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4-Ingredient Peanut Butter Oat Bars

PREP TIME 15 minutes
chill time 1 hour 30 minutes
TOTAL TIME 1 hour 45 minutes
servings16 bars
No bake and easy to slice
Close-up of chewy chocolate-topped oat bars stacked with parchment paper
Ingredients
  • ¾ cup (190 g) smooth peanut butter (sweetened or unsweetened)
  • cup (110 g) honey (amount works well with either sweetened or unsweetened peanut butter)
  • 2 cups (160 g) old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 2.5 oz (75 g) dark chocolate (about ½ cup chopped or chips)
Instructions
  • Warm peanut butter and honey in a saucepan over medium-low heat until smooth (about 1 minute)
  • Remove from heat and stir in oats until evenly mixed.
  • Press into a lined 8×8 inch (20cm) pan and chill for 1 hour.
  • Melt chocolate in the microwave, stirring between bursts.
  • Pour over the chilled base and tilt the pan to spread. Leave to set at room temp for 20–30 minutes.
  • Slice with a sharp knife. Dip in hot water and dry for clean cuts.
  • Store covered in the fridge for up to 1 week.

See step-by-step images above for visual guidance.

    Recipe Notes
    Peanut butter: You can use natural peanut butter, but stir it well before using. The bars may set slightly softer than if made with regular creamy peanut butter.
     
    Oats: Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best chewy texture. Quick or instant oats are too fine and can make the bars crumbly.
     
    Honey: This amount gives the best texture. Firm, chewy, and not sticky. It binds well with both sweetened and unsweetened peanut butter without making the bars too sweet.
     
    Chocolate topping: For a softer bite, slice while the chocolate is just set. For a firm top, let it harden fully before cutting.
     
    Slicing tip: For clean, neat bars, dip a sharp knife in hot water and wipe it dry between cuts.
     
    Swaps: Maple syrup can be used instead of honey. Almond or cashew butter also works in place of peanut butter.
    Nutrition
    Calories: 232kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.001g | Cholesterol: 0.1mg | Sodium: 55mg | Potassium: 211mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 8g | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 2mg
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