Name: No Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 1/2 cup honey; 1 teaspoon vanilla; 2 1/2 cups old fashioned oats; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter

No Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars are a delicious, healthy snack that are made with just 5 simple ingredients. Peanut Butter oat bars are a snack you will feel good about sharing with the whole fam, or you might have to just hide them for yourself!

Looking for other simple Peanut Butter Treats? Check out my recipes for Peanut Butter Popcorn, Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats or Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies.

hand holding up a peanut butter oatmeal bar topped with chocolate

No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

I mean, just the name alone sounds delicious, so you know they are going to be good! We love making these simple peanut butter bars, because they are no bake, take less than 10 minutes, can be made ahead and are a healthy treat!

Every once in a while, you just need to give that sweet tooth what it is looking for and these no bake peanut butter bars, or even these no bake chocolate oatmeal cookies work perfect!! We like to make these easy treats, right in the microwave, which makes them quick and easy!

oatmeal peanut butter bars covered with chocolate

Ingredients for No Bake Peanut Butter Bars

As mentioned above this recipe only takes 5 simple, wholesome ingredients, things you probably already have at home in your pantry. Here is what you will need for this recipe:

creamy peanut butter: creamy peanut butter is best to give these granola bars a smooth texture, now you can substitute crunchy peanut butter if you prefer, or if that is what you have on hand, it will just add a little bit more texture to this recipe. Note: some natural peanut butters will not work in this recipe. If your peanut butter is already runny, don’t use it for these peanut butter bars, it won’t set up.
oatmeal: good old fashion oats are what we use for this recipe, quick oats can be used as a substitute if needed.

small bowls with oatmeal, honey, peanut butter, vanilla and chocolate chips

vanilla: I like to use a good Mexican vanilla like this one. Vanilla extract just doesn’t have as much flavor, but of course, use what you have available.
honey: that sweet, sweet honey is going to give this peanut butter treat a sweet taste
semi-sweet chocolate chips: mixed with a little peanut butter, these make the perfect topping for these oatmeal bars

melted peanut butter with vanilla and honey in a large glass mixing bowl with a yellow spatula

How to make Peanut Butter Bars

First, to make these peanut butter oatmeal bars with chocolate, start by placing the peanut butter into a large mixing bowl. Microwave in 30 second increments, until smooth. This only took about 1 minute in my microwave.

Carefully, take out the peanut butter from the microwave and stir in the honey and vanilla until smooth.

bowl of oatmeal covered in peanut butter mixture

Next, stir in the oatmeal and make sure to get everything well coated. Be sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl to get all of the peanut butter mixture combined with the oats to make a creamy oat mixture.

Press the oat mixture into the bottom of a well greased 8 x 8 inch baking dish. While that is setting, get to work on the chocolate topping.

chocolate chips in a glass bowl with peanut butter

Lastly, for the chocolate topping, in a medium sized microwave safe bowl combine the chocolate chips and peanut butter. Adding the peanut butter will help keep the chocolate softer after it has chilled and not leave a crunchy chocolate topping.

Microwave the chocolate for 30 seconds, take out and stir until smooth. If your chocolate is still not warm enough to mix, microwave in tens second increments until you can stir it smooth. Don’t go too long, the chocolate can burn.

chocolate coated granola bars in an 8 x 8 glass pan

After the chocolate topping has melted, spread it evenly over the top of the peanut butter bars. Place the bars into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, to allow the chocolate to cool and set.

peanut butter oatmeal bars topped with chocolate

Tips for No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

How long are peanut butter oatmeal bars good for?

These chocolate peanut butter bars can be stored in an airtight container on the counter for up to 4 days.

In the refrigerator for up to a week, in an airtight container.

Or, these can be frozen, first allow to set and then wrap in plastic wrap or zip top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw on the counter.

sliced peanut butter oatmeal bars on parchment paper

Add in suggestions for peanut butter oat bars:

chia seeds- add in one tablespoon
ground flax seed- add in one tablespoon
cranberries or other dried fruits- add in 3 tablespoons
chopped nuts- add in 2 tablespoons
flaked salt- sprinkle on top while the chocolate is still a little soft