No Bake Peanut Butter Cup Bars are the ultimate quick and satisfying treat for peanut butter and chocolate lovers. Packed with simple, wholesome ingredients and requiring zero oven time, this easy dessert is ideal for those busy days or when you just need a little something sweet without the hassle. Whether you’re prepping for a party, a cozy night in, or a last-minute sweet craving, these bars will come to your rescue. With creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and a hint of sea salt, each bite offers a blissful, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Why You’ll Love This No Bake Peanut Butter Cup Bars Recipe
These bars are incredibly simple to make, requiring only a few ingredients and no baking whatsoever. They offer a healthier twist on classic peanut butter cups and can be made gluten-free and dairy-free. With their rich flavor, smooth texture, and beautiful presentation, they’re perfect for gifting, meal prepping, or indulging in a guilt-free dessert.
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Base
- 3/4 cup creamy salted peanut butter (natural, with just peanuts and salt)
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (optional, for extra flavor)
Chocolate Topping
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks (dairy-free if needed)
- 2 tablespoons creamy salted peanut butter
- 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil
For Topping (Optional)
- Flaky sea salt (e.g., Maldon)
Step-by-Step: How to Make No-Bake Peanut Butter Cup Bars
- Line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a microwave-safe mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, almond flour, maple syrup, and optional sea salt. Stir until fully mixed.
- Transfer the mixture into the loaf pan and spread evenly to form the base layer.
- In the same bowl, add chocolate chips and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until melted and smooth. Alternatively, use a double boiler on the stove by placing a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water and stirring until the chocolate melts.
- Stir in the peanut butter and coconut oil until the chocolate is silky and well combined.
- Spread the chocolate mixture evenly over the peanut butter layer. Optionally, sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
- Freeze for 20 minutes or until set.
- Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper and slice into about 14 bars.
Helpful Tips
- Use natural, drippy peanut butter for best consistency.
- If your peanut butter is on the thicker side or dry, gently warm it to help it mix more easily.
- Stir chocolate frequently while melting to avoid burning.
- Cut bars using a sharp knife for clean edges.
Substitutions And Variations
- Swap almond flour with oat flour for a nut-free base.
- Use honey or agave instead of maple syrup.
- Add a layer of crushed pretzels or chopped nuts between the peanut butter and chocolate for added crunch.
- Make them extra decadent by adding a swirl of caramel on top before freezing.
Storage Instructions
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1–2 weeks.
- For longer storage, freeze for up to 1 month.
- Allow bars to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving if frozen.
Nutritional Information
Each bar (1 of 14 servings) contains:
- Calories: 160
- Carbohydrates: 9.9 g
- Protein: 5.2 g
- Fat: 12.3 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.8 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.1 g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 51 mg
- Potassium: 137 mg
- Fiber: 2.2 g
- Sugar: 5.7 g
- Calcium: 31 mg
- Iron: 0.9 mg
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a cup of coffee or herbal tea for an afternoon treat.
- Serve with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream for a rich dessert.
- Crumble over a smoothie bowl or yogurt for a sweet topping.
- Wrap in parchment and gift as homemade treats during the holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions About No-Bake Peanut Butter Cup Bars
Can I use crunchy peanut butter? Yes, but the texture will be less smooth. It can add a pleasant crunch if that’s your preference.
Are these bars gluten-free? Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free almond flour and chocolate.
Can I double the recipe? Absolutely. Use an 8×8 inch pan instead of a loaf pan for a double batch.
How do I prevent the chocolate from cracking when slicing? Let the bars rest at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting and use a sharp knife for clean slices.
Is coconut oil necessary? It helps make the chocolate topping smoother and easier to slice, but you can omit it if needed.
Final Thoughts
Thank you so much for trying out these delicious No-Bake Peanut Butter Cup Bars. They’re a favorite in our kitchen for their simplicity, incredible flavor, and satisfying texture. I hope they become a go-to treat in your home too. Whether you’re enjoying them solo, sharing with friends, or packing them for lunch, these bars are sure to please. Happy no-baking and thanks for being a part of our food-loving community!
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No-Bake Peanut Butter Cup Bars
- Total Time: 30 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 14 bars 1x
Description
No-Bake Peanut Butter Cup Bars are a simple, chocolatey, and satisfying treat with a creamy peanut butter base and rich chocolate topping. Made with wholesome ingredients and zero oven time, they’re perfect for a quick snack, dessert, or gift.
Ingredients
3/4 cup creamy salted peanut butter (natural)
1/2 cup almond flour
2 Tbsp maple syrup
1/4 tsp sea salt (optional)
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks (dairy-free if needed)
2 Tbsp creamy salted peanut butter
1/2 tsp coconut oil
Flaky sea salt (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a microwave-safe mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, almond flour, maple syrup, and optional sea salt. Stir until fully mixed.
- Transfer the mixture into the loaf pan and spread evenly to form the base layer.
- In the same bowl, add chocolate chips and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until melted and smooth. Alternatively, use a double boiler on the stove by placing a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water and stirring until the chocolate melts.
- Stir in the peanut butter and coconut oil until the chocolate is silky and well combined.
- Spread the chocolate mixture evenly over the peanut butter layer. Optionally, sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
- Freeze for 20 minutes or until set.
- Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper and slice into about 14 bars.
Notes
Use natural, drippy peanut butter for best results.
Slightly warm peanut butter if too thick to mix easily.
Let bars sit at room temperature before slicing to avoid chocolate cracking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 5.7 g
- Carbohydrates: 9.9 g
- Protein: 5.2 g