Keto Peanut Butter Bars are the perfect treat for anyone following a low-carb or ketogenic diet. These bars combine the rich, creamy taste of peanut butter with a decadent chocolate glaze, resulting in a dessert that’s sugar-free, grain-free, and utterly irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a snack to satisfy your sweet cravings or a dessert for your next gathering, these bars are sure to be a hit.
These bars are no-bake, making them incredibly easy to prepare, even for beginners. They are made with just a few ingredients but pack in tons of flavor. If you’re a peanut butter lover, you’ll find these bars to be a true indulgence.
Why You’ll Love These Keto Peanut Butter Bars:
- No Bake: Super easy to make and doesn’t require an oven.
- Sugar-Free: Enjoy the rich taste without the added sugar.
- Perfect Texture: A dough-like consistency that holds together beautifully.
- Customizable: You can add extra ingredients like chocolate chips or nuts if desired.
Ingredients:
For the Peanut Butter Bars:
- 3/4 cup (170g) butter, melted
- 3/4 cup (193.5 g) peanut butter, melted
- 1/2 cup (91 g) powdered Swerve Sweetener (or more, to taste)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups (200 g) peanut flour (roasted, defatted variety)
- 1/4 tablespoon salt
For the Chocolate Glaze:
- 3 oz (85 g) sugar-free dark chocolate, chopped
- 2 teaspoons butter
Tips for Making Perfect Keto Peanut Butter Bars:
- Peanut Flour: Peanut flour gives these bars their signature dough-like texture. If you can’t find peanut flour, you can substitute it with almond flour. However, almond flour is higher in fat, so you may need more of it to get the desired consistency. You can also try a combination of almond and coconut flour for a more balanced texture.
- Sweetener: Adjust the sweetness to your liking. You can use Swerve, erythritol, or monk fruit sweetener. Just make sure that the sweetener is powdered to avoid any grainy texture in the bars.
- Chocolate: Use a sugar-free dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for the best results. You can also add a pinch of salt to the chocolate glaze for an enhanced flavor.
- Add-ins: Feel free to add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even a pinch of sea salt to the bars for extra flavor and crunch.
How to Store Keto Peanut Butter Bars
- In the fridge: These bars will stay firm and fresh in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. Store them in an airtight container to prevent them from becoming soft.
- Freezing: If you want to store them for a longer time, you can freeze the bars. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will last for several months in the freezer.
- Room temperature: The bars can be kept at room temperature for a few hours, but they will become soft, especially in hot climates. It’s best to keep them in the fridge to maintain their firmness.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 224 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 3.5g |
Net Carbs | 2.1g |
Protein | 5.6g |
Fat | 19g |
Saturated Fat | 7.4g |
Cholesterol | 18mg |
Sodium | 85mg |
Potassium | 110mg |
Fiber | 1.4g |
Sugar | 1g |
Note: Nutritional information is approximate and can vary based on ingredients used.
How to Make Keto Peanut Butter Bars
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the pan and ingredients:
- Line the Pan: To make removing the bars easy, line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch pan with parchment or wax paper.
- Melt the Butter and Peanut Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and peanut butter together. Stir to combine and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Make the Peanut Butter Dough:
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and peanut butter with sweetener, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until fully combined.
- Add Peanut Flour: Gradually add the peanut flour to the wet ingredients and mix well. The consistency should be similar to a soft cookie dough.
- Press into Pan: Once the dough is well mixed, transfer it to the prepared pan. Use a piece of parchment paper to press it evenly and firmly into the pan. A flat-bottomed glass or measuring cup will help create an even surface.
3. Make the Chocolate Glaze:
- Melt the Chocolate and Butter: To make the chocolate glaze, place the chopped sugar-free dark chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl. Set the bowl over a pan of simmering water (double boiler method) and stir until smooth and fully melted.
- Pour and Spread: Once the chocolate mixture is melted, pour it over the peanut butter base. Use an offset spatula or knife to spread it evenly over the bars.
4. Chill and Set:
- Refrigerate: Place the bars in the refrigerator for 1 hour to allow the chocolate to set. The bars will firm up and be ready to cut once the chocolate has hardened.
5. Slice and Serve:
- Cut into Squares: After the bars have set, carefully lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper. Slice into 16 squares or however many pieces you prefer.
- Serve: Enjoy your delicious keto peanut butter bars immediately, or store them in the fridge for later!
Expert Tips:
- Consistent Texture: The dough should be soft enough to press into the pan but firm enough to hold together at room temperature. If it feels too sticky or runny, you can add more peanut flour.
- Avoid Overheating the Chocolate: When melting the chocolate for the glaze, ensure it doesn’t overheat. Stir frequently and remove the bowl from the heat as soon as the chocolate is melted.
