No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars

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

  1. In a medium saucepan, melt together the peanut butter, honey, and butter over medium heat.
  2. Remove from heat and stir in the oats until fully combined.
  3. Press the mixture into a greased 9×9 inch pan, spreading it out evenly.
  4. In a small saucepan, melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter together until smooth and well-blended.
  5. Pour the chocolate mixture over the peanut butter mixture, spreading it out evenly.
  6. 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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


  • Author: Mary
  • 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

Scale
  • 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

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