if you’re obsessed with reese’s peanut butter cups but want a healthier, plant-based version, these no-bake peanut butter cup brownie bars are about to be your new favorite treat.
honestly, these are addicting…. i warned you!
they’re rich, fudgy, packed with peanut butter, and coated in a thick layer of chocolate—just like the classic candy but made with wholesome ingredients.
taste & texture
these bars are everything you love about a reese’s peanut butter cup but taken to the next level.
the brownie base is deeply chocolatey and fudgy with just the right amount of chewiness.
the peanut butter layer is smooth, creamy, and perfectly sweetened with a hint of vanilla.
then, the whole thing is coated in melty chocolate that hardens into the most satisfying shell.
it’s like biting into a peanut butter cup but even more indulgent.
why these taste just like reese’s peanut butter cups
it’s all about balance—the peanut butter filling is sweet and creamy, just like the inside of a reese’s, while the chocolate coating gives that signature snap.
the almond flour brownie base adds a subtle richness, making these even more satisfying.
plus, using high-quality peanut butter with a touch of powdered sweetener creates the perfect filling texture.
a better-for-you option
unlike store-bought peanut butter cups, these bars are completely gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free.
instead of refined sugar, we’re using lakanto powdered sugar to keep them sweet but balanced.
plus, the base is made with whole-food ingredients like almond flour, flax meal, and dates, which provide fiber, healthy fats, and natural sweetness.
storage & meal prep
these bars store best in the freezer.
once they’re fully set, cut them into squares and keep them in an airtight container in the freezer.
they’ll stay fresh for weeks, and you can grab one anytime a chocolate-peanut butter craving hits.
if storing in the freezer, let them sit at room temp for a few minutes before eating for the best texture.
add-in options & substitutions
- swap almond butter for peanut butter in the base if you want even more peanut flavor
- add crushed peanuts to the peanut butter layer for extra crunch
- use cashew butter instead of peanut butter for a different but equally creamy filling
- if you don’t have lakanto powdered sugar, regular powdered sugar or coconut sugar blended into a powder works too
how to make these bars
- make the brownie base – in a food processor, blend medjool dates until they form a paste. add peanut butter, vanilla extract, and dairy-free milk, blending until smooth. add almond flour, flax meal, and cocoa powder, pulsing until a dough forms. press the dough evenly into a parchment-lined large loaf pan. freeze while making the peanut butter layer.
- make the peanut butter layer – in a bowl, mix peanut butter, lakanto powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. spread evenly over the brownie base. return to the freezer for at least 45 minutes.
- melt the chocolate – in a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips with coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- coat the bars – cut into bars and pour melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer, spreading it evenly. return to the freezer until fully set (about 1 hour).
- serve – finish with sea salt and store in the fridge or freezer for the best texture.
these bars are the ultimate chocolate-peanut butter fix, and they couldn’t be easier to make. perfect for meal prep, a healthier dessert, or just an anytime treat.
try them out and let me know what you think!
Healthier No Bake Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Bars
Course: Snacks
approximate macros per serving (makes 8 large bars-serving size is 1/2 bar)
217 calories
6.5g protein
18.1g carbs
15.3g fat
Ingredients
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brownie base:
1 cup almond flour
1/3 cup flax meal
1/2 cup runny peanut butter
1 cup medjool dates, pitted
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup dairy-free milk (add more as needed-like need another 1-2 tbsp)peanut butter layer:
1 cup natural peanut butter (smooth & runny)
1/2 cup lakanto powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
pinch of sea saltchocolate coating:
3/4 cup dairy-free chocolate chips (coconut sugar or date sugar)
1 tbsp coconut oil
Directions
- make the brownie base – in a food processor, blend medjool dates until they form a paste. add peanut butter, vanilla extract, and dairy-free milk, blending until smooth. add almond flour, flax meal, and cocoa powder, pulsing until a dough forms. press the dough evenly into a parchment-lined large loaf pan. freeze while making the peanut butter layer.
- make the peanut butter layer – in a bowl, mix peanut butter, lakanto powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. spread evenly over the brownie base. return to the freezer for at least 45 minutes. then, cut into 8 large bars.
- melt the chocolate – in a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chipswith coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- coat the bars – pour melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer, spreading it evenly. return to the freezer until fully set (about 1 hour). top with flakey sea salt and store in the freezer for the best texture.