No Bake Chocolate Oat Bars with Peanut Butter

by Jessica Selensky on August 15, 2024 4 comments

No Bake Chocolate Oat Bars with Peanut Butter are the perfect sweet treat made with healthy ingredients. If you love easy and simple recipes, this one is perfect for you!

Did you eat chewy bars growing up?

Me too. I was OBSESSED!

It was always a good day when I got one in my lunch box at school.

These bars are a copycat version that are made with more nutritional ingredients.

From the texture to the flavor, they are absolute perfection.

I might be crazy but I think they get even better as the days go on after chilling in the fridge each night.

So, if you’re a peanut butter and chocolate lover like myself, you’re going to LOVE these bars!

Ingredient Notes

Peanut Butter – Make sure to use a creamy natural peanut butter (or other creamy nut/seed butter) to ensure the texture comes out just right.
Maple Syrup – I prefer using maple syrup in this recipe because it is looser than honey. I also think the flavor complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Tahini – Since there is no butter or baking in this recipe, tahini is the perfect replacement to help bind the ingredients together. It also adds a delicious, nutty flavor!
Vanilla Extract
Rolled Oats – I use oats A LOT in my recipes and baking. I linked a great option for rolled oats where you can get a lot for a good price. Make sure to buy gluten free rolled oats if needed.
Chocolate Chips – I linked my favorite baking chocolate chips, that work well in any recipe and are also allergy friendly. I also love to use Hu Chocolate Baking Chips, they are also a huge favorite of mine to use as well as a high quality product.

Ingredients measured out in bowls. — No Bake Chocolate Oat Bars Ingredients Measured in Bowls

What type of Peanut Butter is the BEST to use in this recipe?

I am a peanut butter lover to my core. It doesn’t have to be in a recipe, all I need is a spoon and a jar.

BUT, for making this recipe, there is a specific type of peanut butter that works best.

Natural creamy peanut butter is the ideal type of peanut butter to use. The texture is more loose than conventional peanut butter, helping bind the ingredients together.

A creamy peanut butter works better than crunchy so that the ingredients come together easily when making the bars.

Using a crunchy peanut butter may alter the final result.

How to Make No Bake Chocolate Oat Bars

Add the the maple syrup, tahini, peanut butter and vanilla extract to a bowl
Mix until combined
Add the rolled oats along with the chocolate chips
Mix until fully combined
Line an 8×8 square pan with parchment paper
Press the oat batter into the pan until flat and spread in an even layer
If desired, top with extra chocolate chips
Let sit in the fridge for about 2 hours (until firm)
Cut the bars and enjoy!

Wet ingredients in bowl — Add the wet ingredients to bowl

Mixed wet ingredients in a bowl. — Add the wet ingredients to bowl

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use tahini?

No, you can simply double the amount of peanut butter. However, make sure your peanut butter is smooth and creamy so that it yields the same result it would with the tahini.

What can I use instead of Peanut Butter?

You can use any creamy nut or seed butter instead of peanut butter at a 1:1 ratio.

Can I substitute Maple Syrup for another ingredient?

Yes! You can use honey, agave syrup or date syrup in place of the maple syrup at a 1:1 ratio.

Can I make this recipe gluten free?

Yes, make sure to use gluten free rolled oats for this recipe to be gluten free friendly.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, this recipe is vegan friendly when using maple syrup and vegan chocolate chips.

How should I store these bars?

Store the bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge.

Related Recipes using Peanut Butter

Sliced No-Bake Oat Bars with Peanut Butter, Tahini and Chocolate.

5 stars (2 ratings)