Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars
Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars are a rich, creamy, no-bake treat that blends smooth peanut butter and decadent chocolate into satisfyingly chewy bars. Perfect as a quick snack or indulgent dessert, these bars offer a comforting balance of sweet and salty flavors with customizable options for various dietary preferences.
- Author: Sophie
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free oats used), Vegan option available
Primary Ingredients
- Creamy Peanut Butter – 1 cup
- Honey or Maple Syrup – 1/3 cup
- Rolled Oats – 2 cups
- Dark Chocolate Chips – 1/2 cup
- Coconut Oil – 1/4 cup
- Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon
- Pinch of Salt – 1/4 teaspoon
- Prepare Your Pan: Line an 8×8-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to easily lift the bars after they set.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats and a pinch of salt. Stir well to evenly distribute.
- Melt the Wet Ingredients: In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, gently melt the peanut butter, coconut oil, and honey together until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the peanut butter mixture over the oats and mix until all oats are fully coated and combined.
- Press Into Pan and Add Chocolate: Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan, pressing firmly to create an even layer. Sprinkle the dark chocolate chips evenly over the top and gently press them into the bars.
- Chill Until Set: Refrigerate the pan for at least 2 hours or until the bars are firm. Once chilled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and cut into individual bars.
Notes
- Use natural peanut butter with no added oils for the best flavor.
- Press the mixture firmly into the pan to ensure bars hold together well.
- Do not skip chilling; it is essential for the bars to set properly.
- Customize with different types of chocolate or mix-ins like nuts or seeds.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Freeze individually wrapped bars up to three months; thaw before serving.
- Best served cold or at room temperature; warm briefly if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: chocolate peanut butter bars, no-bake dessert, easy snack, gluten-free dessert, vegan dessert option, healthy bars