These No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars are the perfect treat for anyone craving a combination of creamy peanut butter, honey, and chocolate. They’re quick to prepare, require no oven, and deliver a satisfying, indulgent snack or dessert. With their simple ingredients and easy prep, they’re ideal for busy days or when you need a sweet, homemade gift.
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups quick-cooking oats
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
Directions
- In a medium saucepan, melt together the peanut butter, honey, and butter over medium heat.
- Remove from heat and stir in the oats until fully combined.
- Press the mixture into a greased 9×9 inch pan, spreading it out evenly.
- In a small saucepan, melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter together until smooth and well-blended.
- Pour the chocolate mixture over the peanut butter mixture, spreading it out evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the bars to set before cutting into squares.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes refrigeration time)
Variations
- Nutty Add-ins: Add chopped nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or cashews to the peanut butter mixture for extra crunch and flavor.
- Chocolate Topping: Use milk chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
- Vegan Option: Substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar and ensure you use dairy-free butter and chocolate chips.
- Add Fruit: For a fruity twist, consider adding dried cranberries or raisins into the oat mixture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. They’ll keep longer if kept chilled, so don’t forget to refrigerate them after preparation.
- Freezing: These bars freeze well for up to 3 months. Just wrap them in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container.
- Reheating: These bars do not need to be reheated; they are best served chilled directly from the fridge.
10 FAQs
- Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy? Yes! Crunchy peanut butter will add a bit of extra texture, which can make the bars even more enjoyable if you like a little crunch.
- Can I use regular oats instead of quick-cooking oats? Quick-cooking oats are preferred for this recipe since they blend more easily and provide the right texture, but you can use regular oats in a pinch. The bars may be slightly chewier.
- Do I need to refrigerate these bars? Yes, refrigeration is necessary for the bars to set and hold together. Without it, they will be too soft to cut into squares.
- Can I make these bars gluten-free? Yes, to make these bars gluten-free, simply use certified gluten-free oats in place of regular oats.
- What can I use instead of honey? You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar if you prefer a vegan option or simply want a different flavor.
- How do I cut these bars? For clean, even squares, use a sharp knife and cut the bars when they are fully set and chilled. Let them rest for a few minutes at room temperature before cutting if they’re too firm.
- Can I make these bars in a larger or smaller pan? Yes! Adjust the recipe based on your pan size. For a thinner bar, use a larger pan (such as a 9×13 inch pan) and for thicker bars, use a smaller pan.
- Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter? Yes, almond butter works as a substitute for peanut butter. It will change the flavor slightly, but it will still be delicious.
- How long can I store these bars? These bars will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about one week. If you plan to keep them longer, freezing is a good option.
- Can I make these bars without chocolate? Yes, you can skip the chocolate topping if you prefer. The peanut butter and oat mixture is delicious on its own!
Conclusion
These No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars are a simple yet indulgent treat that comes together in just a few minutes with minimal effort. Whether you’re craving something sweet to satisfy your snack attack or need an easy dessert for a gathering, these bars are guaranteed to hit the spot. With endless variations and easy storage options, they’re a versatile addition to your recipe repertoire.
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No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars are the perfect sweet and salty treat! With a creamy peanut butter base, a touch of honey, and a rich chocolate topping, they’re easy to make and require no baking. Ready in just over an hour, they’re a great snack or dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups quick-cooking oats
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (for topping)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, melt together the peanut butter, honey, and butter over medium heat.
- Remove from heat and stir in the oats until well combined.
- Press the mixture into a 9×9-inch pan.
- In a small saucepan, melt the chocolate chips and 1/2 cup peanut butter together, stirring until smooth.
- Spread the chocolate mixture evenly over the peanut butter oat mixture.
- Refrigerate for at least one hour before cutting into squares.
Notes
- For an extra crunchy texture, you can use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy.
- Make sure the bars are fully chilled before cutting to prevent them from falling apart.
- You can store these bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes