These irresistible No‑Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars require no oven, no fuss! With a wholesome oat‑peanut butter base and cocoa flavor, they’re the perfect make‑ahead snack or dessert. Gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free.
The Easiest No-Bake Bars You’ll Make on Repeat
These bars have simple ingredients: just mix rolled oats, peanut butter, maple syrup, and a few pantry staples. Press into a pan and chill. No baking required. Just tasty, chewy, and chocolatey deliciousness! This easy recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free. A sweet treat you can feel good about.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Here are a few quick notes about the ingredients in this dessert recipe. You can see a complete list of ingredients and instructions in the recipe card below.
Gluten-free rolled oats – Use certified gluten‑free old-fashioned oats for a gluten-free diet safe option; they give these bars a chewy, hearty texture. You can substitute with quick oats but the texture will be slightly less chewy.
Natural peanut butter – Stick to creamy peanut butter (just peanuts + salt). Substitute almond butter or use sunflower butter for a nut-free swap.
Unsweetened cocoa powder - Adds rich chocolate flavor throughout the oat layer. Look for Dutch-processed or natural cocoa powder depending on your taste preference.
Pure maple syrup – Maple syrup works as a sweetener and binder. Honey (not vegan) is a great substitute.
Vanilla extract & salt – Enhance the flavor and balance sweetness.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
Before you start: Line an 8×8‑inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
Step 1: Mix cocoa powder, oats, and salt in a medium mixing bowl with a whisk.
Step 2: Add peanut butter and maple syrup and stir with a rubber spatula until the oats are coated.
Step 3: Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press into an even layer.
Step 4: Chill in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours until set.
Equipment
- 8×8‑inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl & spatula
Storage
Store bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before enjoying.
FAQs
Absolutely! Almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter all work well. The flavor will change based on the butter.
Yes! Try mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruit.
More Peanut Butter Recipes
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📖 Recipe
No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
Ingredients
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup gluten-free oats
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup natural peanut butter well stirred
- ¼ maple syrup or honey if not vegan
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Line an 8×8‑inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- Mix cocoa powder, oats, and salt in a medium mixing bowl with a whisk.
- Add peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract and stir with a rubber spatula until the oats are coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press into an even layer. Use an extra piece of parchment paper to press it down.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours until set. Cut into bars.
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