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Healthy No-Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars - Simple, Satisfying, and Naturally Sweet

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (not instant; use certified gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 cup natural peanut butter (creamy; well-stirred)
  • 1/3–1/2 cup honey or pure maple syrup (to taste; honey binds slightly better)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt (adjust if peanut butter is salted)
  • 2–4 tablespoons add-ins (optional): mini dark chocolate chips, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, chia or flax seeds
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk or water (optional): only if mixture seems too dry

Method
 

  1. Prep the pan: Line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment, leaving overhang on two sides for easy lifting.
  2. Warm the base (optional but helpful): In a microwave-safe bowl, gently warm the peanut butter and honey/maple for 15–20 seconds to make mixing easier. You can also do this on the stovetop over low heat. Don’t boil.
  3. Mix wet ingredients: Stir in the vanilla and salt until smooth and glossy.
  4. Add the oats: Pour in the rolled oats and fold until every oat is coated. The mixture should be thick and slightly sticky. If it’s crumbly, add 1 tablespoon milk or water at a time.
  5. Fold in extras: Add chocolate chips, seeds, or nuts. If using chocolate, let the mixture cool a minute so it doesn’t melt completely.
  6. Press into the pan: Transfer the mixture to the lined pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press firmly and evenly. Pressing well helps the bars hold together.
  7. Chill to set: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or freeze for 20–25 minutes, until firm.
  8. Slice and serve: Lift the slab out with the parchment and cut into 12–16 bars or squares. Wipe the knife between cuts for clean edges.