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Stack of no-bake oat bars with nuts and dried fruit beside a jar of honey

No-Bake Oat Bars With Honey and Peanut Butter

No-Bake Oat Bars with honey and peanut butter are a simple, satisfying homemade snack made with wholesome pantry staples.
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Servings: 12 bars
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 238
Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium saucepan
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • 8x8-inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Knife
  • Refrigerator
  • Microwave-safe bowl can replace the saucepan Alternative options
  • 9x5-inch loaf pan can replace the square pan for thicker bars Alternative options

Method
 

  1. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra paper on the sides for easy lifting.
    Place the oats in a large mixing bowl. Add the chopped peanuts if using.
    Add peanut butter, honey, butter, vanilla extract, and salt to a medium saucepan.
    Peanut butter and honey mixture being stirred in a saucepan with a wooden spoon
  2. Heat over low heat, stirring often, until the mixture looks smooth and fully combined. Do not let it boil.
    Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the oats.
    Stir until all the oats are evenly coated.
    Warm peanut butter mixture being poured over oats in a glass bowl
  3. Let the mixture cool for 2 to 3 minutes. Fold in the mini chocolate chips if using. Cooling slightly helps keep the chips intact.
    Transfer the oat mixture to the prepared pan.
    Press it down firmly into an even layer using a spatula or the back of a spoon.
    Oat mixture with peanut butter and mini chocolate chips in a mixing bowl
  4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, until firm.
    Lift the chilled mixture out of the pan using the parchment paper.
    Cut into 12 bars and enjoy
    No-bake oat bars cut into squares with honey dipper and drizzle on a dark surface

Video

Notes

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Per Serving 1 bar
Serving Size 58 g
Calories 238
Carbohydrates 22 g
Protein 7 g
Fat 14 g
Saturated Fat 4 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.5 g
Monounsaturated Fat 5.8 g
Trans Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 5 mg
Sodium 118 mg
Potassium 189 mg
Fiber 2 g
Sugar 11 g
Vitamin A 145 IU
Vitamin C 0 mg
Calcium 24 mg
Iron 1.3 mg

Cooking Tips

  • Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best chewy texture. Quick oats can make the bars too soft.
  • Warm the peanut butter mixture gently. High heat can make it oily.
  • Press the mixture down very firmly so the bars hold their shape after chilling.
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon for extra warmth.
  • Stir in flaxseed, chia seeds, or shredded coconut for added texture.
  • Store bars in the refrigerator for firmer slices, or at room temperature for a softer bite.
  • Swap creamy peanut butter with crunchy peanut butter for more texture.
  • Cut with a sharp knife after chilling well for neat edges.