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- 1 cup creamy peanut butter - 1 cup rolled oats - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips - 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional) - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract When I set out to make no-bake chocolate peanut butter bars, I always gather my favorite ingredients first. The creamy peanut butter is rich and adds great flavor. Rolled oats give a nice texture and make the bars hearty. You can choose honey or maple syrup for sweetness—both work well. Cocoa powder is key for that rich chocolate taste. Dark chocolate chips melt beautifully on top, adding a smooth finish. Shredded coconut gives a fun twist, but it's optional. A sprinkle of sea salt balances all the sweet flavors. Finally, vanilla extract enhances everything, making it truly special. - Mixing bowls - Baking dish (8-inch by 8-inch) - Parchment paper - Spatula - Microwave-safe bowl Having the right tools makes cooking easier. I love using mixing bowls for combining my ingredients. An 8-inch by 8-inch baking dish works perfectly for this recipe. Lining it with parchment paper helps with easy removal later. A spatula is great for mixing and spreading the mixture evenly. Lastly, a microwave-safe bowl is a must for melting chocolate smoothly. For the full recipe, refer to the section above. - In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of creamy peanut butter, 1/2 cup of honey (or maple syrup), and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Mix well until smooth. - In another bowl, mix 1 cup of rolled oats, 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of fine sea salt. Stir until blended. - Slowly add the dry mixture to the peanut butter mixture. Stir until well combined. If you want coconut, fold in 1/4 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut. - Prepare an 8-inch by 8-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the sides. - Place 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second increments, stirring after each time, until melted and smooth. - Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter mixture in the baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. - Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil. Place it in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or until the bars are firm. - Once set, lift the bars out using the parchment paper. Place them on a cutting board and cut into squares. For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions above. - Ensure room temperature for smooth mixing. Cold peanut butter does not blend well. - Press mixture firmly for even bars. A good press helps the bars hold together. - Dust with cocoa powder for a rich look. It adds a nice touch. - Add a sprinkle of shredded coconut. This gives a tropical twist to your bars. - Not properly measuring ingredients can ruin the taste. Use measuring cups for accuracy. - Overheating the chocolate makes it grainy. Heat in short bursts for the best results. For the Full Recipe, check out the steps to create this delightful treat! {{image_4}} You can switch things up by using almond butter instead of peanut butter. Almond butter adds a nice nutty taste. For a nutrition boost, consider adding protein powder. This makes the bars filling and extra healthy. Drizzling caramel or white chocolate on top gives a sweet touch. You can also sprinkle nuts or seeds for a satisfying crunch. These toppings make each bite fun and tasty. If you want a different sweetener, use agave syrup in place of honey. This gives you a vegan option. For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free oats. These swaps help everyone enjoy the bars. For the full recipe, check the section above! To keep your no-bake chocolate peanut butter bars fresh, follow these simple steps: - Store in an airtight container. - Keep refrigerated for up to one week. This helps maintain their flavor and texture. I find that using a glass container works best. It seals tight and prevents moisture. Want to keep your bars longer? You can freeze them! Here’s how: - They can be frozen for longer shelf life. - Thaw before serving. Cut the bars into pieces first. Then, wrap them in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to enjoy, just remove the desired amount and let them sit at room temperature. Enjoy your treat anytime! For the full recipe, check the section above. To make these bars vegan, substitute honey with maple syrup. This swap keeps the sweetness. Ensure you use dairy-free chocolate for the topping. Many brands offer great options that taste just as good. Yes, you can omit cocoa. Instead, add more rolled oats or peanuts. This change will keep the bars tasty and satisfying. You can play around with flavors while sticking to the base recipe. These bars stay fresh for up to one week in the fridge. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. They can last several months when frozen. Just thaw them before you eat. If you need an alternative to chocolate chips, try using carob chips. Chopped dried fruits work too. Both options add a nice twist to your bars and keep them delicious. You now know how to make delicious no-bake peanut butter bars. We covered the ingredients, tools, and step-by-step instructions. I shared tips to perfect your bars and variations to fit your taste. Always remember to store them properly for freshness. These bars are quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Enjoy making them your own while keeping it simple and fun!

No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

Satisfy your sweet tooth with these easy No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars! Perfect for a quick treat, this recipe combines creamy peanut butter, rich cocoa, and chocolate chips for a deliciously satisfying snack that both kids and adults will love. With minimal ingredients and no baking required, these bars are ready to enjoy in just a couple of hours. Click through for the full recipe and dive into this delightful treat today!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup creamy peanut butter

1 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup honey or maple syrup

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)

1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions
 

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Use a spatula or a whisk to mix these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and thoroughly blended.

    In a separate bowl, sift together the rolled oats, cocoa powder, and sea salt. Stir the dry ingredients until they are well combined and evenly distributed.

      Gradually introduce the dry mixture into the peanut butter mixture, stirring continuously until everything is fully integrated. If you're adding shredded coconut, carefully fold it into the mixture at this stage to ensure even distribution.

        Prepare an 8-inch by 8-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides to facilitate easy removal later.

          Transfer the combined mixture into the lined baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Use your hands or a flat spatula to press the mixture down firmly, ensuring it creates a smooth, even layer.

            In a microwave-safe bowl, place the dark chocolate chips and heat them in 30-second intervals. Stir well between each interval until the chocolate is melted and smooth.

              Carefully pour the melted chocolate over the pressed peanut butter mixture in the baking dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface to form a rich chocolate layer on top.

                Cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the bars are fully set and firm to the touch.

                  Once the bars are set, lift them out of the baking dish using the overhanging parchment paper. Place them on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.

                    Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will keep fresh for up to one week.

                      Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes | Servings: 16 bars

                        - Presentation Tips: For an elegant presentation, serve the bars chilled and dust them lightly with cocoa powder or sprinkle additional shredded coconut on top as a garnish. Arrange them on a platter for a delightful treat.