One of the hardest parts about kicking off a plant-based or vegan diet is finding ways to enjoy the meals you're used to without scrimping on taste.

Foodie and blogger Amy Mulvaney is going vegan for the month of February, and she'll be sharing a whole host of simple, budget-friendly and – above all – tasty recipes with us throughout her journey.

This week it's on to a seriously tasty snack.

"If you find yourself reaching for the biscuit press come 3pm, try these non-guilty vegan peanut butter bars," says Amy. 

"There’s no baking involved, and you could even have them for breakfast on the go. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh all week, although they won’t last that long…."

Quick and Easy No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars

Ingredients

  • 1 cup peanut butter
  • 1 cup agave
  • 2 tbsp melted coconut oil
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3 cups rolled oats
  • ½ cup raisins (optional)
  • 70% dark chocolate for drizzling (optional – not vegan)

 

Method

  1. Line a 10”x10” baking tin with non-stick paper.
  2. Warm the peanut butter in a pan over a low heat until smooth and easily spreadable.
  3. Add agave, coconut oil and salt and mix together.
  4. Add the rolled oats and raisins, if using.
  5. Stir everything together, making sure it’s well mixed.
  6. Pour into baking tin and press firmly down to make sure the mixture is compact.
  7. Melt dark chocolate (if using) over a bowl of boiling water.
  8. Drizzle melted dark chocolate on top.
  9. Pop into the freezer for 30 minutes.
  10. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Amy Mulvaney blogs about all things lifestyle, beauty and fashion over on What She Does Now.