These chocolate peanut butter bites are the perfect fast dessert because they're ready in just 10 minutes of active time using 7 ingredients! This is a no bake dessert made with oatmeal, chocolate, and peanut butter.
If you're the kind of person who enjoys eating peanut butter straight out of the jar, then you'll LOVE these chocolate peanut butter bites!
This recipe is a great option if you want all the flavor and sweetness of peanut butter pie without the work. The recipe works as bars or as energy bites!
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Recipe highlights
- Dietary features: vegan, vegetarian, soy-free, dairy-free, gluten-free optional, nut-free optional (use sunflower seed butter)
- Made with just 7 ingredients in 10 minutes (plus chill time)
- Has cocoa powder in the bar AND a chocolate drizzle on top
- Great as a snack or healthy no bake dessert
- Easy to customize
Ingredients
- Peanut butter: I use "natural" peanut butter which means the only ingredients are peanuts and sometimes salt. For this recipe I chose unsalted peanut butter.
- Cocoa powder adds a chocolate flavor to the bars. For extra rich chocolate flavor, try using Dutch-process cocoa powder.
- Ground flax is added for extra nutrition. It can be omited as needed.
- Rolled oats add texture and help hold the bar together. I have not tested the bites with instant oats, but it should work.
- Semisweet baking chocolate is used to add the chocolate drizzle on top. You can also use chocolate chips.
- Maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness. You can use an equal amount of honey or agave syrup if desired.
Step by step photos
Stir together the peanut butter bar ingredients in a medium bowl until thoroughly combined. The ingredients should hold together easily but still be sticky.
For thin bars like the kind pictured, lightly spray an 8x8 baking dish or line with parchment paper. Using parchment paper will make the bars easier to slice and remove from the dish.
For thicker bars, do the same with a 9x3 loaf pan.
Using clean hands, press the peanut butter bite filling into a thin layer.
Heat up baking chocolate in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat until melted. It will take 2-3 minutes in the microwave, but make sure to stir every 30 seconds to avoid the chocolate.
You can also use a double boiler method to melt the chocolate. To do this, bring a medium saucepot with 1-inch of water to a simmer. Place a heat-proof glass bowl with the baking chocolate on top. The bowl shouldn't be touching the simmering water. Stir until the chocolate is melted.
Drizzle chocolate across the top of the energy bites. You can also spread a thin layer of chocolate if you prefer. Freeze for at least an hour to allow the peanut butter bites to solidify.
Cassidy's tips and variations
- Energy balls: These bars also work well as energy balls. Just roll up 1 tablespoon of mixture into a ball and let freeze an hour before enjoying.
- Nut butters: This recipe will work with any kind of nut butter. Try sunflower butter for a nut-free option.
- Add-ins: Try using chia seeds or hemp hearts in place of, or in addition to, the flax seed. Both of these are a great way to add healthy fats. Coconut flakes or chocolate chips would also be good additions.
- Gluten-free bites: Choose gluten-free certified rolled oats for a gluten-free option.
- To make dairy-free, choose dairy-free baking chocolate or chocolate chips. Lily's has a delicious vegan chocolate option.
- Topping with flaked sea salt isn't required but it is 100% recommended. I use Maldon brand.
Storage notes
- Store the peanut butter bites in the fridge so that they hold their shape. Slice and store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- To freeze: I recommend slicing the bites then freezing them. They thaw quickly at room temperature.
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No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bites
Ingredients
- 2 cups smooth peanut butter see note #1
- 1 and ½ cups old fashioned oats see note #2
- ¼ cup maple syrup sub honey or agave as needed
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ounces baking chocolate or chocolate chips
- flaked sea salt optional
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, stir together all ingredients except the baking chocolate and salt.
- For thin bars, lightly spray an 8x8 baking dish with cooking oil or line with parchment paper. For thicker bars, do the same with a 9x3 loaf pan. Using clean hands, press the filling into an even layer so that it fills the entire dish.
- To melt chocolate in the microwave: In a small bowl, microwave the baking chocolate or chocolate chips in 30 second intervals, until melted. Stir between intervals to prevent burning. Stove top: Cook in a small sauce pot over medium heat, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Drizzle the melted chocolate across the top of the bars. Top with flaked sea salt if desired.
- Cover and freeze for at least one hour. Slice into 12 pieces to serve. Keep refrigerated for up to a week.
Video
Notes
- Peanut butter: Feel free to use any kind of nut butter or sunflower butter to make this recipe nut-free. I use natural peanut butter but regular peanut butter works as well.
- Old fashioned oats, also known as rolled oats. Choose certified gluten-free oats to make this recipe gluten-free. I have not tested this recipe with instant oats but they should work.
- Freezing instructions: Individual peanut butter chocolate bites freeze well and will thaw quickly at room temperature. Freeze in an air-tight container for up to 3 months.
- Other add-ins: Coconut flakes, chocolate chips, chia seeds, and hemp hearts are all delicious options. Add up to ¼ cup total add-ins to the mixture.
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