These No-Bake Peanut Butter Brownies are a decadent, easy-to-make treat that brings together the best of chocolate and peanut butter in a rich, fudgy bar. Perfect for when I’m craving something sweet, but I don’t want to turn on the oven! They’re simple to whip up, requiring no baking at all, and the best part is, they set perfectly in the fridge. Whether I’m in the mood for a quick dessert or a fun snack, this recipe hits the spot every time.
Ingredients
½ cup peanut butter
¼ cup coconut oil, melted
¼ cup maple syrup or honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup cocoa powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup oats
¼ cup chocolate chips
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and salt until smooth and well combined.
Stir in the oats and chocolate chips, mixing until evenly incorporated.
Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish, pressing down to form an even layer.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until the brownies are firm and set.
Once chilled, cut into squares and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
Servings: 9 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
Nut Butters: If I’m out of peanut butter or want to change things up, I can swap it for almond butter or cashew butter for a slightly different flavor.
Sweeteners: Maple syrup and honey work well, but I can also use agave syrup or a sugar-free sweetener for a lower sugar option.
Add-ins: I can mix in some chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts), dried fruit, or even a sprinkle of chia seeds for an added texture and nutritional boost.
Storage/Reheating
Once the brownies are chilled and set, I can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. If I want to store them for longer, they can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To serve, I just take them out of the fridge and let them sit for a few minutes to soften slightly, or enjoy them straight from the fridge for a firmer bite.
FAQs
How long do these No-Bake Peanut Butter Brownies need to set in the fridge?
I usually let them chill for at least 1 hour, but I’ve found they’re best when left to set for around 2 hours for a firmer texture.
Can I use a different type of oil?
Yes! I’ve tried using olive oil in place of coconut oil, and it works great. The flavor will be a bit different, but still delicious.
Are these brownies gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free! I use oats, which are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check the oats to ensure they’re certified gluten-free if needed.
Can I make these brownies vegan?
Absolutely! Just use maple syrup or agave syrup in place of honey, and make sure the chocolate chips are dairy-free.
Can I add protein powder to this recipe?
Yes, I can mix in some chocolate or vanilla protein powder to boost the protein content. Just be mindful of the texture – I might need to add a bit more liquid (like water or almond milk) to compensate.
Conclusion
These No-Bake Peanut Butter Brownies are a must-try for anyone who loves peanut butter and chocolate. They’re quick, easy, and satisfy that sweet tooth without the need for baking. Whether I’m looking for a snack or a dessert, these brownies always hit the spot. With a little flexibility to change ingredients, they’re customizable for different diets and preferences. Best of all, I don’t need to worry about turning on the oven!
Recipe:
No-Bake Peanut Butter Brownies
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These No-Bake Peanut Butter Brownies are a decadent, easy-to-make treat that brings together the best of chocolate and peanut butter in a rich, fudgy bar. Perfect for when you’re craving something sweet without turning on the oven!
Ingredients
½ cup peanut butter
¼ cup coconut oil, melted
¼ cup maple syrup or honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup cocoa powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup oats
¼ cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Stir in the oats and chocolate chips, mixing until evenly incorporated.
- Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish, pressing down to form an even layer.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until the brownies are firm and set.
- Once chilled, cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
For a vegan version, use maple syrup or agave syrup and dairy-free chocolate chips.
If you don't have coconut oil, olive oil works as an alternative, though the flavor may vary.
Ensure your oats are certified gluten-free if needed.
Experiment with different nut butters like almond or cashew butter for variety.
You can add protein powder to the mixture if desired, but adjust liquid content accordingly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
