These No Bake Peanut Butter Pie Bars are everything you’d ever want in a dessert. They’re easy to make, absolutely delicious, and are made with plenty of simple ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen.

I first made this recipe about 5 years ago.

At the time, I had just become a certified intuitive eating counselor.

I wholeheartedly believed in the benefit of eating dessert to satisfy cravings. And I was also struggling to understand what that meant for me as a dietitian.

What did it mean if I shared dessert recipes on my blog?

This was a turning point for me that has since stuck — while I know that nutrition is so important, I also know how important it is enjoy all the different foods we love – even when they’re not as nutritious.

These Peanut Butter Pie Bars fall somewhere in between. While they contain added sugar – like any delicious dessert recipe does – they also contain really simple, straightforward, and wholesome ingredients, like oats and peanut butter.

Am I saying these are nutritious? Nope, not exactly. But I do like that – like nutrition – they’re not black or white. They’re not a bar that’s going to energize you and help you max out your protein needs. And they’re also not completely decadent and devoid of any nutrients.

And this is what I really love about intuitive eating and about being a dietitian who preaches – there’s no need for black or white. A dessert doesn’t need to be “healthy” or “unhealthy.”

It can just be delicious. And satisfying.

And as for these bars, if you’re a peanut butter lover (like me!) you will love these. They’re like a cross between pie and cheesecake, but in bar form. The result is a totally delicious, no bake, simple bar that’s completely satisfying.

Prep ingredients

Line a small rectangular baking dish with parchment paper.

Prepare the crust

In a large bowl, add all of the crust ingredients, plus salt to taste.

Mix together

You may want to use your hands to gently knead the mixture together.

Press into baking dish

Add to the baking dish, using your hands to firmly pack it in tightly. Place in the fridge to harden for 30 minutes

Prepare the filling

Make the filling. In a food processor, add the peanut butter, cream cheese, and maple syrup.

Blend

Process until well combined.

Fold in the whipped cream

Transfer the mixture to a large bowl. Fold in the whipped cream and a pinch of salt.

Spread into the baking dish

Spoon the mixture on top of the crust, using the back of a spoon to spread it evenly throughout.

Freeze and cut

Place in the freezer to harden for at least 1 hour (or overnight). Remove from the freezer and let thaw slightly, then cut into 8 squares.

Serve

Optional to sprinkle with salt and drizzle with chocolate.

Notes

Oat flour: Make oat flour by very finely processing oats in a blender or food processor until a flour-like texture remains. Oat flour is best here as it can be eaten raw, but you can also use almond flour if you’d like.
Peanut butter: I recommend using a natural or no sugar added peanut butter in these bars. The maple syrup and whipped cream add plenty extra sweetness!
Maple syrup: A little goes a long way to smooth out the texture in both the crust and filling and add sweetness to the recipe.
Coconut oil: This helps the crust to keep its shape.
Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese will blend the best. Try leaving it on the counter for 10-20 minutes before using.
Whipped cream: Whipped cream gives the filling its lush, light texture and adds delicious sweetness. It’s often called “whipped topping” on the container!
Storage: While you can store these bars in both the fridge and freezer, I recommend the freezer. Cut them into bars before storing and then let them thaw before eating. They’ll last in the freezer up to 1 month.

Course: Dessert