If you’re looking for a melt-in-your-mouth no-bake dessert, these Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars are about to become your go-to sweet treat! With layers of luscious peanut butter hugged by a rich, fudgy dairy-free chocolate topping, they’re the definition of irresistible comfort food—whether it’s a quick snack or an indulgent dessert, everyone falls in love at first bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Baking Required: All you need is a fridge—perfect for hot days or quick cravings when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
- Classic Pairing, Now Vegan: The beloved combination of chocolate and peanut butter gets a totally plant-based makeover that’s just as rich and satisfying.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These bars are a guaranteed hit at parties, potlucks, and lunchboxes—kids and adults alike can’t resist them!
- Make-Ahead Magic: They keep wonderfully in the fridge or freezer, making them the ultimate prep-ahead treat for busy weeks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars come together with just a handful of pantry staples, but every ingredient truly shines. Each one adds its own special touch, from creamy, salty smoothness to that perfect snap of chocolate on top!
- Vegan butter: Melted vegan butter is essential for binding the base and giving it that luscious, rich texture—make sure to use a neutral, high-quality brand for the best results.
- Creamy peanut butter: The heart of the bars! Creamy peanut butter provides flavor, body, and that crave-worthy salty-sweet balance.
- Cookie crumbs (like honey-free graham crackers): Crushed cookies form the structure of the base, adding that nostalgic cookie flavor and keeping everything together.
- Powdered sugar: This sweetens the peanut butter layer and creates that smooth, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
- Dairy-free chocolate chips: Always check the label for vegan-friendly chips; they’ll create a decadent, glossy chocolate topping.
- Extra peanut butter (for the topping): Mixed into the chocolate, this helps ensure a soft, sliceable top layer with extra nutty flavor.
Variations
One of my favorite things about Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars is how endlessly customizable they are! Here are some delicious tweaks and swaps you can try, so this recipe easily fits your cravings, pantry, or dietary needs.
- Nut Butter Swap: Need a peanut-free option? Almond butter or sunflower seed butter can totally stand in and still yield scrumptious bars.
- Gluten-Free Bars: Use gluten-free graham crackers or cookies for your crumbs and you’ll never miss the wheat!
- Add a Crunchy Layer: Sprinkle in chopped roasted peanuts, crushed pretzels, or even rice crisps to the peanut butter base for a fun texture twist.
- Extra Chocolatey: Stir a handful of mini dairy-free chocolate chips right into the peanut butter layer for pockets of chocolate in every bite.
How to Make Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving a generous overhang on the sides. This makes it almost effortless to lift out your finished Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars—no sticky corners and perfect slices every time.
Step 2: Whip Up the Peanut Butter Base
Melt your vegan butter, then pour it into a big mixing bowl along with the creamy peanut butter. Stir until completely smooth, then add the powdered sugar and combine thoroughly. Gently mix in the cookie crumbs, starting with half and then adding the rest to make a thick, “cookie dough” like mixture. It should be a bit stiff—use your hands if it feels too thick for a spoon!
Step 3: Press & Set the Base
Transfer the peanut butter mixture into your prepared pan. Press it down firmly and evenly, making sure to reach all the corners and flatten the surface. This will become the solid, dreamy base of your bars!
Step 4: Melt the Chocolate Topping
Using a small saucepan, melt the dairy-free chocolate chips and remaining peanut butter together over low to medium heat. Stir constantly until smooth and glossy, taking care not to scorch the chocolate. The instant you see a silky pool and no unmelted chips, remove from heat.
Step 5: Pour and Spread
Pour the melted chocolate-peanut butter mixture over your base, then use a spatula to evenly spread it right to the edges. Don’t worry if it doesn’t look perfect—once it sets, you’ll have that magical, shiny chocolate layer.
Step 6: Chill and Slice
Pop the pan in the fridge for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until firm to the touch. When you’re ready to slice, run a sharp knife under hot water, wipe clean, and cut into bars—this keeps the chocolate topping from cracking. If desired, let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before slicing for even cleaner cuts!
