Gourmet Meal

Alice Brown

Experienced and passionate pastry chef with a flair for creative desserts. Adept at crafting delicious treats, utilizing quality ingredients, and maintaining high standards of excellence in culinary artistry.

No-Bake Peanut Butter Cup Bars

Name: No-bake Peanut Butter Cup Bars
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 14
Cuisine: Mundial
Ingredients: 3/4 cup creamy salted peanut butter; 1/2 cup almond flour; 2 Tbsp maple syrup; 1/4 tsp (optional) sea salt; 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks; 2 Tbsp creamy salted peanut butter; 1/2 tsp coconut oil; to taste Flaky sea salt

No-Bake Peanut Butter Cup Bars are delightful, sweet treats that are a pleasure in every bite. Originating as a quick, delicious alternative to their mango cheesecake siblings, these bars are now a favored dessert, perfect for hosting dinner parties and small gatherings. The recipe is beautifully straightforward and requires only 30 minutes and a single bowl to prepare!

Picture this: A crispy, creamy peanut butter base, sweetened with natural maple syrup, and a hint of almond flour for a slightly nutty finish. On top, a layer of richly sweet, ganache-like chocolate topped with a dash of flaky sea salt. All these wonders come together in this easy-to-make, melt-in-your-mouth dessert.

What's more, the recipe allows for adaptability. If you have a unique kind of peanut butter- a little thicker or with added oils, you can adjust the amount of almond flour accordingly!

Calories
180
Time
30
Portions
14
Score
4.00

Ingredients

Peanut Butter Base

Creamy Salted Peanut Butter 3/4 cup
Almond Flour 1/2 cup
Maple Syrup 2 Tbsp
Sea Salt 1/4 tsp (optional)

Chocolate Topping

Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips Or Chunks 1/2 cup
Creamy Salted Peanut Butter 2 Tbsp
Coconut Oil 1/2 tsp

Topping (optional)

Flaky Sea Salt to taste

Preparation

Prepare the Base

Line a standard-size loaf pan with parchment paper and set aside.
In a microwavable mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, almond flour, maple syrup, and optional sea salt. Stir until well combined using a spatula or spoon.
Scrape all of the peanut butter mixture from the bowl into the loaf pan.

Prepare the Chocolate Topping

Place the chocolate chips into the (now empty) microwavable bowl.
Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to prevent burning, until smooth and melted.
Add the 2 Tbsp of peanut butter and coconut oil to the melted chocolate. Stir until a smooth mixture is achieved.
Pour the chocolate mixture over the peanut butter base and top with optional flaky sea salt.
Place in the freezer for about 20 minutes until the chocolate is set.

Slice and Serve

Remove from the pan by lifting the sides of the parchment paper and slice into bars.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 1 month.

Suggestions

Choosing the Right Peanut Butter

Choosing the right peanut butter can be key to the success of this dessert. A creamy, salted peanut butter with a drippy consistency works best. If your peanut butter is not salted, consider adding some salt to the base mixture.

If your peanut butter is thicker or comes with added oils or stabilizers, you may need to adjust the amount of almond flour in the base mixture accordingly. Ensuring the right consistency of the base will result in flawless Peanut Butter Cup Bars.

Melting the Chocolate

When melting the chocolate, remember to stir after each 30-second interval in the microwave. This prevents the chocolate from burning and ensures a creamy and smooth consistency.

Storing the Bars

These Peanut Butter Cup Bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 1 month. They are a great dessert to have on hand for any sweet cravings!

Frequent Questions

Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can! The almond flour is used to provide a nutty taste and help bind the base together. You can substitute it with other types of flour, but be aware the taste might vary slightly. Also, if you are using a grain-based flour, you may need to adjust the quantity as they can be more absorbent than almond flour.

Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate?

Certainly! Making this substitution will make your topping a bit richer and less sweet. Dark chocolate tends to have stronger, more robust flavors that complement the peanut butter really well. Just keep in mind that the final product could be less sweet overall with this change.

How do I know when the chocolate is set?

You will know the Chocolate is set when it is firm to touch. It should be stiff and should not leave any residue on your fingers when touched. Depending on your freezer, this should take about 20 minutes.

Can I top the bars with something other than sea salt?

Absolutely! While flaky sea salt complements the sweet and creamy flavors of the bars, feel free to top with crushed nuts, shredded coconut, or even a dollop of whipped cream! Experiment with different toppings to find your perfect combination.

Any tips for slicing the Peanut Butter Cup Bars once they are set?

Once the bars are taken out from the freezer, you might want to let them rest a bit before cutting. This ensures you get neat slices without any crumbles. Use a sharp knife and make sure to cut all the way through the chocolate layer in one go, this prevents the crust from separating from the chocolate layer.