No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

Vegan peanut butter bars are the kind of freezer treat you will want to keep on hand all week. They are rich, sweet, salty, and nutty, with a flavor that is reminiscent of a PayDay-style candy bar. Each bar has a tender almond flour cake layer topped with a creamy maple peanut butter layer that melts in your mouth. They are easy to prepare ahead of time, simple to slice, and perfect for dessert, snacking, or a quick sweet bite after dinner. If you do not use peanut butter, you can also make these bars with almond butter or another nut butter you enjoy.

Why You Need To Make These Peanut Butter Bars

These peanut butter bars are easy to love because they are creamy, satisfying, and full of sweet and salty flavor. The base is soft and nutty, while the peanut butter maple topping sets in the freezer into a smooth, fudge-like layer. The texture is firm enough to slice, but soft enough to bite into straight from the freezer after a minute or two.

Another reason to make this recipe is convenience. Since these are freezer peanut butter bars, you can prepare a batch once and enjoy them throughout the week. They store well in a freezer bag or airtight freezer container, so you can grab one whenever you want a plant-based dessert or snack. They are also great for meal prep because the bars stay fresh for up to three months when frozen properly.

These bars are vegan and gluten free when made with the listed plant-based ingredients and arrowroot powder. They are simple enough to make with kids, and the topping can be customized depending on the season or occasion. Peanuts add a classic salty crunch, but you can also use other toppings you already have on hand. For a festive look, colorful candies or Jordan almonds can make the bars feel special for spring gatherings, holidays, or celebrations.

Ingredients For These Peanut Butter Bars

Peanut Butter. Peanut butter is the main ingredient in the creamy freezer layer. It gives the bars their bold nutty flavor and rich texture. If you have a peanut allergy or simply prefer a different flavor, cashew butter or almond butter will also work well.

Almond Flour. Almond flour forms the base of the cake layer. It gives the bars a naturally nutty flavor and keeps the recipe gluten free. It also creates a tender texture that pairs well with the peanut butter topping.

Arrowroot Powder. Arrowroot powder helps support the cake layer and gives it a better structure. It works well in gluten-free baking and helps the base hold together once the bars are sliced.

Maple Syrup. Maple syrup sweetens the peanut butter layer and adds warm maple flavor. You can use monk fruit or stevia if you are trying to reduce sugar, but maple syrup gives these vegan peanut butter bars their best flavor.

Coconut Oil. Melted coconut oil helps the peanut butter layer set in the freezer while keeping it soft enough to bite through. It also helps create that smooth, fudge-like texture.

Plant-Based Butter. Vegan butter is used in the cake layer. Earth Balance is a good option, but you can use your favorite plant-based butter. If you are not vegan, regular butter can be used instead.

Salt. A little salt balances the sweetness and brings out the peanut butter flavor. Sweet and salty flavors work beautifully in this recipe.

How To Make These Peanut Butter Bars

Start by making the cake layer. Mix the vegan butter, almond flour, arrowroot powder, and sugar together until combined. Line an 8×5-inch bread pan, or a similar-sized pan, with parchment paper. Leave extra parchment hanging over the sides so the bars are easy to lift out later. Press the cake mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan and bake at 350ºF for about 20 minutes.

Once the base is baked, let it cool completely. You can cool it on the counter or place it in the freezer to speed up the process. It is important that the cake layer is fully cooled before adding the peanut butter mixture, otherwise the topping may melt too much and separate.

Next, prepare the maple peanut butter layer.

Step 1. Add the peanut butter, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and salt to a bowl.

Step 2. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.

Step 3. Pour the maple peanut butter mixture over the cooled cake layer and spread it into an even layer. Add peanuts or your topping of choice, then place the pan flat in the freezer for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the bars are firm. Once set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice them into small squares or bars with a sharp knife. Store the bars in a freezer bag or airtight freezer container for up to 3 months.

Tips & Tricks

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• Peanut Butter Fudge
• Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies
• Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats