No Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars are the perfect blend of chewy oats, creamy peanut butter, and sweet honey or maple syrup. These easy-to-make bars are packed with flavor and require no oven, making them an ideal treat for any time of year.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Baking Required: Quick and simple to prepare without needing to heat up the oven.
- Healthy Ingredients: Made with wholesome oats, natural peanut butter, and optional add-ins like seeds or dried fruit.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste preferences.
- Perfect Snack: Great for an energy boost or a satisfying dessert.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Old-fashioned oats
- Peanut butter (natural or regular)
- Honey or maple syrup
- Vanilla extract
- Chocolate chips (optional)
- Chia seeds or flaxseeds (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine peanut butter and honey (or maple syrup). Heat over low-medium heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine with Oats: In a large bowl, mix the oats and any optional add-ins like seeds or chocolate chips. Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the oats and mix until well combined.
- Press into the Pan: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and press it firmly into an even layer. Use a spatula or your hands (lightly greased) for this step.
- Chill: Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
- Slice and Serve: Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang, slice into squares or bars, and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12-16 bars
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
Variations
- Nut-Free: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or almond butter.
- Added Protein: Mix in a scoop of your favorite protein powder.
- Chocolate Layer: Melt chocolate chips and spread a layer over the top before chilling.
- Trail Mix Style: Add dried fruit, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut for extra texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap or parchment paper and freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before eating.
FAQs
1. Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Yes, but the texture will be softer and less chewy.
2. Can I use a sweetener other than honey or maple syrup?
Agave syrup or brown rice syrup are great alternatives.
3. How do I make these vegan?
Use maple syrup and dairy-free chocolate chips to make the bars vegan.
4. Can I add protein powder to this recipe?
Yes, add a scoop of protein powder to the dry ingredients and adjust the wet mixture if needed.
5. Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a delightful texture.
6. How do I keep the bars from crumbling?
Ensure the mixture is pressed firmly into the pan and chilled long enough to set.
7. Are these bars gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats.
8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger pan or prepare in two batches if needed.
9. What’s the best way to cut these bars neatly?
Use a sharp knife and run it under warm water between cuts for clean edges.
10. Can I substitute oats with something else?
Quinoa flakes or crushed cereal can be used, but the texture will vary.
Conclusion
No Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars are a simple, nutritious, and delicious treat perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, breakfast bar, or dessert, their chewy, nutty goodness is sure to satisfy. Whip up a batch today and enjoy the ease and flavor of this no-fuss recipe!
Print
No Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Description
These No-Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome and delicious treat made with just a few simple ingredients. Perfect for a quick snack or a satisfying dessert, they’re easy to make and full of nutty, chocolatey goodness.
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional, e.g., almonds or walnuts)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan:
- Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine peanut butter and honey.
- Microwave for 30–60 seconds, stirring every 15 seconds, until the mixture is smooth and slightly warm.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Oats and Mixture:
- In a large bowl, mix the oats with the warm peanut butter and honey mixture until evenly coated.
- If using, fold in chocolate chips and nuts.
- Press into Pan:
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Press down firmly with the back of a spoon or your hands to create an even layer.
- Chill:
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
- Slice and Serve:
- Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares or rectangles and enjoy!
Notes
- For a richer chocolate flavor, drizzle melted chocolate on top before refrigerating.
- Substitute peanut butter with almond or sunflower seed butter for a different flavor.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.