Description
These no-bake peanut-caramel bars feature a rich peanut butter base, a chewy date-sweetened caramel layer, and a smooth chocolate topping. They’re naturally sweetened, gluten-free, and vegan—perfect for a wholesome treat that feels indulgent.
Ingredients
1 cup natural peanut butter (unsweetened)
1/2 cup pure maple syrup or agave
1/4 cup coconut flour
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup medjool dates (pitted and soaked if dry)
2 tablespoons peanut butter
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1 tablespoon plant-based milk (as needed for blending)
3/4 cup dairy-free chocolate chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a bowl, mix peanut butter, maple syrup, coconut flour, vanilla, and salt until a thick dough forms. Press into the bottom of the pan to form the base.
- In a food processor, blend dates, peanut butter, maple syrup, coconut oil, and sea salt until smooth. Add plant-based milk as needed to help blend.
- Spread the caramel mixture evenly over the peanut base.
- Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil together using a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
- Pour melted chocolate over the caramel layer and smooth the top.
- Freeze the pan for 1–2 hours until firm.
- Remove from freezer, let sit for 5–10 minutes, then slice into 12 bars or squares using a warm knife.
Notes
Use almond butter or sunflower seed butter as a peanut-free alternative.
For crunch, mix chopped roasted peanuts into the caramel layer.
Add espresso powder to the chocolate for a mocha twist.
Store in the fridge for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Let bars thaw slightly at room temperature before slicing to avoid cracking the chocolate layer.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg