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To make No Bake Peanut Butter Bars, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 cup natural peanut butter - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 2 cups rolled oats - 1/2 cup vanilla-flavored protein powder - 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional) - 1/4 cup chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts, optional) - A pinch of sea salt You can customize this recipe easily. For a nut-free option, use sunflower seed butter. If you want to cut sugar, try using mashed banana instead of honey. For a gluten-free version, pick certified gluten-free oats. If you prefer a different protein powder, use chocolate flavored for a richer taste. You can skip the chocolate chips if you want a lower-sugar treat. Instead, add dried fruit for a sweet twist. These bars are packed with nutrients. Each bar has around 180 calories. They contain healthy fats from peanut butter and fiber from oats. The protein powder adds a nice protein boost, about 5-7 grams per bar. If you add chopped nuts, you get even more healthy fats and protein. This treat is perfect for a quick snack or a post-workout boost. Remember, the exact numbers may change based on your specific ingredients. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, gather your peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract. Use natural peanut butter for the best flavor and texture. In a medium saucepan, combine these three ingredients. Heat over low heat while stirring. Once it is smooth and mixed well, take it off the heat. This mix will be the heart of your bars. Next, take a large mixing bowl. Add rolled oats, protein powder, and a pinch of sea salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together. Make sure they are mixed well. This step ensures every bite has the same great flavor. Uniformity is key for a tasty treat! Now, pour the warm peanut butter mix into your dry ingredients. Stir until everything is coated and blended well. If you want, fold in dark chocolate chips and chopped nuts for extra flavor. Prepare an 8x8 inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper. Pour the mixture into the dish. Press down firmly with a spatula or your hands to create a flat layer. Chill in the fridge for 1-2 hours to set. Once firm, lift the bars out using the parchment. Cut them into squares or rectangles. Enjoy your tasty no-bake peanut butter bars! To get the best texture, use natural peanut butter. It gives a creamy base. Make sure to heat the peanut butter, honey, and vanilla until smooth. This helps blend everything well. When mixing in the oats, stir gently but firmly. You want everything coated without breaking the oats. If you want a firmer bar, chill them longer. For a beautiful look, serve your bars on a wooden platter. Drizzle melted chocolate on top for a fancy touch. You can also add whole peanuts on the bars. This adds a nice crunch and makes them pop. Cut them into squares or rectangles for easy grabbing. One mistake is not pressing the mixture firmly into the dish. This can lead to crumbly bars. Another issue is skipping the chilling time. If you don’t chill long enough, the bars won’t hold together. Also, avoid using low-quality peanut butter. It can change the taste and texture. Pro Tips Use Creamy Peanut Butter: For a smoother texture in your bars, opt for creamy peanut butter rather than crunchy. This ensures a uniform mix and easier slicing once set. Chill for Extra Firmness: Allowing the bars to chill for longer than 2 hours can provide an even firmer texture, making them easier to handle and cut. Customizable Add-ins: Feel free to customize the bars by adding your favorite mix-ins, like dried fruits or seeds, to enhance flavor and nutrition. Storage Tips: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze them for longer-term storage. Just thaw before serving! {{image_4}} You can make these no-bake peanut butter bars even tastier. Try adding mix-ins for flavor and fun. Some great options include: - Cocoa powder: For a rich chocolate taste, mix in 1/4 cup. - Coconut flakes: Add 1/4 cup of shredded coconut for a tropical twist. - Dried fruits: Mix in 1/2 cup of raisins or cranberries for sweetness and texture. - Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can boost the flavor profile. These add-ins let you customize your bars to suit your taste! I love how easy it is to adapt these bars for different diets. To make them vegan, simply swap honey for maple syrup. For gluten-free bars, just ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. You can also use dairy-free chocolate chips if you want a vegan option. These changes keep the flavor while meeting dietary needs. These bars are easy to store. You can make a big batch and enjoy them later. Here are some tips: - Single servings: Cut the bars into squares, wrap each piece in parchment paper, and place them in a container. - Layering: If you stack the bars, separate each layer with parchment paper to avoid sticking. - Fridge vs. freezer: Keep them in the fridge for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months. These simple steps help you enjoy your no-bake peanut butter bars whenever you want a tasty treat! To keep your no-bake peanut butter bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. Use parchment paper to separate layers. This prevents sticking and keeps bars intact. When stored properly, these bars last up to one week in the fridge. If you notice any change in smell or texture, it’s best to discard them. You can freeze these bars for up to three months. Cut the bars into squares first. Wrap each square in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Enjoy the same great taste! Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter. It adds a nice texture. The bars will still taste great! If you like bits of peanut in your treat, crunchy is a fun choice. To make these bars vegan, use maple syrup instead of honey. Also, choose dairy-free chocolate chips. This way, you keep the bars plant-based and yummy. If you want a substitute for honey or maple syrup, try agave syrup or brown rice syrup. Both options will keep the bars sweet. You can also use date syrup for a rich taste. This blog post covered everything you need for making tasty bars. We started with key ingredients and helpful substitutions. Then, we walked through each simple step to make the bars. I shared tips for the best texture and ideas for good looks. We explored flavor options and dietary changes. Lastly, I outlined storage methods for freshness. Now, you can create delicious, healthy bars with ease. Enjoy your baking and share your tasty results with others!

Decadent No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars

Delicious and easy-to-make no-bake bars made with peanut butter, oats, and optional chocolate and nuts.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup natural peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup vanilla-flavored protein powder
  • 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional: use dairy-free for a vegan version)
  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as almonds or walnuts)
  • a pinch sea salt

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preparing your base: In a medium saucepan, combine the natural peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and pure vanilla extract. Heat the mixture over low heat. Stir continuously until it becomes smooth and fully blended, then remove from heat.
  • In a large mixing bowl, add the rolled oats, protein powder, and a pinch of sea salt. Whisk together the dry ingredients until they are uniformly mixed for a consistent texture.
  • Carefully pour the warm peanut butter mixture into the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until all components are well combined and the oats are fully coated.
  • If using, gently fold in the dark chocolate chips and chopped nuts into the mixture using a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout.
  • Prepare your baking dish: Line an 8x8 inch square baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some edges to overhang for easy removal later.
  • Transfer the peanut butter mixture into the prepared dish. Use a spatula or your hands to firmly press down the mixture, ensuring it forms a flat and even layer across the bottom of the dish.
  • Chill the dish in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours, letting the bars set and achieve the desired firmness.
  • Once the mixture has set, lift the bars out of the dish using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares or rectangles based on your preferred size.

Notes

For an eye-catching presentation, serve the bars on a rustic wooden platter, drizzled with melted chocolate or topped with whole peanuts.
Keyword bars, dessert, healthy, no-bake, peanut butter