Mahj Munchies: Peanut Butter Bars

Some recipes earn a permanent spot in your back pocket. You know, the kind you make once and then find yourself thinking about again and again? These no-bake healthy peanut butter bars are exactly that kind of treat.

They strike the ideal balance between indulgent and wholesome, with a soft, peanut-buttery base made from simple pantry ingredients and topped with a smooth layer of rich, dairy-free chocolate. No oven required, no complicated steps, and no special equipment. Just mix, press, pour, and chill.

What makes these bars especially appealing is how effortlessly they fit into everyday life. They feel decadent enough for dessert, yet nourishing enough to grab as a mid-afternoon snack. They are vegan, gluten-free, and naturally sweetened, which makes them easy to share with friends and family who have different dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

The texture is part of the magic. The base is sturdy but tender, with a subtle chew, while the chocolate topping sets into a silky, satisfying finish. Together, they deliver that nostalgic chocolate-and-peanut-butter combination we all love, with a cleaner, more modern twist.

These peanut butter bars are also wonderfully flexible. Keep them stored in the fridge or freezer for a make-ahead treat, slice them small for a sweet bite after a meal, or cut generous squares when you want something that truly feels like dessert. They travel well, making them perfect for gatherings, game nights, or a little something sweet to enjoy between hands of mahjong.

If you are looking for a no-fuss recipe that delivers big on flavor and feel-good ingredients, this is one you will come back to again and again.

Recipe Card

Healthy Peanut Butter Bars

These No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars are the kind of dessert that feels like a hug in square form. Packed with creamy peanut butter, a whisper of natural sweetness from maple syrup, and a tender oat-flour base, they layer with a glossy cascade of rich dairy-free chocolate on top, all without turning on the oven. Vegan, gluten-free, and made with just a handful of wholesome ingredients, they strike that perfect salty-sweet balance that reminds you of a homemade Reese’s cup but with a cleaner, satisfying finish. Set them in the freezer to firm up and slice into bars that are ideal for an afternoon pick-me-up, an after-dinner treat, or a snack that doubles as dessert.

Author: Amanda Stevenson Cooking Method: No Cook Courses: Desserts

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Baset

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Servings

• 1 cup salted peanut butter (if not salted, add in a pinch)
• ¹⁄₄ cup + 1 tbsp maple syrup
• ³⁄₄ cup almond flour

Topping

• ¹⁄₂ cup peanut butter

• 1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, mix together peanut butter, maple syrup, and oat flour until well combined.
2. Press mixture into an 8×8 dish.
3. Pour chocolate chips and remaining peanut butter into a microwave safe dish and microwave on 30 second increments until chips are melted.
4. Pour melted chocolate peanut butter mixture over peanut butter base.
5. Place in freezer for one hour, then cut and serve.
6. Store in fridge or freezer!

Note

Adapted from Erin Lives Whole’s Healthy Peanut Butter Bars Recipe

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