- Storage: For optimal freshness, store the bars in the fridge in an airtight container. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
Keto Peanut Butter Bar Variations:
These bars are highly customizable. If you’re craving something a little different, try one of these variations:
- Chocolate Chips: Stir in some sugar-free chocolate chips into the peanut butter dough before pressing it into the pan for extra chocolatey goodness.
- Add Nuts: If you like a bit of crunch, add some chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts to the dough.
- Coconut Flakes: For a tropical twist, sprinkle some unsweetened shredded coconut on top of the bars before adding the chocolate glaze.
- Caramel Layer: Add a sugar-free caramel layer beneath the chocolate glaze to make these bars even more indulgent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
A: Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a delightful texture to the bars. Just make sure it’s natural and sugar-free to keep the recipe keto-friendly.
Are these bars really only 2 grams of carbs per serving?
A: Yes! Each serving has approximately 2–3 net carbs, depending on the specific brands of ingredients you use. Be sure to check the nutritional labels to calculate accurately.
Can I substitute almond flour with another low-carb option?
A: Yes, coconut flour can work, but you’ll need less since it absorbs more liquid. Start with half the amount and adjust as needed to get the right consistency.
How long can I store these bars?
A: These bars stay fresh for up to two weeks when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. If you freeze them, they’ll last for a couple of months—perfect for meal prep!
Are these bars gluten-free?
A: Definitely! All the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, making them a great option for anyone avoiding gluten.
Can I make these bars without a sweetener?
A: Of course! If you prefer a less sweet treat or are trying to avoid sweeteners altogether, you can skip them. The peanut butter and almond flour still create a flavorful combination.
How can I make these bars more indulgent?
A: Try adding a layer of melted unsweetened chocolate on top or mixing in a pinch of sea salt for a gourmet touch. You can even sprinkle shredded coconut or chopped nuts for added texture.
Got any other questions? Drop them in the comments below, and I’ll be happy to help. Enjoy making and munching on these delicious, healthy keto peanut butter bars!
Conclusion
And there you have it—your go-to recipe for keto peanut butter bars that are as delicious as they are simple to make. Whether you’re a seasoned keto pro or just starting your low-carb journey, these bars are the perfect snack or dessert to keep your cravings in check without derailing your goals. With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you can enjoy a treat that’s healthy, portable, and packed with flavor.
The versatility of these bars makes them a winner for any occasion, whether it’s a quick snack on a busy day or a sweet indulgence after dinner. Don’t forget to experiment with toppings or flavors to make them truly your own.
Ready to give this recipe a try? Let me know how your easy keto peanut butter bars turn out in the comments below. And if you have any tips or creative twists, I’d love to hear them! Until next time, happy snacking and keep crushing your keto goals!
Keto Peanut Butter Bars Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Peanut Butter Bars:
- 3/4 cup (170.25g) butter, melted
- 3/4 cup (193.5g) peanut butter, melted
- 1/2 cup (91g) powdered Swerve Sweetener (or sweetener of choice, adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups (200g) peanut flour (roasted, defatted variety)
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Chocolate Glaze:
- 3 oz (85.05g) sugar-free dark chocolate, chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions:
Prepare the Pan:
- Line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch pan with parchment or wax paper.
Make the Peanut Butter Dough:
- In a large bowl, mix the melted butter, peanut butter, sweetener, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
- Add the peanut flour and stir until the dough forms. The consistency should resemble soft cookie dough, not runny.
- Press the dough into the prepared pan using parchment paper to press it evenly.
Make the Chocolate Glaze:
- In a heatproof bowl, place the chopped dark chocolate and butter.
- Set the bowl over a pan of simmering water, stirring until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
Assemble the Bars:
- Pour the chocolate glaze over the peanut butter base. Use a spatula to spread the chocolate evenly across the bars.
Chill:
- Refrigerate the bars for 1 hour to allow the chocolate to set and the bars to firm up.
Serve:
- Once set, remove the bars from the pan and cut them into 16 squares. Enjoy!
Notes:
- Peanut Flour Substitute: You can substitute peanut flour with a combination of almond flour and coconut flour if desired, but it will alter the texture slightly.
- Sweetener: Adjust the amount of sweetener based on your preference. Use a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit for a truly low-carb option.
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. They can also be frozen for up to 3-4 months.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving – 1 Bar):
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 224 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 3.5g |
Net Carbs | 2.1g |
Protein | 5.6g |
Fat | 19g |
Saturated Fat | 7.4g |
Cholesterol | 18mg |
Sodium | 85mg |
Potassium | 110mg |
Fiber | 1.4g |
Sugar | 1g |