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Chewy Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars, the bars that everyone LOVES! Think crisp, chewy, sweet, peanut krispie treat base, layered with creamy peanut butter, and topped with sweet salted chocolate. All made with simple, wholesome ingredients: brown rice krispies, honey, pure maple syrup, natural peanut butter, and dark chocolate. These bars are heavy on the peanut butter and chocolate, sweet, salty, gluten-free, vegan, and, geez…they’re even no-bake! Every last bite is truly delicious. 

overhead photo of peanut bars with spoon of peanut butter

Happy darn Friday everyone! I felt as though this week especially needed a sweet and easy chocolate peanut butter recipe. I don’t know why exactly, but it just seemed like we could all use these delicious bars this weekend.

So here we are. Yet another chocolate peanut butter treat that I’m way too excited to share. This one was certainly a hit over here.

Ingredient list

  • Honey 
  • Pure maple syrup 
  • Creamy peanut butter 
  • Coconut oil 
  • Brown Rice Krispies 
  • Creamy peanut butter 
  • Pure maple syrup 
  • Coconut oil 
  • Vanilla extract 
  • Sea salt 
  • Dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips

Kitchen Supplies

  • Kitchen supplies 
  • 9×13 inch baking dish 
  • Parchment paper 
  • Medium pot 
  • Room in your fridge 
  • microwave-safe bowl
  • airtight container
brown rice krispies and peanut butter in mixing bowl

Inspiration

Honestly, how these came to be I couldn’t tell you. It all started with a scotcheroo recipe. Then turned into a combination of homemade scotcheroos and homemade peanut butter Twix bars.

To put it simply, I wanted to make scotcheroos but I didn’t want to use butterscotch chips. I wanted to avoid overly processed sweets. Because of that, I kept thinking about what else I could do. What flavor could replicate the butterscotch? 

And then, it hit me. What if I did a combination of scotcheroos and peanutty Twix. I tested a few things and at first, I struggled. But then I got it right. And well, now my dad’s declaring these his new favorite. And I guess everyone else up at my parent’s house is too.

More than anything they love the way these taste. The textures, the chewiness, the generous amount of peanut butter, and, of course, the thick layer of chocolate on top. But they also love knowing there are no processed sugars, funny ingredients, or artificial anything involved. 

brown rice krispies mixed with peanut butter in bowl

Details – chewy peanut krispies 

I love to use brown rice krispies for a better-for-you option. You don’t even taste the difference! The “stickiness” that holds the krispie layer together is a basic mix of honey, maple syrup, and then a little bit of peanut butter and coconut oil.

The key is to use a mix of honey and maple syrup. The honey is thicker and stickier than the maple. And when boiled down it really is the glue that holds these treats together. 

If you are strictly vegan, you can definitely use all maple syrup. The bars will still be sticky and great. Just slightly less chewy than if you were to use a mix of honey and maple. 

bars after being cut

The peanutty/carmel like filling 

Essentially, this is the same gooey mix as above, just different ratios and no honey. I love this peanut butter mixture.  

Peanut butter, maple syrup, and coconut oil boiled together to thicken the mix. The secret to making this layer really delicious is to use a natural peanut butter with just peanuts and salt. Don’t use a no-stir peanut butter that contains oils and/or sugar. This will give you the best flavor and texture.

Pour the peanut butter layer over the chewy krispie treats, then freeze the bars. You only need them to freeze them for 30 minutes to an hour or so. This helps the peanut butter set up quickly so you can continue on with the chocolate. 

close up photo of peanut butter bars

When the peanut butter is chilled and stiff, pour some melted chocolate over top to finish the layers up. I like to slice the bars before the chocolatey top becomes too hard. This will make the bars much easier to cut and prevents the peanutty filling from getting squished out. Add a dash of sea salt or powdered sugar.

