Please note that some of the links are affiliate links and I will earn a commission if you purchase through those links.
These no-bake peanut butter bars are made with just 4 main ingredients and come together in minutes! They’re irresistibly delicious, naturally gluten-free, and make the perfect healthy treat everyone will love.
If you’ve been around Pinch Me Good for a while, you know I’m all about simple, healthy, and crazy-delicious recipes that anyone can make — and these no-bake peanut butter bars are exactly that. Just wholesome ingredients, 10 minutes of prep, and a treat that tastes like dessert but fits right into your healthy lifestyle.
This no-bake, chocolate peanut butter bar recipe comes together effortlessly with just 4 simple MAIN ingredients. While they need to chill for about 2 hours, it’s totally worth the wait—especially since they only take 10–15 minutes to make!
You’ll love the thick, creamy peanut butter layer topped with smooth, rich chocolate, cut into perfectly indulgent bars. It’s truly the ultimate healthy dessert!
My readers love simple no-bake treats, and since Pinch Me Good is all about helping you eat healthy without overcomplicating things, I wanted to make a version of classic peanut butter bars that’s gluten-free, lower in sugar, and totally foolproof. You’re going to LOVE THEM!
Jump to:
Why You’ll Love These No Bake Peanut Butter Bars
- Quick & easy: No baking, no fuss — just mix, chill, and slice.
- Healthy: Naturally sweetened and made with clean, simple ingredients.
- Delicious: That classic chocolate + peanut butter combo never gets old!
- So Pinch Me Good: Recipes like this are what we’re known for — wholesome, easy, and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients and Substitutions.
You only need a few simple ingredients to make these quick and delicious no bake peanut butter bars. Here is what you’ll need:
- Creamy peanut butter – you want a nice smooth creamy peanut butter that is slightly drippy but not too oily. We used a protein peanut butter that was delicious. It also made each bar about 8 grams of protein!
- Almond flour – blanched almond flour that you can find in most grocery stores or online.
- Maple syrup – real maple syrup is used as the main sweetener for the peanut butter bars. You could also use honey.
- Chocolate chips – you can use any chocolate chips in this recipe. You can even have your diary free or sugar free. You will need about 1 cup of chocolate chips or 6 ounces of your favorite meltable chocolate. For a vegan version use vegan chocolate chips.
- Coconut oil – just a bit of coconut oil is used to make the chocolate more spreadable once it is melted. Optional but makes the chocolate silkier and easier to pour and spread.
- Flaky sea salt – optional for toping the bars.
Get the complete list of recipe ingredients, instructions, and nutrition in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- 8×8 pan
- Parchment paper
- Small rubber spatula
How To Make No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
Here is a summary with step-by-step photos for how to make these delicious chocolate peanut butter bars.
- Add the almond flour, peanut butter, and maple syrup to a medium size mixing bowl.
- Mix into a thick chunky peanut butter dough.
- Press the peanut butter base mixture into a lined 8×8 pan.
- Melt the chocolate chips with the coconut oil in 30-second increments, mixing in between until fully melted – about 60-90 seconds.
5. Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer.
6. Spread the chocolate evenly over the peanut butter layer and sprinkle with flaky sea salt, if desired.
7. Chill in the fridge for 2 hours.
8. Remove, cut into even squares and serve.
This recipe is a perfect example of my simple, real food philosophy.
Expert Tips For The Best Results
- You want to use a creamy peanut butter that is drippy but not too oily or it will take longer to setup. I love to use this protein peanut butter.
- Use an 8×8 lined pan. A 9×9 pan will make the bars too thin.
- Line the pan with parchment paper so it is easier to remove them for cutting after chilling.
- Use your hands sprayed with cooking spray or water to press the peanut butter mixture into the bottom of the pan. Note: make sure to spread the peanut butter evenly so the bars are all the same thickness.
- Pour the melted chocolate and spread in a nice even layer. Note: I found that a small rubber spatula was the perfect tool for spreading the melted chocolate.
- Chill for 2 hours+ in the fridge so they can firm up but not become too hard to cut.
Storing homemade peanut butter bars
Store homemade peanut butter bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
You can freeze them by cutting them into individual portions, wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper, and storing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When properly frozen, peanut butter bars can last for 2-3 months and can be thawed on the counter or in the refrigerator before serving.
FAQs
Yes, to make this recipe dairy free, use dairy free chocolate chips.
Yes, any nut butter will work! The key is to use a nice drippy nut butter and not a nut butter spread. Almond butter will alter the taste but they will still be delicious!
Coconut flour can be substituted for the almond flour but I found that the taste and texture of the bars came out best with the use of almond flour.
Yes, you can mix in graham cracker crumbs to the peanut butter layer for more traditional peanut butter bars. I would use about ½ cup crushed graham crackers.
More Peanut Butter + Chocolate Recipes
- Cookie Dough Bark
- Healthy Protein Puppy Chow
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs
- Gluten Free Buckeye Balls
- Viral Chocolate Banana Bark
Other No Bake Treats
- Chocolate Covered Strawberries
- Peanut Butter Balls
- Chocolate Protein Shake
- Protein Smores Bars
- Monster Cookie Energy Bites
Did you try this peanut butter bars recipe? If you did, then please leave a rating and comment below. I would love to hear how yours turned out!
Print
Healthy Peanut Butter Bars
- Total Time: 2 hours + 15 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 bars 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These easy no bake peanut butter bars come together easily with just 4 main ingredients. They are naturally sweetened and gluten free and make the best healthy dessert ever!
Ingredients
For the peanut butter layer
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup blanched almond flour
- ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons real maple syrup
For the chocolate layer
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil – optional
- Flaky sea salt – option for topping
Instructions
Make the peanut butter layer:
- Line an 8×8 metal pan with parchment paper – I like to do this by taking a parchment paper sheet, cutting it in half, and then layering it in the pan. Then I spray it with cooking spray to hold it in place and to prevent sticking.
- Combine the peanut butter layer ingredients (peanut butter, almond flour, maple syrup) in a medium size mixing bowl. It should look like wet play dough consistency.
- Press the peanut butter mixture into the bottom of the lined pan in an even layer. Note: Spray your hands with cooking spray or water and use them to easily press the mixture into the pan, edge to edge.
Add the chocolate layer and chill:
- Add the chocolate chips + coconut oil to a microwave safe dish and microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between until fully melted, about 60-90 seconds. Note: stirring every 30 seconds is crucial to avoid burning.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and spread it evenly, edge to edge. Top with flaky sea salt, if desired.
- Chill the peanut butter bars in the refrigerator for 2 hours. Once they are ready, remove them from the fridge, carefully lift them out of the pan by grabbing the edges of the parchment paper, and cut them into even size pieces using a sharp kitchen knife.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Use a creamy, drippy peanut butter that is not too oily or it will take longer to set up.
- If the peanut butter layer looks too wet them add a bit more almond flour about 1-2 tablespoons at a time until the mixture looks like wet play dough.
- Store leftover peanut butter bars in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- To freeze: wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Healthy Desserts
- Method: No bake
- Cuisine: American
Leave a Reply