Irresistible Peanut Butter S’mores Bars: The Ultimate Gluten-Free & Refined Sugar-Free Treat!

Prepare to meet your new obsession: these incredibly decadent Peanut Butter S’mores Bars. Imagine a perfectly balanced treat with a golden, crumbly graham cracker base, topped with a rich, smooth peanut butter ganache, and crowned with a delightful mix of fluffy marshmallows and salty peanuts. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that truly captures the magic of s’mores, reimagined in bar form. What makes them even better? They’re completely gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and surprisingly easy to whip up, making them a guilt-free indulgence for everyone to enjoy.

Why These Peanut Butter S’mores Bars Will Become Your Go-To Dessert

If you’re searching for a dessert that consistently wows a crowd, especially during summer gatherings or BBQ parties, look no further. These peanut butter s’mores bars are a guaranteed hit every single time I bring them to get-togethers. Their unique combination of classic s’mores flavor with the irresistible addition of peanut butter makes them unforgettable. But don’t let the “summer treat” label fool you; I’m a firm believer that these delightful bars should be enjoyed all year long! Their wholesome ingredients also mean you can indulge without the usual post-dessert guilt.

A Healthier Take on a Classic Favorite

One of the standout features of this recipe is its commitment to healthy eating without compromising on taste. By using natural sweeteners and gluten-free flours, we’ve transformed the traditional s’mores experience into something that can be enjoyed by those with dietary restrictions or anyone looking to reduce their sugar intake. The clever use of specific flours creates a base that’s remarkably similar to a classic graham cracker, while the peanut butter ganache offers a rich, satisfying creaminess without any refined sugars.

Effortless Preparation, Maximum Flavor

Despite their gourmet appearance and incredible taste, these peanut butter s’mores bars are incredibly simple to make. With straightforward steps and readily available ingredients, even novice bakers can achieve s’mores perfection. The process involves just a few easy stages: preparing the base, mixing the ganache, and assembling the layers before a quick chill in the freezer. This minimal effort for such a spectacular reward makes them ideal for busy schedules or spontaneous dessert cravings.

Customizing Your Peanut Butter S’mores Bars: FAQs & Ingredient Insights

Flexibility is key in the kitchen, and this recipe offers plenty of room for customization. Whether you have allergies, dietary preferences, or just want to experiment with different flavors, these bars can adapt. Let’s delve into some common questions and ingredient specifics.

Can you substitute another nut butter if you can’t eat peanut butter?

Absolutely, YES! This recipe is incredibly versatile and will work beautifully with any nut or seed butter you prefer. If you’re looking for an alternative, I’ve personally tried them with almond butter, and they’re absolutely fantastic. For a completely nut-free option, sunflower butter (also known as SunButter) is an amazing substitute that yields delicious results. Feel free to experiment with cashew butter, pecan butter, or even a mix! Just ensure your chosen butter is natural, without added sugars or oils, for the best consistency and refined sugar-free outcome.

What do you need to make these delicious peanut butter s’mores bars? A deep dive into the ingredients:

The magic of these bars lies in a carefully selected blend of wholesome ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is essential, along with potential modifications:

