Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

My 11 year old son’s reaction to these bars was, “they taste exactly like a peanut butter cup! How did you do that!?” It’s true. They taste just like a peanut butter cup, but in bar form. I love these no-bake chocolate peanut butter bars for many different occasions: Christmas get-togethers, birthday parties (though check for peanut allergies) and in the middle of Summer when it’s too hot to turn on the oven. The best part? You only need 5 ingredients and about 10 minutes to make them!

Ingredients for Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars:

Vegan Butter: I used earth balance brand, but Miyoko’s is great, too. Melt would work as well. Creamy Peanut Butter: You can use natural peanut butter or the other stuff (Skippy, JIF), whichever you have or prefer. Cookie Crumbs: I used honey free graham crackers or a similar type cookie. Powdered Sugar: To keep everything together and provide sweetness! Chocolate Chips: For covering the peanut butter layer. Make sure your chocolate chips are dairy free by checking the ingredient list. Trader Joe’s, Guittard and Kirkland brand are accidentally vegan.

How do you make chocolate peanut butter bars?

Line a 9 x 13 inch pan with parchment paper. Melt the vegan butter, then add to a large bowl along with the peanut butter. Mix until well combined. Now add the powdered sugar and stir until combined. Make the cookie crumbs, then add 1/2 to the bowl and stir. Add the other 1/2 and stir in, using your hands if needed, as the mixture will be very thick. Press the peanut butter mixture evenly into the pan. In a small saucepan, melt the chocolate chips and 1/4 cup peanut butter until smooth and creamy. Pour over the peanut butter layer, then place in the refrigerator to set (about 1 1/2-2 hours). Once set, slice carefully. Serve chilled. Store leftover bars in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Can you freeze these bars?

Yes, they freeze beautifully! It’s one of my favorite things about them. Frozen chocolate peanut butter bars are perfect for a quick sweet treat, or adding to a kid’s lunchbox in the morning. Store cut bars in either a freezer friendly bag or container. You can also individually wrap each one in plastic wrap, then place in a container/bag to prevent freezer burn.