Description
Whip up these easy, no-bake gluten-free dairy-free peanut butter chocolate treats! Just warm and combine oats, peanut butter, and maple syrup for a fudgy delight. Full instructions & nutrition info.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups gluten-free rolled oats
- 1 cup natural peanut butter (no added sugar)
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring there's an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Step 2: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the natural peanut butter, maple syrup, and melted coconut oil. Heat in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or gently warm on the stovetop, until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Stir in the vanilla bean paste and sea salt.
- Step 3: Add the gluten-free rolled oats and unsweetened cocoa powder to the wet mixture. Stir thoroughly with a spoon or spatula until all the ingredients are evenly coated and a thick, uniform mixture forms.
- Step 4: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Using the back of a spoon or your hands (lightly greased if sticky), press the mixture down very firmly and evenly into the pan to compact it.
- Step 5: Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or in the freezer for 30-45 minutes, until the bars are firm enough to slice cleanly.
- Step 6: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab of bars out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and slice into 12-16 squares or bars. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Keep these delightful bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or pop them in the freezer for a few months of grab-and-go treats!
- Since these are a no-bake treat, 'reheating' isn't needed; however, if you prefer a slightly softer, chewier texture, let a bar sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before enjoying.
- Perfect as a quick breakfast bite, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a satisfying dessert, these bars also pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of dairy-free milk.
- For perfectly set and easy-to-slice bars, be sure to press the mixture down very firmly into the pan and allow sufficient chilling time; this is crucial for a great texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 small bar (approx. 50g)
- Calories: 220
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 17g