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Swirled Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

Does everyone else love chocolate and peanut butter as much as I do, or do I bore you lovely people with my incessant bombardment of chocolate and peanut butter flavored desserts?
As you can probably tell, I can’t get enough of chocolate and peanut butter. I eat it all the chances I can get and these chocolate peanut butter bars have become a staple dessert and snack and dare I say it…. ‘breakfast’ item. It’s dessert for breakfast, a little more guilt free…but definitely worth waking up for.
So today I bring you a recipe that is fast, easy and delicious. It requires just minutes of melting/stirring time and no candy thermometer is required! Its creamy, rich,and decadent yet healthy!  You will love it! It’s great for gifts, dessert platters, or any time you want a piece of deliciousness.
These yummy bars are so delish - but secretly healthy and guilt-free!  Yup, that means no butter, no white sugar and no sweetened condensed milk…  just pure, fudgy, Nutty, chocolatey goodness.
People go wild for these bars, and only take a few ingredients and 10 minutes (plus chilling time)to make, and then take just seconds to disappear.
These no-bake peanut butter bars are so pretty and are a must-make for anyone who loves the timeless combination of chocolate and peanut butter. It’s a comforting, healthy dessert and great for a treat any time!
I think the chocolate peanut butter appeal has something to do with the bitter sweetness of the chocolate and the salty, slightly savory peanut butter – and when you add peanuts or use crunchy peanut butter, you’ve got texture too.
But c’mon – I don’t have to tell you how delicious chocolate and peanut butter is together.Peanut butter cups exist for a reason. They are so darn satisfying that if you keep a few of these in the freezer they will put an end to those peanut butter cravings once and for all. Guaranteed!  😊
Course Dessert, Snack
Keyword healthy peanut butter bars, no bake chocolate peanut butter bars, raw peanut butter bars, swirled chocolate peanut butter bars
Servings 16

Ingredients

Base Crust

  • 1 cup peanuts (raw or roasted, which ever you prefer)
  • 1 cup dates soaked 30 minutes and drained
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup desiccated coconut

Filling

  • 2 cups cashews, soaked 3+hours and drained
  • 1 13.5 oz can coconut cream, full fat (solid part only) *see note below
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/3 cup peanut butter
  • 1 lemon, juice and zest
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Toppings

  • Chopped peanuts
  • Shaved chocolate

Instructions

Base Crust

  • Note: Place the can of coconut cream in the fridge or freezer for at least 1-2 hours before making these bars to allow coconut cream to separate.
    Make the crust first. Line an 8 x 8” baking pan or dish with parchment paper on the bottom and sides leaving some overhanging to act as a handle to get the bars out easier for cutting.
    Place peanuts into a food processer and process until broken down and crumbly. Add dates, oats and coconut to process until mixture is sticky and well combined.
    Be careful not to over process as its nice to have texture and different sized “bits” in your base crust.
    Press the base mixture into the bottom of your pan or dish evenly. Refrigerate while you prepare the filling.
     

Filling

  • Open chilled can and scoop out the cream that has separated and set hard on the top. Save the remaining coconut water to use in a smoothie, drink, or discard.
    Place all filling ingredients, cashews, coconut cream, coconut oil, peanut butter, honey, vanilla extract and lemon juice and zest into the food processor and process until smooth and creamy. Depending on the power of your blender this might take a few minutes.
    Stop blending to scrape the sides if necessary and continue to blend until very smooth. Taste test add more honey or lemon if you think it needs it.
    Pour two thirds of the filling mixture into the base crust. Add the cocoa to the remaining mixture and blend until dark and smooth.
    Dollop over the peanut butter filling and swirl in with a knife – careful not to over swirl,you don’t want it to get muddy.
    Tap the pan against the counter a few times to release any air bubbles and place in freezer to set for at least 2-3 hours or until completely firm.
    Once the bars are firm, cut into 14-16 squares or your preferred size.
    Garnish with chopped peanuts and chocolate shavings.
    Serve frozen or let thaw at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. Store in freezer for up to a month.
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