It’s common knowledge that peanut butter and chocolate is the best food combination out there. Therefore, all my favorite desserts tend to revolve around that wonderful paring. Henceforth, these healthier scotcheroo bars. They are chewy, fudgy, and perfectly sweet by adding maple syrup (instead of the traditional corn syrup used in many scotcheroo bars). Picture a creamy peanut butter base generously topped with a decadent dark chocolate fudge. I mean it doesn’t get much better than that.
Jump to Recipe
What ingredients do I need to make these scotcheroo bars?
Well, lucky for you there are only 6 ingredients in this recipe. Yes, only 6!
Ingredients:
- Rolled oats (rice crisps work too!)
- Shredded coconut flakes (unsweetened)
- Vanilla protein powder (I use a plant-based brand called TumLove)
- Peanut butter (I like to use Jiffy, or something creamy here)
- Maple syrup (honey or brown rice syrup also work!)
- Dark chocolate (I use stevia-sweetened dark chocolate called BakeBelieve)
As you can tell, this minimal ingredient list is super feasible.
Why should I make these healthier scotcheroo bars?
To be clear, I have nothing against a traditional scotcheroo bar. In fact, if I want a scotcheroo bar I am having an original, corn syrup and everything, scotcheroo bar. But if I want the scotcheroo vibes, I make these. They are a healthier dessert that packs in some protein and healthy carbohydrates. My favorite is having one of these bars (maybe 2;) with my mid-afternoon coffee. It’s seriously the best combination.
Anyways, back to more reasons you should make these…
As I eluded to, these healthier scotcheroo bars are perfect to meal prep as a healthier dessert for your week. Whether it’s just you, or you got a family to feed, these are PERFECT for when that sweet tooth hits. I also love any type of dessert bar because they are perfect to bring to gatherings, picnics, etc! These bars also happen to be very dietary friendly (gluten free, dairy free, vegan)!
Want more healthier sweet treat recipes?
Here are some of my favorite healthier sweet treat recipes:)
- Macadamia Nut Granola Bars
- Pistachio Bars
- Birthday Cake Energy Bites
- Protein Brownie Bites
- Protein Cookie Dough Blizzard
Healthier Scotcheroo Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats (use gf or rice crisps if desired!)
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut see notes to omit*
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder plant-based works best in this recipe… see notes to omit*
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter plus 2 tablespoons
- ½ cup pure maple syrup honey or brown rice syrup work too!
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- First, mix together the oats, coconut, and protein powder in a medium bowl .
- Next, in a microwavable safe dish, melt together the peanut butter and maple syrup in the microwave for 30 seconds. Stir for 30 seconds until a smooth, cohesive peanut butter caramel forms.
- Pour the peanut butter caramel into the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined. Press into a 8×8 baking dish for thin bars (would be perfect to double the recipe) or a 1 lb loaf pan (for thicker bars, aka my preference). I like to line my pan with parchment paper to make it easier to slice and store.
- Then, in a microwave safe bowl melt together the chocolate and additional 2 tbsp of peanut butter until smooth. Pour directly over the bar mixture.
- Finally, place the bars into the refrigerator and let the bars set up for at least 1 hour before slicing.
- Serve and enjoy! Store leftovers for up to a week in the refrigerator.
Notes
Let me know how this recipe turned out for you down below!
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