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- 1 cup creamy peanut butter - 1 cup rolled oats - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted - 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Optional toppings like crushed nuts or colorful sprinkles To make no-bake peanut butter bars, you need simple and tasty ingredients. Each one adds flavor and texture. The creamy peanut butter creates a rich base. Rolled oats give the bars a chewy feel. Honey or maple syrup adds sweetness and binds everything together. The melted coconut oil helps the mixture stay moist. Dark chocolate chips on top give a sweet finish. Sea salt balances the sweetness. Vanilla extract adds a warm flavor. You can also use crushed nuts or colorful sprinkles as fun toppings. They make the bars look great and add crunch. Gather these ingredients, and you are ready to create a delicious treat. The recipe is easy and quick, perfect for any skill level. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of creamy peanut butter, 1/2 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. This mixture is the base for your bars. - Step 2: Gradually mix in 1 cup of rolled oats and 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt. Stir well until the oats are fully mixed in. The mixture should feel sticky and cohesive. - Step 3: Prepare an 8x8 inch square baking dish. Line it with parchment paper, letting some paper hang over the sides. This helps you lift the bars out later. - Step 4: Press the peanut butter and oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the lined baking dish. Use a spatula to make sure it is even and smooth. - Step 5: In a microwave-safe bowl, add 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips. Melt them in the microwave in 30-second intervals. Stir well between each interval until the chocolate is smooth. - Step 6: Carefully pour the melted chocolate over the pressed peanut butter layer. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface. This will create a delicious topping. - Step 7: If you want, sprinkle crushed nuts or colorful sprinkles over the melted chocolate. Gently press down on the toppings. This helps them stick to the chocolate layer. - Step 8: Place the baking dish in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Once the bars are set, lift them out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares or rectangles. Follow these steps, and you will have tasty no-bake peanut butter bars ready to enjoy! - Ensure smooth mixing of the peanut butter mixture. This keeps the bars creamy and tasty. - Press the peanut butter oat mixture firmly for a dense bar. It helps them hold together well. - Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor. Good chocolate makes a big difference. - Overheating chocolate when melting can ruin its texture. Heat it slowly in short bursts. - Not letting the bars set long enough in the refrigerator leads to a soft texture. Give them at least two hours to firm up. Pro Tips Use Natural Peanut Butter: Opt for a natural peanut butter without added sugars or oils for a healthier option and a more authentic peanut flavor. Chill for Better Texture: Allow the bars to chill longer than the minimum time suggested for a firmer texture that holds together better when cut. Experiment with Toppings: Try using different toppings like shredded coconut, chia seeds, or various nut butters for added flavor and texture. Storage Tips: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks to maintain freshness and prevent them from getting too soft. {{image_4}} You can easily change the flavors of these bars. Here are some ideas: - Add protein powder: Mixing in a scoop of protein powder boosts nutrition. It adds protein without changing taste much. - Use almond or cashew butter: Swap peanut butter for almond or cashew butter. This gives a new taste and feel. - Incorporate dried fruits or seeds: Adding dried fruits like cranberries or seeds like sunflower seeds adds great texture. It also gives a chewy bite. Toppings can make your bars more fun. Here are some options to try: - Experiment with chocolate or nut butter: Use white chocolate, milk chocolate, or different nut butters. Each option adds its own flavor twist. - Use shredded coconut or mini marshmallows: Sprinkling shredded coconut adds a tropical feel. Mini marshmallows give a sweet, fluffy bite. Feel free to mix and match these suggestions. Each change brings a new twist to your no-bake peanut butter bars! To keep your no-bake peanut butter bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place them in the refrigerator. This method helps maintain their texture and flavor. These bars last about one week in the fridge. You can serve them straight from the fridge or let them sit out for a few minutes to soften slightly. If you want to enjoy these bars later, freezing is a great option. Start by cutting the bars into squares. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, simply take out a bar. Let it thaw in the fridge for about an hour. Enjoy your tasty treat just like fresh! Can I substitute ingredients for allergies? Yes, you can swap ingredients based on your needs. If you have a peanut allergy, use almond butter or sun butter instead. For sweeteners, maple syrup works great if honey is a problem. Just keep in mind that texture may change slightly. How long do these bars last? These bars stay fresh for about one week in the fridge. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Just wrap them well in plastic wrap or foil to avoid freezer burn. Can I make these without coconut oil? You can replace coconut oil with another fat. Unsalted butter or even a neutral oil like canola oil works well. The bars may taste a bit different, but they will still hold together nicely. What's the best way to cut these bars? To cut the bars cleanly, use a sharp knife. First, let them chill for at least two hours. Lift them out of the dish using the parchment paper. Cut them into squares or rectangles. For neat edges, wipe the knife after each cut. These no-bake peanut butter bars are easy to make and taste great. You need simple ingredients, like peanut butter and oats, and a few steps to prepare. By following the tips provided, you can avoid common mistakes and create delicious bars. Feel free to explore different flavors and toppings to make them your own. Store them easily in the fridge or freezer for later. With this guide, making snacks is simple and fun. Enjoy your tasty treats!

Peanut Butter Bliss Bars

Delicious no-bake bars made with creamy peanut butter, oats, and topped with melted dark chocolate.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • to taste crushed nuts or colorful sprinkles for topping (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk or spatula to stir until the mixture is completely smooth and well incorporated.
  • Gradually add the rolled oats and sea salt to the peanut butter mixture. Stir until the oats are fully combined and the mixture becomes sticky and cohesive.
  • Prepare an 8x8 inch square baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, letting some edges hang over the sides for easy lifting later.
  • Firmly press the peanut butter and oat mixture into the bottom of the lined baking dish, using a spatula to ensure an even and smooth layer across the base.
  • In a microwave-safe bowl, add the dark chocolate chips. Melt them in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each interval until the chocolate is completely melted and velvety smooth.
  • Once melted, carefully pour the chocolate over the pressed peanut butter layer. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring it coats the entire surface for a luscious topping.
  • If desired, sprinkle crushed nuts or colorful sprinkles over the melted chocolate. Gently press down on the toppings to help them adhere to the chocolate layer.
  • Place the baking dish in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until the bars have set firmly. Once set, lift them out using the parchment overhang and cut into squares or rectangles.

Notes

For a refined touch, drizzle extra melted chocolate over the top before serving.
Keyword dessert bars, no-bake, peanut butter