Name: Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup vegan butter, melted; 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 1 1/2 cups cookie crumbs (graham crackers or similar cookies); 2 cups powdered sugar; 12 ounces dairy-free chocolate chips (1 bag); 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

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Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars are the ultimate no-bake dessert. With a creamy peanut butter base and rich chocolate topping, these bars are just like biting into a classic peanut butter cup—only easier to make and entirely plant-based. Using just five simple ingredients, you can whip these up in minutes, making them perfect for any occasion, from casual snacking to holiday dessert trays.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bars strike the perfect balance between sweet and salty, soft and firm. You’ll love how simple they are to make—no baking, no fancy equipment, and no long ingredient list. Whether you follow a vegan lifestyle or just want a delicious peanut butter treat, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. They’re great for parties, lunchboxes, or stashing in your freezer for when a chocolate craving hits.

Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Peanut Butter Layer

vegan butter, melted
creamy peanut butter
cookie crumbs (graham crackers or similar)
powdered sugar

Chocolate Topping

dairy-free chocolate chips
creamy peanut butter

Directions

Line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving extra paper hanging over the sides for easy removal later.
In a large mixing bowl, combine melted vegan butter and creamy peanut butter. Stir until smooth.
Add the powdered sugar and mix to combine. Add half of the cookie crumbs and stir, then add the remaining crumbs. The mixture will be thick—use your hands if needed.
Press the peanut butter mixture evenly into the prepared pan to form the base. Set aside.
For the chocolate topping, place the chocolate chips and 1/4 cup peanut butter in a small saucepan. Heat over low-medium, stirring often until fully melted and smooth.
Pour the chocolate mixture over the peanut butter layer and spread evenly.
Chill in the refrigerator for 1 1/2 to 2 hours until firm.
For clean cuts, run a sharp knife under hot water, wipe it clean, and slice the bars. Alternatively, let the bars sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before cutting.
Serve chilled.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 24 bars.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Variations

Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter in place of peanut butter for an allergy-friendly version.
Different Base: Try using crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or oat cookies for the crust.
Extra Crunch: Add chopped peanuts or crispy rice cereal to the peanut butter layer.
Swirl Effect: Swirl a bit of extra peanut butter into the melted chocolate before chilling.
Mini Version: Press into a mini muffin pan for bite-sized peanut butter cups.

Storage/Reheating

Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
For longer storage, freeze the bars in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
Let frozen bars sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before serving. These bars are best served chilled and do not require reheating.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, but make sure it’s well-stirred and not too runny, or the bars may not set properly.

What kind of cookies should I use for the crumbs?

Graham crackers are traditional, but any plain or mildly sweet cookie will work.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free cookie crumbs or graham crackers.

Do I have to use vegan butter?

To keep the recipe fully vegan, yes. However, regular unsalted butter works if you’re not vegan.

Can I microwave the chocolate topping instead of using a stove?

Yes, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.

How can I prevent the chocolate layer from cracking?

Let the bars sit at room temperature for 10 minutes or warm your knife with hot water before slicing.

Are these bars suitable for kids?

Absolutely! They’re kid-friendly and make a great lunchbox treat.

Can I reduce the sugar?

You can slightly reduce the powdered sugar, but it may affect the texture of the peanut butter layer.

Do the bars need to stay refrigerated?

Yes, they hold their shape best when stored chilled.

Can I add other toppings?

Yes! Chopped peanuts, flaky sea salt, or a drizzle of extra melted chocolate work well.

Conclusion

Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars are a no-bake dream come true. With a rich, indulgent flavor and a creamy texture that rivals any candy bar, these easy-to-make treats will quickly become a household favorite. Whether you’re vegan or just love chocolate and peanut butter, these bars are a simple and satisfying dessert you’ll return to again and again.