No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bites

Name: No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 70 min
Ingredients: 2 cups smooth peanut butter (see note #1); 1 and 1/2 cups old fashioned oats (see note #2); 1/4 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)

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These chocolate peanut butter bites are the perfect fast dessert because they're ready in just 10 minutes of active time using 7 ingredients! They are made with oatmeal and are soft, sliceable, and bursting with chocolate peanut butter flavor.

Square peanut butter bite on white plate with baking dish in background

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. These energy bites are also made with oatmeal for extra texture and nutrition.

Recipe features

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 bite AND a chocolate drizzle on top
Great as a snack or healthy no bake dessert
Easy to customize

For another chocolate peanut butter-loaded snack, you might like this chocolate banana smoothie recipe.

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.

Steps to make this recipe

This recipe is as easy as mixing together bars then chilling them.

Glass mixing bowl filled with spatula and peanut butter mixture

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.

Overhead view of square white baking dish filled with peanut butter mixture

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.

Square white baking dish filled with chocolate drizzle brown bars

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.

Expert tips and customization

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.

FAQ

Do the bites have to be chilled before eating?

The peanut butter bites need to be chilled because otherwise, they will be too soft to keep their shape. I recommend freezing them for an hour so that they hold together when sliced.

How do you store these?

I recommend storing them in the fridge so that they hold their shape. Slice and store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Can the individual bites be frozen?

Yes, individual peanut butter chocolate bites freeze well and will thaw quickly at room temperature. Frozen bites are a great addition to lunch boxes for this reason.

Two peanut butter square on a round white plate

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5 from 2 votes