Pro Tips for Making Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
- Cookie Crumb Consistency: Make sure your cookie crumbs are crushed super fine—big chunks make slicing messy and the bars less cohesive.
- Gentle Melting: Always melt your chocolate and peanut butter on low heat and stir continuously—too much heat can seize the chocolate or make the topping grainy.
- Flawless Cuts: For neat, bakery-worthy squares, slice with a sharp, hot knife (run under hot water and dry between each cut) to avoid shattering the chocolate layer.
- Storage for Chewy vs. Firm Bars: If you love chewier bars, store them at room temperature for an hour before eating; for extra-firm, chill well and serve straight from the fridge or freezer.
How to Serve Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
Garnishes
For a bakery-style finish, sprinkle your Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars with flaky sea salt, a handful of chopped roasted peanuts, or even a drizzle of extra melted vegan chocolate. Each adds just a hint of texture and contrast and looks gorgeous!
Side Dishes
These bars pair beautifully with fresh strawberries or a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream. If you’re putting them out for a party, try serving them with a platter of crisp apple slices or a refreshing fruit salad for balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the bars into tiny squares for party platters, stack them napkin-style for grab-and-go snacks, or layer in jars with extra cookie crumbs for adorable mini parfaits. For holidays, use cookie cutters to make festive shapes—these bars hold up wonderfully to a bit of creativity!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. This keeps both layers firm and the flavors fresh, making them perfect for packing in lunchboxes or enjoying a small treat all week long.
Freezing
These Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars freeze like a dream! Stack the bars between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to three months. Let thaw for 10–15 minutes at room temperature for the perfect chewy texture.
Reheating
No need to reheat, but if you prefer a softer bite, let refrigerated or frozen bars sit out for 5–10 minutes before eating. You can also pop a bar in the microwave for just 5–10 seconds for an extra gooey treat—watch the chocolate closely!
FAQs
-
Can I make Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use your favorite gluten-free graham crackers or similar cookies for the crumbs, and the bars will turn out just as delicious and sturdy as the classic version.
-
How do I keep the chocolate layer from cracking when slicing?
The best trick is to use a large sharp knife run under hot water—wipe it dry before each slice! Letting the bars sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before cutting will also help the chocolate soften just enough for smooth edges.
-
Do these bars taste strongly of peanut butter?
They’re perfectly balanced! The peanut butter flavor is front and center, but it’s mellowed by the sweet cookie base and rich chocolate topping. For a lighter nutty flavor, try using half peanut butter and half almond butter.
-
What’s the best way to transport these bars to a party or picnic?
Chill the bars well first, then slice and layer between parchment paper in a sturdy container. Keep them cool with an ice pack if you’re out and about—they’ll taste fantastic even at room temperature, but the chocolate will stay prettiest if kept cold.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, there are few things as satisfying as biting into one of these Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars! Whether you’re making them for yourself, packing them for the kids, or sharing with friends, they always bring smiles. I hope you’ll give them a try—you might just find yourself reaching for seconds (and thirds) before you know it. Happy snacking, friends!
Print
Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Indulge in these rich and decadent Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars that are perfect for any occasion. A luscious peanut butter layer sits atop a crunchy cookie base, all topped with a smooth layer of dairy-free chocolate. These bars are a delightful treat for both peanut butter and chocolate lovers.
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Layer
- 1 cup vegan butter, melted
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 1/2 cups cookie crumbs (graham crackers or similar cookie)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Chocolate Topping
- 12 ounces dairy-free chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
Instructions
- Prepare Peanut Butter Layer: Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper. Mix melted vegan butter and peanut butter in a bowl. Add powdered sugar and half of the cookie crumbs. Press mixture into the pan.
- Make Chocolate Topping: Melt chocolate chips and peanut butter in a pot. Pour over the peanut butter layer.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate until firm, about 1.5-2 hours. Slice and serve chilled.
Notes
- For cookie crumbs, blend graham crackers or similar cookies.
- Check ingredients for dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Alternative: Use almond butter for a peanut-free version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
