No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars (Easy 5-Ingredient Vegan Recipe)

About the Recipe

These peanut butter bars require no baking and are the perfect treat whether you’re looking for a family-friendly dessert, grab-and-go afternoon snack, or something to satisfy your sweet tooth with minimal effort.

All you need to make these sweet and salty bars is 5 simple ingredients and 15 minutes of prep time (plus chilling – the hardest part!). They’re also vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free making them the perfect dessert for anyone with dietary restrictions. You can even make them peanut-free.

This recipe is made without graham crackers and powdered sugar, two ingredients often used in peanut butter bar recipes. Instead, it uses dates, coconut oil and coconut flour.

They feature a lightly sweetened creamy peanut butter layer topped with a fudgy layer of peanut butter chocolate. If you love peanut butter cups, you’ll love these bars!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Soak the dates.

Get the dates ready by submerging them in some hot water to soften them, while you move on to prepping your other ingredients.

When that’s done, get out an 8×8-inch pan and line it with parchment paper.

Step 3: Press peanut butter layer into pan.

Firmly press the peanut butter into the lined pan until you have firm, even layer.

Step 3: Melt the chocolate.

Add the chocolate and peanut butter to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 30 seconds then stir well. It should be almost fully melted after you mix it up.

Depending on the chocolate you use, that may be all you need but if it needs a little more, continue in 15-second increments, stirring between each until completely melted and smooth.

Quick Tip: This can also be done using a double boiler or a metal or glass bowl placed over a small pot of boiling water on the stovetop.

Step 3: Add the chocolate layer and chill the bars.

Spread the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer in the pan. Place the whole pan in the fridge for at least 1 hour to firm. You can leave them to chill as long as you like before slicing.

Step 4: Slice and enjoy!

Using the edges of the parchment paper, carefully remove the bars from the pan. Cut them up in 16 pieces and enjoy!

Tips for Success

1. Line the pan. Line your pan with parchment paper that stretches beyond its edges to easily lift out and slice afterwards
2. Use a digital scale. Use a digital scale for accuracy when measuring ingredients – because you always want to get those proportions just right!
3. Sweeten to taste. The peanut butter layer is not super sweet but I think with the chocolate layer on top, the bars are sweet enough. If you’d like the peanut butter layer to be a bit sweeter, you can add 1-3 tbsp of maple syrup or powdered sugar.

Possible Variations

• Press pretzels into the chocolate layer before chilling.
• Press coconut flakes and chopped peanuts into the pretzel layer before freezer.
• Add up to 1 cup rice crispy cereal to the peanut butter layer.

Storing Instructions

• These bars should be kept chilled.
• Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up 2-3 weeks.
• Freeze in an airtight container for up to 4 months.
• They don’t freeze solid so can be enjoyed directly from the freezer.

So there you have it: the yummiest recipe for no-bake peanut butter bars that are sure to please a crowd (or just yourself!).

Be sure to let me know how they turn out if you decided to make them – and don’t forget to share photos over on Instagram using #RunningOnRealFood. I can’t wait to see your creations!