No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Peanut Butter Bars
Chewy, chocolatey, and packed with peanut-butter flavor—with no oven required.
Ingredients
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2 cups quick-cooking oats
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½ cup creamy peanut butter
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½ cup honey or maple syrup
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⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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¼ cup butter or coconut oil
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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¼ tsp salt
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½ cup chocolate chips, optional
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¼ cup chopped peanuts, optional
Instructions
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Prepare the pan: Line an 8-inch (20 cm) square pan with parchment paper.
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Make the chocolate mixture: Add peanut butter, honey, cocoa powder, butter, and salt to a saucepan. Heat over low-medium heat, stirring until smooth and well combined. Don’t let it boil.
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Add vanilla: Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla.
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Combine: Immediately stir in the oats until thoroughly coated. Fold in chocolate chips or chopped peanuts if using.
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Press firmly: Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Press it down very firmly and evenly—this is the key to bars that don’t crumble.
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Chill: Refrigerate for 2–3 hours, or until completely firm.
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Slice: Lift out using the parchment and cut into bars.
🍫 For the best texture
Use quick oats rather than large old-fashioned oats for bars that hold together better. For a softer, chewier bar, use honey; maple syrup gives a slightly lighter texture and flavor.
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