And then you’re done. No oven needed. And trust me, you might want to double the batch because these disappear fast. Everyone from my dad to Asher, to random friends who stopped in have devoured these. They really are a favorite, served cold out of the fridge or at room temperature. Don’t you just love no bake peanut butter bars? The best snack! You can pack these for school lunches or enjoy after school or after work!

It’s the chewy, salty, sweet, chocolate, peanut butter combination – it’s magic! 

close up photo of peanut bars with spoon of peanut butter

Looking for easy party desserts? Here are a few ideas: 

Crinkle Top Brownies

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Blondies

Homemade Vegan Peanut Butter Twix Bars

Caramel Butter Cake with Fudgy Chocolate Frosting

Retro-Style Chocolate Sheet Cake

Lastly, if you make these Chewy Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!

@halfbakedharvest

🍫 peanut butter bars #lunchroom #chocolate #peanutbutter #bars #Baking #snacks #backtoschool #peanut #treat #quickrecipe

♬ Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God) [2018 Remaster] – Kate Bush

Chewy Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

Author: Tieghan Gerard
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 24 bars
Calories Per Serving: 259 kcal

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

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Watch the How-To Reel

Ingredients

Chewy Peanut Krispies

Creamy Peanutty/Caramel Goodness

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  • 1. Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper. 
    2. To make the chewy layer. Add the brown rice krispies to a large bowl.
    3. In a medium pot, combine the honey, maple syrup, peanut butter, and coconut oil. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook 2 minutes, then remove from the heat and pour the mix over the brown rice krispies. Stir well to combine. Spread the mix out onto the prepared pan, packing it in tightly. Place in the freezer.
    4. To make the peanut layer. In a medium pot, mix the peanut butter, maple syrup, and 1/4 cup coconut oil. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook 2 minutes, then remove from the heat. Stir in the vanilla and salt. Pour over the krispies layer. Freeze 30 minutes, until firm.
    5. Melt together the chocolate and 1 tablespoon coconut oil in the microwave. Let cool 5 minutes and then spread the chocolate over the peanut butter mix layer. Return to the fridge to set, about 10 minutes, then slice. The chocolate will not be totally set, but slicing is easier this way. Keep in the fridge.

Notes

If Strictly Vegan: use additional maple syrup in place of the honey.
Tip: Try to use a natural peanut butter with just peanuts and salt. Don’t use a no-stir peanut butter that contains oils and/or sugar. 
View Recipe Comments
horizontal photo of peanut bars on tray
This post was originally published on March 4, 2022
4.94 from 108 votes (56 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. Twix is one of the few chocolate candys that my husband can have because he’s allergic to nuts.. I would love to recreate the original Twix with no pb!

    Reply

  2. Do you think an oat base would work? If so, should I toast the oats first? Sorry to ask, love the recipe as written, it’s just what I have at the moment!

    Reply

  3. Just wanted you to know I received this yesterday and also today. Just thought it was a glitch. No problem for me just wanted you to know.

    Reply

  4. Looking forward to making these bars.
    Is A. Stewart correct regarding how you made the pretty swirl? What is the pink flower? Thank you.

    Reply

    1. I hope you love the recipe! Yes, just swirl some peanut butter with a toothpick. I used dried, edible roses. Please let me know if you have any other questions! xx

      Reply

  5. 5 stars
    Oh my gosh! These turned out great. My whole family loved them. Full disclosure, for some reason, perhaps a supply chain problem, there were no rice crispies at our stores. So I used cocoa crispies! I cut down a little on the honey and syrup in the crispy layer and bumped up the PB to compensate for the sweetness of the cereal. Other than that I followed the recipe exactly. They cut well after chilling in the fridge for about 20 minutes. So so good. Thanks for the wonderful recipe!

    Reply

    1. Hey Kathleen,
      Fantastic!! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks for making it! Have the best weekend:) xT

      Reply

  6. My first batch kind of fell apart, I’m thinking I didn’t press down hard enough on the first layer. The mess was delicious tho 🙂 going to try again!

