Move over pumpkin, apple season is here! We all know people go nuts for pumpkin spice everything once September hits, but it’s like we completely forget about summer and all other fall produce. These apple peanut butter bars are such an easy and delicious way to take advantage of apple season.
They combine two classic ingredients, apples and peanut butter into a 3 layer no bake bar. The bottom layer combines dates, nuts, and vanilla. It’s chewy with a little texture.
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Then you have a layer of peanut butter. I love using crunchy but you can also use creamy. And finally, it’s topped with sautéed apples with cinnamon. The end result is sweet, a little savory, and so delicious.
These peanut butter apple bars are perfect for snacking, pre-workout, or an easy fall dessert. They keep in the fridge for a week and can easily be pulled out when craving a little something sweet. I’m sure kids will absolutely love them too!
Why we love these apple peanut butter bars
- the classic apple peanut butter flavor
- made with 7 simple ingredients
- easy no bake recipe – you do need to sauté the apples, but no need to turn on the oven.
- macro-friendly and balanced – they naturally have carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats, and some fiber.
Ingredients
- medjool dates
- peanuts
- coconut oil
- vanilla bean paste
- cinnamon
- all natural crunchy peanut butter
- apples
- salt
How to make apple peanut butter bars
- Grease an 8×8 inch glass baking dish with coconut oil or cooking spray.
- Make the bottom layer. Add dates, peanuts, vanilla, and a pinch to sea salt to a food processor. Pulse until broken down and evenly combined, but some texture still remains, about 1 minute. If your dates are not sticky, you may need to add a little water (about a tablespoon) so it comes together. Press the date mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan forming a single layer.
- Add the peanut butter, spreading evenly over the date mixture.
- Sauté the apple slices. Heat a medium sauté pan over medium-low heat. Add 2 teaspoons coconut oil and let it get hot, about 30 seconds. Add sliced apple and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are slightly softened, but still have some firmness. Add cinnamon and a pinch of sea salt and stir to combine.
- Layer the apples on top the the peanut butter. Place in the fridge for 30 minutes to let set.
- Enjoy! Cut into 12 bars and enjoy. Store in the fridge.
Storage
- fridge – store in the refrigerator for up to a week in a tightly sealed airtight container to keep the air out. If exposed to the air for too long, the apples will brown.
- freezer – while this recipe can be frozen, the texture of the apple will change some. If freezing, store in a freezer-safe dish and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge when ready to consume.
Substitutions
- medjool dates – dates are what help the bars come together and give them a caramel flavor. I like medjool dates as they are more juicy than deglet. You could try dried figs, but the flavor would be very different.
- peanuts – any kind of nut (almonds, cashews, pecans, or walnuts) or seed will work.
- coconut oil – another kind of neutral oil will work.
- vanilla bean paste – vanilla extract will work the same.
- all natural crunchy peanut butter – any kind of nut or seed butter will work. Try almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter.
- apples – any variety of apple will work. Try gala, honeycrisp, fuji, granny smith (for a more tart flavor), and more.
More snack recipes
- pumpkin chocolate chips bar
- protein baked oatmeal
- cottage cheese bowl 2 ways
- banana chocolate chip protein muffins
- chocolate chip oatmeal bars
If you love quick and easy meals and want to learn how to build a balanced plate, check out our FREE How to Build a Balanced Plate Guide!
Apple Peanut Butter Bars
ingredients
- 2 cups medjool dates, pitted (260 grams/about 15-16)
- 1 cup dry roasted peanuts
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)
- 1 cup all natural crunchy peanut butter
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil
- 2 medium apples, cut in 1/4-inch slices (about 300 grams)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- salt, to taste
- coconut oil, for greasing
instructions
- Grease an 8×8 inch glass baking dish with coconut oil or cooking spray.
- Make the bottom layer. Add dates, peanuts, vanilla, and a pinch to sea salt to a food processor. Pulse until broken down and evenly combined, but some texture still remains, about 1 minute. If your dates are not sticky, you may need to add a little water (about a tablespoon) so it comes together. Press the date mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan forming a single layer.
- Add the peanut butter, spreading evenly over the date mixture.
- Sauté the apple slices. Heat a medium sauté pan over medium-low heat. Add 2 teaspoons coconut oil and let it get hot, about 30 seconds. Add sliced apple and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are slightly softened, but still have some firmness. Add cinnamon and a pinch of sea salt and stir to combine.
- Layer the apples on top the the peanut butter. Place in the fridge for 30 minutes to let set.
- Enjoy! Cut into 16 bars and enjoy. Store in the fridge.
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So good! Made this for a church event and they were a huge hit and many asked trot the recipe. Love your recipes!
So happy to hear they were a hit! Thanks for trying them, Dawn!
Can you use something other then walnuts? These look good but have an tree nut allergy
Hi Arrin! Peanuts should work or even macadamia nuts or sunflower seeds if you want to avoid nuts altogether.
Hi! Love your recipes! What are the nutrition facts for these and what if I used powdered peanut butter instead?
Thanks Loryia! I usually don’t calculate nutrition info since it is made with whole food, but I put it into MyFitnessPal and it looks like each serving is about 300 calories/19g fat/32g carbs/7g protein. You could use powered peanut butter, just use the same amount. That will adjust the nutrition facts a lot though. Hope that helps!
Ummmm….so these sound amazing! Just bought some apples and making this ASAP! Happy Fall, Kelly!
Thanks Sarah! Hope you like it, and happy fall right back at ya 🙂
These look delicious and such simple ingredients! I think my favourite thing about fall is just the coziness and sense of slowing down. Summer can be crazy so it’s nice to take a step back and chill out come fall!
Yes! I am so ready to slow it down. Summer was so busy with weddings, travel, and parties. I need a solid weekend of doing nothing haha!