No-Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

These chewy peanut butter oatmeal bars are an easy no-bake snack, breakfast or healthy dessert made with simple ingredients like peanut butter, oats, and honey!

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Chewy No Bake Peanut Butter Oat Bars

If your family loves easy snacks made with wholesome ingredients, these chewy no bake peanut butter oatmeal bars are a must-try. They remind me of our homemade granola bars, but with even fewer steps.

We’ve always got peanut butter on hand for quick treats like Honey Nut Cheerios peanut butter bars or peanut butter oatmeal balls, and this recipe is another simple favorite. It’s perfect for lunchboxes, after school snacks, or a make-ahead breakfast!

Ingredients Notes

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

• Creamy peanut butter: Use your favorite brand. I love Jif natural peanut butter as there is no stirring required.
• Honey: Acts as both a sweetener and binder for that chewy texture.
• Rolled oats: Old-fashioned oats give the best bite and structure. Quick oats can work in a pinch but the texture will be softer. Use gluten-free oats if needed.
• Mini chocolate chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips add a touch of sweetness in every bite.
• Vanilla extract and salt: A small dash of each can enhance the flavor but are optional.

How to Make Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

In a medium bowl, stir together the peanut butter and honey until smooth. If using, mix in a dash of vanilla and a pinch of salt to boost the flavor in the peanut butter mixture.

Stir in the rolled oats and mini chocolate chips until everything is well combined and coated.

Scoop the oat mixture into a lined 8×8 baking pan and press it down firmly into an even layer. Use the back of a spoon or your hands (dampened if sticky) to pack it down.

Place the pan in the fridge for about 15 minutes to firm up, then lift out and cut the peanut butter oatmeal bar recipe into squares. Enjoy right away or store for later!

Recipe Tips

• Pan size: For thick and chewy bars use an 8×8 or 9×9-inch pan. You can double the recipe and use a 13×9-inch pan.
• Use parchment with overhang. Line your pan with parchment paper and leave some extra on the sides so you can lift the bars out easily after chilling. It makes slicing much cleaner too.
• Warm the peanut butter and honey. If the mixture feels thick, microwave it for 15–20 seconds to soften. This makes it much easier to stir and combine with the oats.
• Customize with add-ins. You can mix in chopped nuts, shredded coconut, dried fruit like raisins or cranberries, or a sprinkle of chia or flax seeds for extra texture.

Substitutions and Variations

• Maple syrup or agave: Both are great alternatives to honey and still help bind the bars. Just note that maple syrup is a bit thinner, so the bars may be slightly softer.
• Crunchy peanut butter: Adds extra texture if you like a bit of crunch in each bite.
• Nut-free option: Use sunflower seed butter or another seed butter if you need an allergy-friendly version. Just be sure it’s thick and not too oily so the bars hold together.
• Chocolate layer: Turn this into dessert by adding a thin layer of melted chocolate on top, almost like a healthier version of my lunch lady peanut butter bars.