• Almond Flour: This forms the primary base of our “graham cracker” layer, providing a tender crumb and a naturally gluten-free structure. It contributes to the overall richness and density. While I haven’t extensively tested other flours as a direct 1:1 substitute, the unique mixture of flours in this recipe is crucial for achieving the perfect base texture. You could potentially try cashew flour for a similar richness or finely ground sunflower seed flour for a nut-free option. When making sunflower seed flour, ensure it’s blended until super fine, closely resembling almond flour’s texture.
• Coconut Flour: A highly absorbent flour that works in harmony with almond flour to create the ideal consistency for the base. It adds a subtle sweetness and helps bind the ingredients. Due to its high absorbency, coconut flour cannot be directly substituted with other flours in the same quantity, as it would drastically change the dough’s texture.
• Tapioca Flour: This is our secret weapon for adding a delightful crispiness and light, chewy texture to the graham cracker base. It’s fantastic for gluten-free baking. While I haven’t personally tried it, arrowroot flour is often considered a good substitute for tapioca flour in similar ratios, so you could experiment with that if tapioca isn’t available.
• Molasses & Coconut Sugar: These are the star natural sweeteners for our graham base. Coconut sugar offers a warm, caramel-like sweetness, while molasses is absolutely key for replicating that distinctive, deep, slightly smoky flavor of traditional graham crackers. You can technically substitute maple syrup for the molasses, but be aware that it will alter the depth of flavor, making the base less “graham-like.” For the most authentic s’mores experience, molasses is highly recommended.
• Peanut Butter: The hero of our ganache! As mentioned earlier, feel free to use your favorite natural peanut butter or substitute with any other nut or seed butter you like. Ensure it’s a smooth, creamy variety for the best ganache consistency.
• Canned Coconut Milk: This is essential for creating the rich and creamy ganache. Always opt for full-fat canned coconut milk, shaken well before opening, as it provides the necessary richness and consistency for a truly decadent filling. Light coconut milk will result in a much thinner ganache.
• Chocolate Chips: For a truly refined sugar-free experience, I always reach for Hu Kitchen chocolate chips. Their commitment to wholesome ingredients perfectly aligns with this recipe. Don’t forget, you can use the code “danishealthyeats” for a discount at checkout! If you don’t have Hu Kitchen, any good quality dark chocolate chips that are dairy-free and lower in sugar can work, just check the ingredient label.
• Marshmallows & Peanuts: These are the essential toppings that bring the “s’mores” and “peanut butter” elements together. For a vegan and refined sugar-free option, look for specialty vegan marshmallows, or consider making your own. The peanuts add a wonderful crunch and a burst of salty flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the bars. Chop them roughly for the best texture.

How to Make the Bars: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide for S’mores Perfection

Creating these delightful Peanut Butter S’mores Bars is a straightforward and enjoyable process. Follow these steps for perfect results every time:

1. Prepare the Graham Cracker Base: Begin by combining all the dry ingredients for the base, then add the wet ingredients (melted vegan butter/coconut oil, molasses, vanilla). Mix thoroughly until a consistent dough forms. If the dough seems too dry, add plant milk one tablespoon at a time until it reaches a moist, pliable texture that can be pressed without crumbling excessively. Press this dough evenly into a lined 9×8 inch baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. It’s crucial to let the base cool completely before adding the ganache layer.
2. Craft the Creamy Peanut Butter Ganache: While the base cools, prepare your rich filling. In a heat-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter, chocolate chips, canned full-fat coconut milk (shaken), and a pinch of sea salt. Heat this mixture in 30-second intervals in the microwave, stirring vigorously after each interval, until the chocolate chips are fully melted and the mixture is completely smooth and ganache-like. This might take a few minutes. Taste the ganache and adjust sweetness with 1-3 tablespoons of maple syrup if desired, especially depending on the sweetness of your chocolate chips.
3. Assemble the Layers: Once your graham cracker base is fully cooled, pour the warm, smooth peanut butter chocolate ganache evenly over it. Spread it right to the edges using a spatula. Immediately after pouring, sprinkle the chopped marshmallows and peanuts generously over the top of the ganache. The warmth of the ganache will slightly soften the marshmallows, helping them adhere.
4. Chill to Perfection: For the bars to set properly and be easy to cut, they need ample chilling time. Pop the entire baking dish into the freezer for at least two to three hours. This allows the ganache to firm up beautifully. Once set, remove from the freezer, let them thaw for about 10 minutes (this makes cutting easier and improves texture), and then slice into your desired bar sizes. Now they’re ready to be enjoyed!

How to Store Your Peanut Butter S’mores Bars for Lasting Freshness

To maintain their optimal texture and freshness, these peanut butter s’mores bars are best stored in an airtight container in the freezer. This keeps the ganache perfectly firm and prevents the base from becoming too soft. When you’re ready to enjoy one (or more!), simply remove a bar from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. This brief thawing period allows the ganache to soften slightly and the base to become wonderfully chewy, providing the best possible eating experience. They are perfect for make-ahead desserts or batch prepping for wholesome snacks throughout the week.