#51 Chocolate Peanut Butter No-Bake Bars (Skinny)

Lately I've been having this issue where I really want dessert (obviously), but I really don't want to eat loads of sugar and carbs that basically cancel out any exercising I do. So, I started experimenting with some healthy no-bake recipes because obviously my go-to dessert consists of chocolate and peanut butter whether it's healthy or not. 

After a couple tries, I think I got it right. These no-bake bars are full of natural peanut butter, cocoa powder and guess what else? NO white sugar. Just a little bit of honey can do the trick in these bars, and they do the trick quite well. I have a problem eating just one of them, actually. 

They are SO easy to make. You just need a handful of ingredients, and they come together in less than five minutes. Without a doubt, the hardest part is putting them in the fridge and waiting for them to chill. (That would be why the bars are still wet-looking in a few of these pictures. I was too impatient to let them set up before digging in...)

The chocolate and peanut butter goodness easily satisfies my sweet tooth, and I don't feel terribly guilty eating one of these. They also stay good for quite a while in the fridge, which is great. They're very easy to change to your liking. You can add nuts, chocolate or peanut butter chips, dried fruit, or anything else you think may work for you.

This recipe is so good that it's bad. It's delicious, not terribly unhealthy and so easy to make that I've found myself making them multiple times just because I can and because they are perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth. Grab a few easy ingredients and try these!

Chocolate Peanut Butter No-Bake Bars (Skinny)

Prep Time: 5 minutes. Cook time: 0 minutes. Total time: 5 minutes.

Yields: 8x8 or 9x9 pan; 9 square bars

Ingredients:

1/2 cup natural peanut butter
1/4 cup pure honey
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 cup oats (rolled, old-fashioned or quick)
1/2 cup shredded coconut
3 tablespoons cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
additional mix-ins, such as chopped nuts, raisins, craisins, etc. (optional)

Directions:

1. Generously spray an 8x8 or 9x9 pan with cooking spray. Set aside.

2. Combine peanut butter, honey and coconut oil in a medium saucepan on low-medium heat and stir constantly until melted. 

3. Remove from heat and add oats, shredded coconut, cocoa powder, vanilla and optional mix-ins. Stir until completely combined.

4. Spread evenly in prepared pan. Carefully cut into 9 squares. Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes or until firm. 

Enjoy!


Click here to print recipe!

*Note: Nutrition facts may vary due to brand of products.

Recipe adapted from 

http://moneysavingmom.com/2013/06/best-ever-chocolate-oatmeal-no-bake-bars-clean-eating.html#_a5y_p=683205