Easy No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Oat Bars
These easy no-bake peanut butter chocolate oat bars are the perfect emergency dessert, afternoon pick-me-up, and crowd-pleaser. Made with simple pantry ingredients, they’re chewy, rich, and incredibly satisfying without turning on the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (180g) rolled oats (old-fashioned)
- 1 cup (240g) creamy peanut butter (e.g., Skippy or Jif)
- ¼ cup (56g) unsalted butter
- ½ cup (100g) packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- ¼ cup (60ml) honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (175g) semi-sweet chocolate chips (e.g., Ghirardelli 60% cacao)
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) coconut oil or vegetable oil
Instructions
- Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on two opposite sides. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine peanut butter, butter, brown sugar, and honey. Stir constantly until melted and smooth, about 3–4 minutes. Do not let it boil.
- Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract and salt until combined.
- Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the rolled oats in a large mixing bowl. Stir until every oat is coated and no dry spots remain.
- Transfer the oat mixture to the prepared pan. Press down firmly and evenly using a spatula or the bottom of a measuring cup to compact it.
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted (about 1–2 minutes total).
- Pour the melted chocolate over the pressed oat layer. Spread evenly to the edges with a spatula.
- Refrigerate the pan, uncovered, for at least 2 hours, or preferably 3–4 hours or overnight, until fully firm.
- Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Place on a cutting board and cut into squares or rectangles with a sharp knife. For clean cuts, wipe the knife clean between slices.
Notes
Press the oat mixture firmly to prevent crumbling. Chill overnight for the best texture. Use a hot knife for clean cuts. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 14
- Sodium: 95
- Fat: 13
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 24
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 6
Keywords: no-bake, peanut butter, chocolate, oat bars, easy dessert, no oven, snack, potluck, gluten-free option, vegan option