These no-bake peanut butter bars are a quick, delicious treat with simple ingredients—perfect for snacks, desserts, or sharing!

There’s nothing quite like the combination of peanut butter and chocolate—it’s a duo that never fails to delight. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick snack, a post-workout pick-me-up, or a sweet treat that won’t leave you feeling guilty, these no bake peanut butter oatmeal bars have you covered. Simple ingredients and an easy preparation will make these bars a staple in your kitchen. The hardest part is not eating them all in one sitting! They are the perfect dessert for the peanut butter lovers in your life, and your favorite chocolate lover will be obsessed, too.

In this post, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about making these bars, from their mouthwatering flavor profile to the health benefits of peanut butter and a little background on the Georgian farms that produce peanuts. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a batch of these bars in no time. Plus, they’re perfect for meal-prepping or sharing with loved ones.

Once you make this recipe or your other favorite peanut dish, share your recipe for a chance to win a $100 VISA gift card! Contest ends November 30, 2024.

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Why You’ll Love these No Bake Oatmeal Peanut Butter Bars

– No-Bake Convenience: No oven? No problem! This recipe skips the baking process, making it perfect for hot days or quick snack preparation.

– Minimal Ingredients: With only five wholesome ingredients, most of which are likely in your pantry already, these bars are as budget-friendly as they are delicious.

– Versatile and Customizable: Want to add some nuts or dried fruit? Go for it! These bars are incredibly adaptable to your taste preferences, and serve as the perfect healthy dessert.

– Great for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting friends, packing lunchboxes, meal-prepping for the week, or the perfect snack, these bars are a hit every time.

Ingredients in no bake peanut butter oatmeal bars

Ingredients in No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

Here’s a closer look at the six key ingredients that make these bars irresistible:

Peanut Butter: The creamy foundation of the recipe, adding richness and flavor. I went with creamy peanut butter, but use your preferred texture in this recipe.
Chocolate Chips: The perfect partner for peanut butter, offering a touch of sweetness and indulgence. Dark chocolate chips are a great way to add more antioxidants to this recipe.
Honey: A natural sweetener that binds the ingredients together while adding a hint of sweetness.
Oats: Provide texture, fiber, and heartiness, making these bars satisfying and nourishing. Old-fashioned oats add nice texture and heartiness to this recipe.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor and adds a warm, sweet aroma.

Ingredients to consider: chia seeds for additional healthy fats and fiber, crunchy peanut butter for added texture, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to enhance the savory flavor.

Health Benefits of Peanut Butter

Peanut butter isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with nutrients that can support your health:

Rich in Protein: Peanut butter is a great source of plant-based protein, which helps build and repair tissues in your body. You’ll get 7 grams of protein per two tablespoons of peanut butter.
Healthy Fats: It contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that can support cardiovascular health.
Packed with Vitamins and Minerals: Peanut butter provides 19 essential micronutrients like Vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium.
Fiber: Peanuts are a source of fiber, an essential nutrient that can aid in heart health, digestive regularity, and also helps you feel full.
Overall health: Data suggests peanut consumption may support weight loss, lower blood pressure, and improve blood glucose levels.

Georgia Peanut Commission and Southern Peanut Growers Tour

When you think of Georgia, certain sports teams may come to mind, and the peach may be the food you most associate with the state. While peaches and pecans are amongst the popular Georgian crops, one of the state’s most important crops might surprise you: peanuts.

Georgia is the largest producer of peanuts in the United States, accounting for half of the country’s total peanut production. I have always loved peanuts as a nutritious and versatile food, and on a recent trip to Georgia with the Georgia Peanut Commission, I learned so much more about this legume.

As part of the Georgia Peanut Commission and Southern Peanut Growers Tour, I was able to experience the farm-to-table journey of peanuts. This included:

Hands-on education on how peanuts are harvested, handled and shelled.
Meeting family farmers and learning about the sustainability of peanut crops, including their natural ability to renew nutrients for the soil.
A visit to the PB2 plant where I learned how oil is extracted from peanuts before grinding them into a fine powder, creating a lower calorie way to enjoy peanuts.

How to Make These No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars

Making these bars is incredibly simple, with just a few steps:

Prepare Your Pan: Line a baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Mix the Base: Combine 1 cup of peanut butter and honey in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and warm. Fold in the oats and mix until fully combined.

Combine peanut butter and honey in a microwave safe bowl

Peanut butter and oat mixture for no bake bars

Press and Set: Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly into the lined pan, pressing down gently to form an even layer.
Make the Topping: Microwave the remaining 1/3 cup of peanut butter and chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Pour this over the oat base, spreading it evenly.

No bake bars made with peanut butter and and oats, topped with chocolate.

Chill and Slice: Freeze the pan for about 45 minutes or until the chocolate layer is firm. Remove from the freezer, slice into bars, and enjoy!

How to Store this Healthy Treat

Proper storage ensures your bars stay fresh and delicious:

In the Fridge: For best results, store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. This keeps them firm and flavorful.
In the Freezer: For longer storage, place the bars in a freezer-safe container, separated by parchment paper. They’ll last up to 3 months—just thaw for a few minutes before enjoying.

Tips: don’t keep your bars at room temperature for very long. This will help maintain the perfect texture of this healthy snack.

Delicious and easy dessert made with peanut butter, oats, chocolate, and honey

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for high-quality peanut butter and fresh oats for the best flavor and texture.
Microwave in Intervals: Heating in short bursts prevents burning and ensures a smooth mixture.
Press Firmly: When spreading the oat mixture into the pan, press it down firmly to create a dense base that holds together well.
Customize the Mix: Add chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or dried fruit to the oat mixture for extra texture and flavor.
Cut with Care: Use a sharp knife to slice the bars cleanly after freezing. Running the knife under hot water first can make cutting easier.