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.

No bake apple bars in a glass baking dish sprinkled with cinnamon.

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.

3 layer peanut butter apple bar on a white counter top. Behind the bar is a pan with more bars and a spoon with peanut butter on it.

Ingredients

medjool dates
peanuts
coconut oil
vanilla bean paste
cinnamon
all natural crunchy peanut butter
apples
salt

While marble counter with a bowl of medjool dates, a bowl of sea salt, a bowl of cinnamon, a bowl of coconut oil, a bowl of peanuts, a bowl of peanut butter, and two red apples.

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.

An overhead shot of a food processor container with medjool dates and peanuts in it.

An overhead shot of date and nut mixture in a food processor.

A baking dish with a sticky date and nut mixture pressed into the bottom of the pan.

A baking dish with a sticky date and nut mixture pressed into the bottom of the pan. A layer of crunchy peanut butter is on top of it before it is spread out.

A large skillet filled with sliced sautéed apples with cinnamon on them.

Sautéed sliced apples being layered on top of crunchy peanut butter in a glass baking dish.

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.

An overhead shot of a baking dish filled with apple bars. The dish is sitting on a white towel with an apple and a bowl of peanut butter next to the dish.

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

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!

Close up of an apple peanut butter bar sitting on a white counter. Behind it is a pan of more bars, a spoon with peanut butter on it, and an apple.

4.50 from 4 votes

Apple Peanut Butter Bars

Author: Kelly Nardo

A delicious no bake snack, these apple peanut butter bars have a chewy date layer, a layer of peanut butter, and are topped with sautéed apples. They're easy to make and perfect for snacking or dessert. Gluten-free and vegan.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course: Dessert, Snack

Calories: 204kcal

Protein: 6.6g

Carbs: 19.6g

Fat: 12.9g

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 5

Chill Time: 30

Total Time: 50

Servings: 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.

nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Apple Peanut Butter Bars

Amount Per Serving (1 bar)

Calories 204 Calories from Fat 116

% Daily Value*

Fat 12.9g20%

Saturated Fat 2.2g14%

Polyunsaturated Fat 3g

Monounsaturated Fat 6.4g

Sodium 62mg3%

Potassium 298mg9%

Carbohydrates 19.6g7%

Fiber 3.7g15%

Sugar 14g16%

Protein 6.6g13%

Vitamin A 2IU0%

Vitamin C 1mg1%

Calcium 29mg3%

Iron 0.8mg4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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