A rich, indulgent, yet guilt-conscious peanut butter and chocolate bar that’s perfect for a sweet treat without derailing your Weight Watchers plan! These bars are easy to make, require no baking, and are packed with flavor in every bite.
Servings & Timing
- Servings/Yield: 16 bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Dietary Badges:
- Weight Watchers Friendly
- No-Bake
- Vegetarian
- Can be gluten-free if using certified gluten-free oats
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Layer:
- ¾ cup natural creamy peanut butter (or powdered PB like PB2 + water for fewer points)
- ¼ cup light butter or reduced-fat margarine, melted
- ¼ cup honey or sugar-free maple syrup
- 1½ cups quick oats (or crushed graham crackers for a cookie-like base)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Chocolate Layer:
- ¾ cup semisweet or sugar-free chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon light butter or coconut oil
Instructions
1. Make the Peanut Butter Base
- In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, melted butter, honey (or syrup), vanilla extract, and salt.
- Stir in the oats (or graham cracker crumbs) until evenly mixed. The mixture should be thick and slightly sticky.
Tip: If using powdered peanut butter, mix according to package directions before adding other ingredients.
2. Press Into a Pan
- Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Press the peanut butter mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan.
Tip: Use a spatula or your hands (lightly greased) to get an even layer.
3. Prepare the Chocolate Topping
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips with butter or coconut oil in 20-second intervals, stirring each time until smooth.
Tip: Avoid overheating the chocolate to prevent it from seizing.
4. Assemble and Chill
- Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer.
- Spread evenly with a spatula.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
5. Cut and Serve
- Remove from pan using the parchment paper.
- Slice into 16 bars.
Tip: Keep refrigerated for best texture. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
Nutrition Facts (Approx. per bar)
- WW Points: 4–5 points (depending on peanut butter and chocolate choice)
- Calories: ~150 kcal
- Carbs: 12g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 9g
Dietary Highlights: Low-bake, Weight Watchers friendly, can be gluten-free
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Peanut Butter: Natural creamy works best; powdered PB reduces points significantly.
- Oats: Quick oats absorb moisture better. For cookie-like texture, try graham cracker crumbs.
- Sweetener: Honey adds natural sweetness; sugar-free maple syrup lowers WW points.
- Chocolate: Sugar-free chocolate keeps points lower; any semisweet works.
Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Add Crunch: Mix 2 tbsp crushed nuts into the peanut butter layer.
- Flavor Twist: Add ½ tsp cinnamon or a few drops of espresso extract to the peanut butter mixture for depth.
- Mini Bars: Press mixture into a muffin tin for bite-sized portions.
Serving Suggestion: Pair with a cup of black coffee or unsweetened tea for a guilt-free dessert experience.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Freeze bars individually wrapped in parchment for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the peanut butter layer a day before, add chocolate topping the next day, and chill.
FAQs
Q: Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
A: Yes, but the bars will be a bit chunkier.
Q: Can I skip the chocolate topping?
A: Yes, but it won’t be a classic “Reese’s” flavor. You can drizzle melted chocolate instead for fewer points.
Q: Can I make them vegan?
A: Substitute butter with coconut oil and ensure chocolate chips are dairy-free.
Story Behind the Recipe
These bars were inspired by a craving for peanut butter treats while staying on track with Weight Watchers. They satisfy that chocolate-peanut butter urge without derailing your goals — a perfect little reward that’s easy, fast, and absolutely indulgent.
