These peanut butter oatmeal bars are soft, chewy, and made with just three ingredients: creamy peanut butter, honey, and old-fashioned oats. They only need about 10 minutes of prep before going into the refrigerator. No oven needed!
A 9×9 pan makes 16 bars, so you can tuck a few away for an afternoon snack and freeze the rest for later. Just plan for at least 2 hours of chilling before cutting them.
Three Ingredients, One Pan of Bars
The peanut butter gives these bars their rich flavor, and the honey adds a little sweetness while helping the oats stick together. Old-fashioned oats give each bite a tender, chewy texture. Add a drizzle of peanut butter on top if you want a little extra.
If you like this peanut butter and oat combination in smaller bites, try my no-bake energy balls, which also have vanilla and mini chocolate chips.
FAQs
Use regular creamy peanut butter for this recipe. It mixes smoothly with the honey and helps hold the oats together. Natural peanut butter that separates can change the consistency and how firmly the bars set.
Honey is the sweetener called for in this recipe. Maple syrup may work, but the flavor and firmness can be different, so it is not a confirmed one-for-one substitute here.
Make sure every bit of the oats is coated, press the mixture firmly into the pan, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing. The bars should be firm and set. If they soften in a warm room, return them to the refrigerator.
Keep the bars covered at cool room temperature for up to 4 days, or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. They can soften in a warm spot. Serve at room temperature for a softer bite, or enjoy them chilled.
Yes! Wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap, place them in an airtight freezer container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature if you like.
Ingredients
You only need three ingredients for the bars. The extra peanut butter drizzle is optional.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: Choose regular creamy peanut butter rather than a natural variety that separates.
- ½ cup honey: Clover honey works well here. It sweetens the bars and helps bind the oats.
- 3 cups (300 grams) old-fashioned oats: Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the intended chewy texture.
The full printable recipe is in the recipe card below.
Instructions
Line a 9×9-inch square pan with two pieces of parchment paper, leaving enough over the sides to lift out the chilled bars.
- Warm the peanut butter and honey. Add both to a saucepan that holds at least 2 quarts. Heat over medium heat, stirring until smooth and combined. Warming the mixture makes it easier to stir through the oats.
- Stir in the oats. Fold them in right away with a wooden spoon or stiff spatula. Keep stirring until all of the oats are coated.
- Press into the pan. Transfer the mixture to the lined pan and press it firmly into an even layer. The flat bottom of a glass or measuring cup helps compact it, especially in the corners.
- Chill and slice. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm and set. Lift the slab out with the parchment and cut into 16 bars. Drizzle with extra peanut butter, if desired, and serve at room temperature or chilled.
Tips
- Have the pan ready first. The peanut butter and honey mixture thickens as it cools, so measure the oats and line the pan before heating.
- Press firmly, then chill fully. Both steps help the bars hold together when you cut them.
- Choose your thickness. A 9×9 pan makes bars about ½ inch thick. For thicker bars, use an 8×8 pan.
- Keep them cool until serving. These are soft, chewy bars and can soften further in a warm room.
More Recipes
For more easy treats with peanut butter or oats, try these next:
- No Bake Cookies - chocolate, peanut butter, and oatmeal in a classic stovetop cookie.
- Peanut Butter Pie - a creamy no-bake dessert with an Oreo crust.
- Breakfast Cookies - baked oatmeal cookies with peanut butter, applesauce, and chocolate chips.
Recipe
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
Equipment
- 1 9×9-inch square baking pan
- 1 Saucepan at least 2 quarts
- parchment paper
- Wooden spoon or stiff spatula
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup honey
- 3 cups old-fashioned oats 300 grams
Instructions
- Line a 9×9-inch square pan with two crossing pieces of parchment paper, leaving an overhang for lifting out the bars.
- Warm the peanut butter and honey in a saucepan (at least 2 quarts) over medium heat, stirring until combined and smooth.
- Fold in the oats right away with a wooden spoon or stiff spatula, stirring until thoroughly coated.
- Transfer to the prepared pan and press firmly into an even layer. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm and set.
- Lift out using the parchment and cut into 16 bars. Drizzle with extra peanut butter, if desired. Serve at room temperature or enjoy chilled.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
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