Peanut Butter Yogurt Bars

This homemade peanut butter frozen yogurt bar recipe combines creamy Greek yogurt with rich peanut butter to create the perfect healthy-ish frozen treat. The bars strike that ideal balance between indulgence and nutrition, making them suitable for dessert or even a protein-packed snack.

I first created these bars during a particularly hot summer when my usual ice cream habit was becoming too indulgent. These bars quickly became my guilt-free alternative that satisfied my sweet tooth while providing actual nutritional benefits.

Ingredients

• Greek yogurt: Full fat variety provides the creamiest texture and helps prevent ice crystals from forming during freezing
• Peanut butter: Choose natural varieties with minimal ingredients for the best flavor and nutrition profile
• Honey or maple syrup: Natural sweeteners that blend perfectly with the tanginess of yogurt
• Vanilla extract: Adds that classic dessert flavor that makes these taste like a true treat
• Mini chocolate chips: Optional but they add delightful pockets of chocolate that contrast beautifully with the creamy base
• Chopped peanuts: For those who love textural contrast these add a wonderful crunch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mix The Base:

Whisk together Greek yogurt, peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until completely smooth and well incorporated. This is your creamy base and it should have a pudding-like consistency. Take your time with this step to ensure the peanut butter is fully incorporated with no streaks remaining.

Add Mix-Ins:

If using chocolate chips and chopped peanuts, gently fold them into the yogurt mixture using a rubber spatula. Distribute them evenly throughout the mixture to ensure every bite has the perfect amount of texture and flavor.

Prepare Your Pan:

Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides. This overhang will serve as handles later when you remove the frozen bars from the pan. Be sure to press the paper into the corners of the pan.

Pour And Spread:

Transfer the yogurt mixture into your lined baking dish. Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly, smoothing the top as much as possible. Tap the pan gently on the counter a few times to remove any air bubbles.

Freeze Thoroughly:

Place the pan in the freezer and allow the mixture to freeze completely, which takes at least 4 hours. For best results, freeze overnight to ensure the bars are solid all the way through.

Cut Into Portions:

Once frozen solid, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire block out of the pan. Place on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut into bars of your desired size. For cleaner cuts, run your knife under hot water between slices.

Serve And Store:

Enjoy immediately or wrap individual bars in parchment paper and store in an airtight container or freezer bag. These bars will maintain their quality for up to 2 months in the freezer.

Pin it

The honey or maple syrup is truly the secret ingredient here. I once tried making these with regular sugar and the texture was completely off. The liquid sweeteners not only provide sweetness but also contribute to the smooth, creamy texture that makes these bars so special. My family now requests these instead of store-bought ice cream during our summer gatherings.

Make-Ahead and Storage

These frozen yogurt bars are the perfect make-ahead treat. Once cut into individual portions, I recommend wrapping each bar in parchment paper before placing in a freezer-safe container. This prevents them from sticking together and makes grabbing a single serving easy. When properly stored, they maintain their quality for up to two months in the freezer. For the best texture, let them sit at room temperature for about 2-3 minutes before enjoying.

Endless Variations

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can swap almond butter or sunflower seed butter for the peanut butter if you have allergies. For different flavor profiles, try adding cinnamon, a sprinkle of sea salt, or mixing in dried fruit instead of chocolate chips. My personal favorite variation includes a swirl of strawberry jam through the mixture before freezing, creating a PB&J frozen yogurt bar that my kids absolutely adore.

Kid-Friendly Kitchen Project

This recipe is perfect for getting little ones involved in the kitchen. Children as young as three can help measure and mix ingredients, while older kids can take charge of the entire process with minimal supervision. The no-bake, simple nature of these bars makes them an ideal introduction to cooking. Plus, kids are more likely to try healthy foods they've helped prepare, making this a win-win for teaching both culinary skills and good nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use any type of peanut butter?

Yes, you can use natural, creamy, or chunky peanut butter depending on your preference. Ensure it's unsweetened for the best results.

→ What can I substitute for honey or maple syrup?

Agave syrup or your preferred liquid sweetener can be used as an alternative, keeping the sweetness intact.

→ Can I use low-fat yogurt instead of full-fat?

Full-fat yogurt is recommended for creaminess, but low-fat or nonfat yogurt can work if you're looking to reduce fat content.

→ How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan?

Line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to easily lift out the frozen mixture for slicing.

→ Can these bars be made dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap Greek yogurt for a dairy-free yogurt alternative and ensure your chocolate chips are also dairy-free if using.