    Reply

    1. I can’t believe you made this mistake. These are not gluten free! Rice crispies have malt extract in them, which is made from barley, a gluten containing grain. A good substitution would be gluten free puffed rice, available online, though less sweet.

      Reply

      1. i believe she listed brown rice crispies, and a link to a gf brand. there are many brands of crisp rice cereal that don’t contain malt, like the Kellogg’s. check whole foods, natural grocer, or even the kroger store brand. puffed rice would not be an appropriate substitute.

        Reply

      2. I may have missed her saying they were gluten free but Kelloggs does make a gluten free brown rice cereal as do other companies.

        Reply

    2. Hey Shannon,
      Thanks so much for giving the recipe a try, so sorry to hear they fell apart! Let me know if you give them another try! xTieghan

      Reply

    1. Hi Cristina,
      Yes, that will work well for you!! Let me know if you give the recipe a try, I hope you love it!! xTieghan

      Reply

        1. Hey Grace,
          Yes, that would work well for you! I hope this recipe turns out amazing, let me know if you give it a try! xTieghan

          Reply

    2. Hi Susan,
      I just use a toothpick to swirl in some peanut butter:) Let me know if you give the recipe a try, I hope it turns out amazing for you! xx

      Reply

    1. Hey there,
      I just use a toothpick to swirl in a little peanut butter, totally not necessary but you can if you like:) I hope this recipe turns out amazing for you, let me know if you give it a try!! xTieghan

      Reply

  10. hi!! my so my son hates coconut and can taste coconut in anything…. any substitution ideas?
    thank you!!!!

    Reply

    1. Hi Jessie,
      You can use butter in place of the coconut oil. Please let me know if you give the recipe a try, I hope you love it!! xx

      Reply

  11. Hi Tieghan! These look delicious…how do you make the swirl on the chocolate I see in the photos? It’s so pretty but don’t see it in the instructions. 🙂 Can’t wait to try making these!

    Reply

    1. Hi Beth,
      I just use a toothpick to swirl some of the peanut butter around. Let me know if you give the recipe a try, I hope you love it!! xx

      Reply

  12. Thanks Tieghan! I will try these tonight and let you know!
    *Question- for any of your recipes (especially this one) with coconut oil, can it be substituted for any other oil like avocado or olive? We have an allergy.

    Reply

        1. Hi Carolina,
          Corn flakes will also work well for you! I hope you love this recipe, please let me know if you give it a try! xx

          Reply

    2. Hi Jody,
      Yes, typically any neutral oil will work. For this recipe specially though, I would use butter in place of the coconut oil. Please let me know if you have any other questions! xxTieghan

      Reply

    1. Hi Mary Ellen,
      Sure, you could freeze for up to 3 months. Let me know if you give the recipe a try or have any other questions! xTieghan

      Reply

    1. Hi there,
      Yes, those will work well to!! I hope this recipe turns out amazing for you, let me know if you give it a try! xx

      Reply

  15. These sound wonderful. I’m thinking of making them in advance for a party . How far in advance can they be made?

    Reply

    1. Hey Kathleen,
      You could make these a couple days in advance and they will still be great!! Please let me know if you give the recipe a try or have any other questions! xTieghan

      Reply

      1. Thanks! I plan on making them this afternoon. How did you get the tops to look like the picture with the swirls on top. Did you reserve some of the peanut butter layer for that? And is that sea salt sprinkled on top. Looks beautiful.

        Reply

        1. Hi Kathleen,
          I didn’t save any of the peanut butter mixture, just used a little extra peanut butter and used a toothpick to make the swirls. Please let me know if you give the recipe a try, I hope you love it!! xTieghan

          Reply

      2. Question: can I use Kraft peanut butter? I know you indicated natural only but it’s what I have. Will this still work?

        Reply

        1. Hi Rickie,
          You can try it, but I think you will get the best results with a natural peanut butter. Let me know if you give the recipe a try, I hope you love it! xT

          Reply