No-Bake Oatmeal Bars with Peanut Butter Recipe
These no-bake oatmeal bars with peanut butter and chocolate topping are a quick, healthy, and delicious snack or dessert. Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and free from refined sugar, they offer a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors with a chewy texture. Ready in just 10 minutes plus chilling time, they are ideal for meal prep or a nutritious treat anytime.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (including 30 minutes chilling time)
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the bars:
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- ¼ cup almond meal
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Chocolate Topping:
- ¼ cup chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter
Instructions
- Make the Oatmeal Layer: In a small bowl, combine the oats, shredded coconut, and almond meal. Set this dry mixture aside.
- Melt Peanut Butter and Honey: In a large microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop, gently melt together the peanut butter and honey until smooth. If the peanut butter is already liquid at room temperature, simply stir in the honey without heating.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt (start with ¼ teaspoon and increase to ½ teaspoon if preferred) until well combined.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Add the oat mixture to the melted peanut butter and honey mixture and stir thoroughly to mix evenly.
- Press into Pan: Transfer the mixture to an 8×8-inch pan, spreading it evenly. Set aside.
- Prepare Chocolate Topping: Melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter together on the stovetop or in the microwave. Begin by microwaving for 60 seconds, stirring, then continue heating in 30-second increments until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble: Drizzle or spread the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture evenly over the oatmeal bars.
- Set the Bars: Allow the bars to set either at room temperature or refrigerate until the chocolate topping hardens, about 30 minutes.
- Serve: Once firm, cut the bars into 16 pieces and serve them at room temperature or chilled according to your preference.
Notes
- Use creamy peanut butter for the smoothest texture and best melting.
- If you prefer a less sweet bar, reduce the honey slightly.
- The bars can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- For a nut-free version, try substituting sunflower seed butter for peanut butter and replacing almond meal with ground oats.
- To make these bars strictly vegan, replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Ensure the chocolate chips used are dairy-free if aiming to keep it vegan and dairy-free.
