flavor and adds a subtle warmth to the bars.
- Coconut Oil – Helps create a smooth, fudgy texture and makes the chocolate topping extra glossy.
- Oat Flour – Instead of traditional flour, oat flour keeps these bars naturally gluten-free while adding a soft, cookie-like texture. If you don’t have oat flour on hand, you can easily make your own by blending rolled oats into a fine powder using a blender, food processor, or coffee grinder.
- Peanut Butter Protein Powder – My go-to for this recipe is Naked PB powdered peanut butter because it’s literally just powdered peanuts — no weird fillers, no mystery additives, just pure peanutty goodness. It mixes in smoother than a drizzle of honey over warm biscuits.
- Chocolate Chips – The key to that irresistible chocolate topping! Just know that not all chocolate chips are dairy-free, so it’s important to check labels carefully. My go-to options are Enjoy Life and Nestlé Toll House Simply Delicious, both free from dairy and common allergens. If you want a richer flavor, Hu Kitchen offers dark chocolate gems made with organic ingredients. Always look for certified dairy-free or vegan labels to ensure that you snack safety.
How to Make No Bake Peanut Butter Bars
The beauty of these bars? They come together in just a few simple steps — no oven, no fancy equipment, no unnecessary stress. Just mix, press, chill, and enjoy! If you can stir a spoon and resist eating the peanut butter mixture straight from the bowl, you’ve got this!
- Prep the pan. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper. This makes it easy to lift the bars out later, because chiseling them out with a spatula is no fun.
- Make the peanut butter mixture. In a medium bowl, stir together the peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and coconut oil until smooth. Add the protein powder, oat flour, and salt, then mix until a thick dough forms. If the spoon gives up, use your hands to finish the job.
- Press and chill. Press the peanut butter mixture evenly into the lined baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula or clean hands. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight if you have patience — I usually don’t).
- Melt the chocolate. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil. Heat in 15- to 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until smooth. The residual heat will help melt the last bits, so don’t overdo it.
- Pour and set. Spread the melted chocolate over the chilled peanut butter layer, smoothing it out evenly. If you want to add a sprinkle of optional toppings, do that now. Then, pop it back into the fridge for at least an hour, until the chocolate is firm.
- Slice and enjoy. Once set, lift the bars out using the parchment paper, slice into squares, and dig in.
Toppings for No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
As if these bars weren’t already irresistible, adding a topping (or two) takes them to the next level. Whether you want a little crunch, a hint of salt, or another flavor twist, there’s no wrong way to dress up that silky chocolate layer.
- Chopped Nuts – A handful of crushed peanuts, pistachios, or hazelnuts adds a satisfying crunch and enhances the nutty goodness. My personal favorite? Roughly chopped hazelnuts, because they make these bars taste like a Reese’s peanut butter cup that fell into a jar of vegan Nutella.
- Shredded Coconut – Coconut adds a tropical twist that pairs beautifully with peanut butter and chocolate. Think of it as an Almond Joy’s nutty cousin.
- Sea Salt Flakes – A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt balances out the sweetness and deepens the chocolate flavor. It’s a simple touch that makes people wonder why these bars taste so good.
- Crushed Pretzels – For a salty-sweet contrast with a bit of crunch, sprinkle some crushed pretzels over the melted chocolate before chilling. Sweet, salty, crunchy — what more could you want?
What to Serve with No Bake Peanut Butter Bars
These bars are amazing on their own, but if you really want to level up your snack time, pair them with the perfect drink. Whether you’re going for cozy, refreshing, or a little caffeine kick, here are some top picks:
- Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate. Because nothing says indulgence like chocolate on chocolate. A warm mug of rich, dairy-free cocoa makes these bars feel like an extra special treat.
- A Glass of Almond Milk. Classic, simple, and oh-so-satisfying. The creamy nuttiness of almond milk pairs perfectly with the peanut butter and chocolate flavors.
- A Cup of Cold Brew Coffee. For those who love a little bitterness to balance out the sweetness, cold brew is the way to go. Bonus points if you add a splash of vanilla or cinnamon.
- Chai Latte. Warm, spiced, and slightly sweet, a chai latte brings a cozy, aromatic contrast to the nutty, chocolatey goodness of these bars.
Storing Leftover Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
If you somehow manage to have leftovers (impressive self-control, by the way), proper storage will keep your no-bake peanut butter bars fresh and delicious. And, I think they taste even better with additional time spent chilling in the fridge.
- Refrigerate for up to a week – Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to seven days. This keeps the peanut butter layer firm and the chocolate topping perfectly crisp.
- Layer with parchment paper – If stacking them in a container, place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
- Enjoy straight from the fridge – These bars are best served chilled, straight from the refrigerator. They soften slightly at room temperature but still hold their shape.
Can I Freeze No Bake Peanut Butter Bars?
Absolutely! Freezing these bars is a great way to keep a stash on hand for whenever a craving hits. (Which for me is about every afternoon around 4:00.)
- Freeze in a single layer – Place the cut bars on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Once firm, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.
- Store for up to three months – Properly stored, these bars will keep well in the freezer for up to three months.
- Thaw before eating – Let the bars sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes or hang out in the fridge for a few hours before eating.
No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Spoon or spatula
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Sharp knife
Ingredients
For the Peanut Butter Layer
- 1 cup peanut butter
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp melted coconut oil
- ¼ cup Naked PB peanut butter protein powder
- ½ cup oat flour
- ½ tsp salt
For the Chocolate Layer
- 1 cup dairy-free chocolate chips I like to use dark chocolate
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
Optional Toppings
- If desired add a sprinkle of topping to the chocolate layer before placing the pan in the fridge. Ideas include: chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or sea salt.
Instructions
- Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper. This makes it easy to lift the bars out when done. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and coconut oil until smooth.
- Add in the protein powder, oat flour, and salt.
- Use a spoon to mix until you cannot mix anymore, then use clean hands. At this point, the batter should feel like cookie dough or fudge — thick, rich, and almost too tempting not to taste.
- Press the mixture into the lined baking dish. Use clean hands or a spatula to spread it evenly, making sure the top is nice and smooth.
- Refrigerate the peanut butter base for 30 min (or overnight if you have the patience—I usually don’t).
- Put the chocolate chips and coconut oil into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat the chocolate in 15- to 30-second intervals, stirring well between intervals. The residual heat will help melt some remaining bits, so don’t skip the stirring step! You can also melt the chocolate chips using a double broiler.
- When the chocolate mixture is fully melted, pour it over the peanut butter layer and spread evenly until smooth.
- If adding toppings, sprinkle them over the chocolate layer. This is your moment to get fancy. Nuts, coconut, or a sprinkle of sea salt all work beautifully, and there are more topping ideas above.
- Place in the fridge to harden for at least one hour.
- Remove from the fridge and lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper bottom.
- Using a sharp knife, slice into individual squares and enjoy.
Notes
- If you don’t have oat flour, place dry rolled oats in a high-speed blender, food processor, or coffee grinder and pulse until ground into flour. Super easy, and way cheaper than buying pre-made oat flour!
- While I like these peanut bars to be “crustless” with a bottom layer made of the peanut butter mixture, you can always make a simple graham cracker crust using crushed graham crackers and a bit of vegan butter. For a crunchier base, try using crushed pretzels instead!
- Be sure to store any leftovers in the refrigerator. These bars hold their shape best when chilled, but if you like a softer bite, let them sit at room temp for a few minutes before eating.
- Need to make a bigger batch? Double the ingredients and use a 9×13 pan instead. More bars, more happiness.
Nutrition
Please Note: Nutrition information is automatically calculated. It should only be used as an approximation.
