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No-Bake Peanut Oat Bars

These no-bake peanut oat bars are a nostalgic treat that come together quickly without any oven. Made with creamy peanut butter, hearty oats, honey, and coconut oil, they develop a chewy, salty-sweet crust with a satisfying crunch. The final bars are golden, sticky, and perfect for satisfying snack cravings or a quick breakfast on-the-go.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups old-fashioned oats for hearty chew and rustic texture
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt to balance sweetness
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter creamy for smoothness, or crunchy for texture
  • 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup for sweetness and stickiness
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil helps bind ingredients and adds richness
  • Optional chocolate chips, dried fruit, or seeds for added flavor and crunch
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract adds warmth and depth

Equipment

  • 20x20cm (8x8 inch) dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Spatula
  • Parchment paper
  • Sharp knife

Method
 

  1. Line your 20x20cm dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to make removal easy. This helps with cleanup and neat edges.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats and sea salt. Stir them together until evenly distributed. This creates a hearty base for your bars.
  3. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the peanut butter, honey, and coconut oil together in 30-second bursts, stirring each time until the mixture is smooth and glossy with a fragrant aroma. This should take about 1-2 minutes total.
  4. Pour the melted peanut butter mixture over the oats. Use a spatula to stir and coat all the oats evenly, feeling the mixture become sticky and cohesive.
  5. Transfer the mixture into your prepared dish. Use the back of a spatula or your hands to press it down firmly and evenly, creating a smooth surface. This compacts the mixture and ensures the bars will hold together.
  6. If desired, sprinkle optional add-ins like chocolate chips, dried fruit, or seeds on top. Gently press them into the surface so they stay embedded in the bars.
  7. Place the dish in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until the mixture is firm and set. For best results, leave it overnight covered with plastic wrap.
  8. Once chilled, lift the set block out of the dish using the parchment overhang. Place it on a cutting board and use a sharp knife, warmed slightly with hot water, to cut into 8-10 bars.
  9. Serve the bars straight from the fridge for a chewy, gooey texture or at room temperature for a softer bite. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.

Notes

Feel free to customize these bars with your favorite add-ins like chocolate chips, dried fruit, or seeds. For an extra glossy finish, drizzle melted chocolate over the top before chilling.