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    Home > Recipes > Dessert

    4-Ingredient Chocolate Peanut Butter Oat Bars

    Published: Jan 26, 2017 · Modified: Apr 4, 2022 · by Jess Smith · Jump to Recipe · 3 Comments · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Chocolate Peanut Butter Oat Bars on a white plate
    Chocolate Peanut Butter Oat Bars on a wooden table
    Chocolate Peanut Butter Oat Bars in a baking dish
    Chocolate Peanut Butter Oat Bars with a cup of coffee
    Chocolate Peanut Butter Oat Bars

    Chocolate Peanut Butter Oat Bars stacked on a white plate

    No-bake chocolate peanut butter oat bars with just 4 whole food ingredients. They are perfect for snacking and you likely have everything you need to make them in your pantry!

    a sheet pan of oat bars

    Now that Molly and Clara are closer to three than two, these little ladies are ready to get in the kitchen and "help." I've been on the hunt for recipes that are so easy that they can be made by busy adults, non-bakers and the youngest of kitchen helpers. And few things are as simple and satisfying as these no-bake bars with chocolate and peanut butter.

    Molly and Clara_Chocolate Oat Bars

    The recipe is as simple as can be. Combine chopped chocolate (or chocolate chips) and rolled oats. Stir in peanut butter and honey. Press into a baker and refrigerate until set.

    Chocolate Peanut Butter Oat Bars on a wooden table

    Perhaps best of all, these bars can be easily adapted. We experimented using peanut butter with no added sugar or salt (because that's what we keep around the house these days), dark chocolate and a mix of honey and maple syrup. Molly and Clara did most of the stirring on the day we made these together which means a fair amount of chocolate and oats ended up on the counter / floor / in little mouths.

    Molly and Clara_Chocolate Oat Bars

    Despite our best efforts, these bars were impossible to mess up. They turned out great every time. We liked them best when we warmed the peanut butter just a bit in the microwave. It melted the chocolate as we mixed the bars and resulted in creamy dark chocolate in every bite.

    Chocolate Peanut Butter Oat Bars and a cup of coffee

    More No-Bake Recipes

    • No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
    • No Bake Double Chocolate Pie
    • No-Bake Strawberry Cream Pie
    • No-Bake Speculoos Pie (Biscoff Pie)

    Favorite Tools

    • 9x9 Deep-Sided Staub Baker
    • Anchor 3-Piece Glass Mixing Bowls 
    • Pyrex 2-cup Glass Measuring Cup 
    Chocolate Peanut Butter Oat Bars on a white plate
    Print Recipe
    4.15 from 7 votes

    4-Ingredient Chocolate Peanut Butter Oat Bars

    These no-bake 4-ingredient Chocolate Peanut Butter Oat Bars couldn't be easier to make and are great for snacks or for a healthier dessert. Bonus that if you have little helpers around, they can definitely lend a hand.
    Prep Time15 mins
    Total Time15 mins
    Course: Dessert, Snack
    Keyword: easy snack, no bake dessert
    Servings: 20 servings
    Calories: 263kcal
    Author: Jess Smith via Inquiring Chef
    Cost: $3.00

    Equipment

    • Mixing Bowl
    • 9x9 Baking Dish
    • Microwave Safe Bowl

    Ingredients

    • 1 ½ cups Creamy Peanut Butter
    • ¾ cup Honey (or maple syrup)
    • 4 cups Rolled "Old Fashioned" Oats
    • 6 oz Semi-sweet or Bittersweet Chocolate (roughly chopped if using chocolate bars)

    Instructions

    • Line a 9" x 9" baking dish with a piece of parchment paper (this will make it easier to lift the bars out of the dish once they are set).
    • Combine the oats and chocolate in a large mixing bowl.
    • Heat the peanut butter briefly in the microwave or on the stovetop just to soften (note: this makes it easier to combine with the honey; if you want the chocolate to remain in large pieces instead of melting, skip heating the peanut butter or let it cool completely after mixing it with honey). Combine peanut butter and honey.
    • Pour peanut butter / honey mixture over the oats and chocolate and mix to combine. (I find this easiest to do with my hands...and kids love it!)
    • Press mixture evenly into the baking dish. Refrigerate until firm, 1 to 2 hours. Slice and serve.
    • Store the bars at room temperature or in the fridge. They will be slightly soft and chewy when served at room temp and more firm when chilled.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 263kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 91mg | Potassium: 239mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 4IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 2mg

    Today, 4-ingredient chocolate peanut butter oat bars. Tomorrow, the world.

    Molly and Clara_Chocolate Oat Bars

     

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    About Jess

    Hi! I'm Jess. I am the recipe creator and photographer behind the 900+ recipes you’ll find on Inquiring Chef. As a mom to three young kids and professional cook, my mission is to make every moment in the kitchen and around the table count. If you’re looking for easy, flavorful, family-approved recipes, you’ve come to the right place! Learn more about me here.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Joy

      January 26, 2017 at 12:09 pm

      These granola bars look amazing. And your girls are too cute! I can tell they loved helping you make them. I'd love to make these with Alastair's help, but with sunbutter instead due to his allergies. Thanks for the recipe! I was wondering where you got your pan from? I love it. Also, did you buy or make your learning towers?

      Reply
    2. Erik Brenner

      February 05, 2017 at 2:01 am

      My stomach is weak when it comes to this sweet bars. lol

      Reply
    3. dan

      January 29, 2018 at 4:01 am

      these are all great tips! I wanted to thank you for your time for this wonderful read!!

      Reply

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