No Bake Oat Bars (Printable)
Chewy wholesome oat bars with peanut butter, honey, and nuts—no baking required
# What You Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 cups rolled oats
02 - 1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
03 - 1/3 cup dried cranberries or raisins
04 - 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
→ Wet Ingredients
05 - 1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
06 - 1/3 cup honey or pure maple syrup
07 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter or coconut oil
08 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
09 - 1 pinch salt
# Steps:
01 - Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing edges to overhang for easy removal later.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, add rolled oats, chopped nuts, dried fruit, and chocolate chips. Mix thoroughly to distribute evenly.
03 - Place peanut butter, honey, and butter (or coconut oil) in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously until completely melted and smoothly combined, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat immediately.
04 - Whisk vanilla extract and salt into the warm wet mixture until fully incorporated.
05 - Pour the warm wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Fold and stir until every ingredient is evenly coated and the mixture holds together when pressed.
06 - Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Press firmly and evenly using a spatula or the back of a spoon to create a compact, uniform layer.
07 - Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until completely firm and set.
08 - Lift the chilled slab from the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into 12 equal bars. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- They come together in under fifteen minutes and most of that time is hands off while they chill
- The combination of sweet honey and salty peanut butter hits every craving at once
02 -
- Press the mixture firmly into the pan or your bars will crumble apart when you try to cut them
- Let them chill completely before cutting or you'll end up with messy jagged edges instead of clean squares
03 -
- Warm your honey slightly in the microwave for ten seconds before measuring it pours out much easier
- Use the back of a measuring cup to press the mixture into the pan it gives you even pressure across the whole surface