No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars
User Reviews
5
No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars
Description
The base layer mixes creamy peanut butter with a sticky sweetener like maple syrup and coconut or almond flour to form a thick dough that is pressed evenly into a lined baking dish, then chilled in the freezer to set. The top chocolate layer is created by melting dark chocolate chips together with peanut butter and coconut oil to a smooth consistency, then spread or poured over the chilled base.
The recipe relies on chilling and freezing to firm up the bars in lieu of baking, resulting in a textured bottom layer that holds together well with a rich, glossy chocolate-peanut butter topping. Salt flakes can be sprinkled on top for a delicate contrast to the sweet flavors.
Substitutions include uses of oat flour, whey protein, or flaxseed instead of coconut or almond flour. Sweeteners like honey or agave are alternatives to maple syrup. The bars can be made vegan by choosing dairy-free chocolate chips and suitable sweeteners.
Ingredients
For the bottom layer:
- 1 cup peanut butter creamy
- 1¼ cup coconut flour See notes, or almond flour
- ½ cup maple syrup honey, or agave
For the top chocolate layer:
- ¼ cup peanut butter or almond butter
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips melted, sugar-free or dairy-free
- 1 tablespoon refined coconut oil
- salt flakes
Instructions
- Prepare a 9x5-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Into a medium bowl, add the 1 cup creamy peanut butter, ½ cup maple syrup, or whichever sweetener you are using, and mix thoroughly until smooth.
- Then, add the 1¼ cup coconut flour or almond flour. Using a spatula mix well until combined. If the dough gets hard to mix, you may use your hand until a thick dough mixture is formed.
- Pour the dough mixture into the baking dish. Using your hands. Press down on the dough and spread out smoothly into an even layer across the entire bottom of the dish.
- Place the dish with the peanut butter dough into the freezer for 10-15 minutes.
- While the dough is chilling, make the top layer. Place the 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips, 1 tablespoon refined coconut oil, and ¼ cup peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl and melt the chocolate in the microwave using 30 seconds bursts until the chocolate is nicely melted to prevent it from burning. Mix until smooth.
- Next, remove the dish with the peanut butter dough from the freezer. Pour the chocolate mixture over the peanut butter dough.
- Using a spatula, spread the chocolate evenly. Sprinkle with some Salt flakes if desired.
- Place the dish back into the freezer for about 10-15 minutes until it sets.
- Once it sets, remove the dish from the freezer. Carefully remove from the pan by pulling on the parchment paper from each side.
- Slice into 12-16 square bars. Top with more salt flakes if needed. Enjoy.
Notes
- Coconut or almond flour can be replaced with 2 cups of fine oat flour made by blending oatmeal finely.
- Whey protein or flaxseed can be substituted for the flour to alter texture and nutrition.
- Preferred sweeteners include maple syrup, honey, or agave according to taste and dietary needs.
- For a vegan version, use dairy-free chocolate chips and plant-based sweeteners.
- Use creamy peanut butter for easier mixing and smooth texture in both layers.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 313 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 313kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 22g | 7% |
| Protein | 9g | 18% |
| Fat | 23g | 35% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Cholesterol | 0.1mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 125mg | 5% |
| Potassium | 229mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 14g | 28% |
| Vitamin A | 1IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 0.04mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 75mg | 8% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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