Did you have a good summer? Did you treat yourself to any souvenirs to remind you of your travels and adventures? We collected some seashells at the beach, received a handmade lamp from my grandmother-in-law to remind us of her and the afternoon she spent teaching us how she makes stained glass, and, oh yes, received a copy of my father-in-law’s chocolate peanut butter bars recipe. This souvenir I am happy to share with you, especially since my father-in-law perfected making the bars dairy free.

We used Enjoy Life chocolate chips, peanut butter, Earth Balance margarine, and regular graham crackers, which are typically dairy-free (see notes below for other special diet options). Actually we used cinnamon graham crackers because that’s what was in the house. Usually my father-in-law uses plain graham crackers in his chocolate peanut butter bars, but I liked the hint of cinnamon.

My in-laws first tasted these chocolate peanut butter bars at an office Christmas party, we enjoyed them as a vacation dessert in June, and I’m certain they’re perfect for any occasion in any season.

Special Diet Notes & Options: Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

By ingredients, this recipe is dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, optionally peanut-free, optionally tree nut-free, soy-free, optionally vegan, and vegetarian.

For a grain-free version, try the No Bake Peanut Butter Bars at Beaming Baker.

For nut-free and peanut-free chocolate “peanut butter bars”, be picking with your “butter”. I’ve noted SunButter as an option in the recipe, but you may like a seed-free choice like PeaButter or WowButter.

