Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Bars (Vegan)

Packed with peanut butter, these easy no-bake gluten-free peanut butter bars are irresistible. With three decadent layers of chocolate and peanut butter, each bite is peanut butter heaven. Bonus: the recipe can be made gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, or just plain regular.

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The Best No-Bake Chocolate Bars

A rich chocolate cookie crumb base packed full of oats and crunchy salted peanuts. Fluffy whipped peanut butter buttercream frosting middle. And a smooth luxurious chocolate ganache top. Pure no-bake gluten-free peanut butter bar heaven. Here’s why you’ll love them:

Amazing Texture – Each layer has its own unique and scrumptious texture for the most amazing mouth feel.

So Much Peanut Butter – Three easy layers of peanut yum for triple the peanut butter delight.

Easy To Make – Only 9 ingredients and no baking required. A total win!

Dietary/Lifestyle Friendly – Vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, egg-free, dairy-free, or “regular” this recipe can be easily adjusted to suit your specific lifestyle and dietary needs.

No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars Ingredients & Substitutions

As always this recipe is gluten-free and vegan. That said, I test each recipe with “regular” ingredients and make notes of alternatives or swaps so that everyone can enjoy it.

Here are a few key ingredients for these no-bake gluten-free peanut butter bars but make sure you scroll to the bottom recipe card for the complete ingredient list.

Chocolate Cookie Crumbs – Kinnikinick makes a fabulous package of gluten-free vegan chocolate cookie crumbs. This can be swapped with any cookie crumbs, gluten-free or regular, like animal cookies, digestive biscuits, or even Oreos. You can also make your own in under 30 minutes. I adore this easy recipe from Scotch and Scones.

Instant/Quick Oats – Instant/quick oats (gluten-free or regular) will hold the base layer together the best. If you do not have access to them, rolled oats will work as well just note that you’ll have to press the base layer down even more firmly.

Peanuts – Salted roasted peanuts have the best flavor profile but any type of nut will work in these no-bake peanut butter bars. If you are nut-free, simply omit or swap with more oats, shredded coconut, or seeds like sunflower or pumpkin.

Butter – Becel plant-based bricks are my personal favorite for baking but any brick-style dairy-free, vegan, lactose-free, or regular butter will work. 

Peanut Butter – For the best texture and results, use processed smooth/creamy peanut butter like Kraft, Skipps, or Jif. I do not recommend using natural-style peanut butter. Again, if you are nut-free use a sunflower seed butter like SunButter.

Chocolate Chips – Pascha chocolate is my preferred vegan chocolate chip but Enjoylife makes a fabulous one as well. Use whatever type fits your dietary need/preference.

Milk – Unsweetened almond milk is always what I use. Swap in whatever vegan or non-vegan milk you prefer.

Easy Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Bars Step-By-Step Instructions

You will need a large mixing bowl with a handheld electric mixer (or stand mixer), a spatula, and an 8×8-inch baking pan. Let’s get started!

1: Prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan with non-stick baking spray and two pieces of parchment paper, crisscrossed.

2: Combine the melted butter, chocolate cookie crumbs, instant oats, and peanuts and mix until a coarse sand-like texture is achieved. Spread the mixture evenly on the bottom of the prepared pan and press down firmly. Set aside.

3: Combine the butter, powdered sugar, and salt and cream until light and fluffy. Add in the peanut butter. Spread evenly on top of the crust. Set aside.

4: Melt the chocolate chips and milk until fully melted and smooth. Pour over the chocolate frosting layer and spread evenly. Top with chopped peanuts and coarse sea salt if desired—place in the fridge to chill for at least 1 hour.

5: Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Pro Tip: Want a perfectly sliced peanut butter bar? Don’t drag the knife blade and clean it after each cut.

Vegan Peanut Butter Bar Recipe Tips & Tricks

Be Firm – Use a heavy flat-bottomed glass to firmly press the base mixture down into the pan. This will ensure a solid bottom layer that won’t crumble when cut. Don’t be afraid to use some muscle.

Scrape The Bowl – Make sure to scrape the bowl when mixing the frosting to ensure all the little bits of butter, powdered sugar, and peanut butter are fully incorporated and creamed.

Melting The Chocolate – Chocolate chips can be fickle when melting so go slow and steady. Stir after each 30-second interval in the microwave to ensure the chips don’t burn. Likewise, you can melt the chocolate chips and milk on the stovetop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make These “Regular” (ie. not gluten-free, vegan, etc?)

Yes! Swap the vegan/dairy-free & gluten-free ingredients with their regular counterparts. See the above section titled Ingredients & Substitutions for more detail.

Am I Able to Double the Recipe?

It doubles, triples, heck even quadruples like a dream! Bonus: you can half it too.

Can I Freeze Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Bars?

A dream to freeze, these vegan gluten-free peanut butter bars are good frozen for up to 6 months. You can either wrap them individually after sliced in plastic wrap or as a whole. 

The Easiest Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Bar Recipe

Full of sweet and salty peanut butter yum, this incredible no-bake vegan and gluten-free peanut butter bars recipe is a pb lover’s dream. A mouthful of three delicious sweet and salty nutty layers in every single scrumptious bite!

With an adaptable ingredient list, you can tailor this recipe to suit vegan, gluten-free, egg-free, dairy-free, or just plain regular dietary/lifestyle needs to create an amazing no-bake peanut butter square that everyone will enjoy.

I would love to know if you make this spectacular gluten-free peanut butter bar recipe. If you do, tag me on social media @cakedbykatie and leave this recipe a 5-star rating and review below. I can’t wait to see it!

More Nutty Baking Recipes

The perfect crunch, nuts add so much flavor and texture to baked goods. Here are a few of my favorite recipes:

• Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Pie (Vegan)
• Maple Walnut Cake (Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free)
• Rocky Road Cookies (Gluten-Free & Vegan)

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