Peanut butter oatmeal bars seem to have it all. They’re quick, easy and wholesome, with a make-ahead, eat-throughout-the-week nature that’s loved by households big and small. Just three simple ingredients and 10 minutes of active time create nine filling bars of oat-y, peanut butter-y goodness that work for a rushed breakfast or an afternoon snack. Customize the bars to your liking with chocolate chips, fruit and whatever mix-ins are in the pantry.
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
- Peanut butter: Since you’ll really be able to taste the peanut butter in these bars, grab a good peanut butter brand from the store. If you’re using natural peanut butter, make sure to give it a thorough stir before combining it with the honey.
- Honey: We use honey, which is a more food-forward, wholesome sweetener than granulated or brown sugar. Check out the best honey brands, as recommended by our Test Kitchen pros.
- Old-fashioned oats: Be sure to read the labels on the oat packages in the store. A lot of different types of oats with various textures and cooking times are available, but the best oats for this recipe are old-fashioned oats, aka rolled oats.
Directions
Step 1: Heat the peanut butter and honey
In a small saucepan, combine the peanut butter and honey. Cook and stir together over medium-low heat until everything is melted and blended.
Step 2: Mix in the oats
Remove the saucepan from the heat, and immediately stir in the oats.
Expert Tip: Try to make sure every oat is coated and there are no dry spots.
Step 3: Press and set the bars
Grease a 9-inch square pan. Transfer the oats into the pan and lightly press them down with a spatula. Cool the oats completely to room temperature, then cover the pan with storage wrap and chill for one hour.
Once they’re chilled, slice into bars and serve!
Recipe Variations
- Add your favorite mix-ins: Blueberries, raspberries, chocolate chips, shredded coconut, chia seeds or dried cranberries all make excellent additions to these no-bake oatmeal peanut butter bars. Fold in any addition when you stir in the oats, before pressing them into the pan.
- Try another nut butter: Crunchy peanut butter, almond butter or cashew butter can be swapped in for the creamy peanut butter. If someone you’re feeding can’t have nuts, use sun butter.
- Swap the sweetener: Substitute the same amount of maple syrup or agave nectar for the honey if desired.
- Coat in chocolate: We all love a good peanut butter and chocolate treat. Melt chocolate chips until smooth and drizzle over the tops of the oatmeal peanut butter bars. Or, dip the bottoms of the bars in the melted chocolate and place them chocolate side-down on a baking sheet lined with waxed paper or parchment so the chocolate can set.
How to Store Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
To store, slice into bars and place them in an airtight container. Store on the counter for up to one week.
Can you freeze peanut butter oatmeal bars?
Yes, these bars are perfect to freeze, thaw and enjoy whenever. Store the cut bars in an airtight container. Place sheets of parchment or waxed paper in between each layer to avoid sticking. These oatmeal peanut butter bars can last in the freezer for up to two months and then be thawed in the fridge overnight, on the counter for a few hours or in the microwave until heated through.
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bar Tips
Can you use other kinds of oats to make no-bake peanut butter oatmeal bars?
We like old-fashioned oats because they tend to hold up better and provide more texture, but quick-cooking oats are perfect in a pinch. Keep in mind that quick-cooking oats have a milder flavor and softer texture. If you’ve got some extra oats lying around, try some of these fun oatmeal recipes.
What other pans can you use for these peanut butter oatmeal bars?
If you want your no-bake oatmeal peanut butter bars to be a bit thicker, use an 8-inch square pan. For thinner bars, use a 10-inch square pan. You could also double this recipe and set the bars in a 13×9-inch baking pan.
