These Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars combine the creamy richness of peanut butter with the smoothness of chocolate, creating a perfectly balanced dessert that’s both satisfying and indulgent. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, this treat is easy to make and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

For the Peanut Butter Base:

1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter
½ cup maple syrup
1 ½ cups oat flour

For the Chocolate Topping:

1 ½ cups chocolate chips
¼ cup creamy peanut butter

Instructions

Prepare the Pan
Line a 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Set aside.
Make the Peanut Butter Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1 ½ cups peanut butter and maple syrup. Microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until melted and smooth. Add the oat flour and stir until well combined. The mixture will be thick and dough-like.
Press into the Pan
Transfer the peanut butter mixture into the prepared pan. Press it evenly into the bottom of the pan, smoothing it out with a spatula.
Make the Chocolate Topping
In a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop, melt the chocolate chips and ¼ cup peanut butter together, stirring until smooth and well combined.
Spread the Chocolate
Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the peanut butter base and spread it evenly across the top with a spatula.
Chill and Set
Refrigerate the bars for 2-3 hours, or until the chocolate is firm and the bars are set. Let the bars sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before cutting into squares.
Serve
Serve cold for the best texture and flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, this recipe comes together quickly. No baking required!
Rich and Creamy: The combination of creamy peanut butter and smooth chocolate makes these bars decadently satisfying.
Healthy Ingredients: Made with oat flour and natural sweeteners like maple syrup, this recipe is a cleaner option compared to traditional desserts.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re making a quick snack or bringing something special to a party, these bars are sure to impress.

Tips

Room Temperature: Allow the bars to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before cutting to make slicing easier and prevent the chocolate from cracking.
Melt Chocolate Carefully: Whether you’re using the microwave or stovetop, melt the chocolate in short bursts, stirring often to prevent burning.
Mix Well: Make sure the peanut butter and maple syrup are thoroughly combined before adding the oat flour to ensure the texture is smooth.

Variations and Substitutions

Nut Butter: Swap peanut butter for almond butter or cashew butter for a different flavor profile.
Sweeteners: If you prefer a lower-glycemic option, try using honey or stevia in place of maple syrup.
Add-ins: To customize the bars, add chopped nuts, dried fruit, or shredded coconut into the peanut butter mixture before pressing it into the pan.
Chocolate: Use dark chocolate or milk chocolate for different levels of sweetness and richness.

FAQs

How long do these bars last?
These bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.

Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes! To make these bars vegan, ensure you use dairy-free chocolate chips and maple syrup as the sweetener.

Can I make these without oat flour?
If you don’t have oat flour, you can substitute it with almond flour or a different gluten-free flour. Regular flour will work too if you’re not gluten-sensitive.

Serving

Great for Snacks: These bars are perfect for a quick afternoon snack or a post-workout treat.
Impress at Parties: Bring them to your next gathering or picnic—everyone will love these delicious homemade bars.
Pair with a Drink: Pair with a glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee for a comforting snack.

Suggestions

Toppings: Garnish the bars with a sprinkle of sea salt for a salty-sweet twist or drizzle with extra melted chocolate for an added layer of richness.
Make Smaller Portions: For a smaller treat, cut the bars into bite-sized pieces and serve them as part of a dessert platter.
Try Different Nut Butters: Experiment with different nut butters like sunflower seed butter or hazelnut spread for a fun twist on this classic recipe.