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A tall stack of chewy peanut butter chocolate oat bars with a thick layer of dark fudge on top.

Irresistible No-Bake Peanut Butter Oat Bars

A delightful and easy-to-make dessert, these no-bake peanut butter oat bars are packed with creamy peanut butter, hearty oats, and a luscious topping. Perfect for a quick treat or satisfying snack, they require no oven and are ready in under an hour.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 16 pieces
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Oat Base
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter melted
  • 1 cup Creamy Peanut Butter smooth, natural or regular
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar packed
  • 1/4 cup Milk any kind
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • 3 cups Quick-Cooking Oats
For the Peanut Butter Topping
  • 1/2 cup Creamy Peanut Butter smooth, natural or regular
  • 1 cup Powdered Sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Milk any kind
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter softened

Equipment

  • Medium Saucepan
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • 8x8-inch Baking Pan
  • Parchment Paper
  • Spatula or Spoon

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare Pan
  1. Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides. This will make it easy to lift the bars out later.
Step 2: Make the Oat Base
  1. In a medium saucepan, melt the 1/2 cup unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 1 cup creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, 1/4 cup milk, vanilla extract, and salt.
  2. Stir the mixture constantly until it is smooth and the sugars have dissolved, about 2-3 minutes. Do not bring the mixture to a boil.
  3. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the quick-cooking oats and stir well with a spatula or spoon until the oats are fully combined and evenly coated with the peanut butter mixture.
  4. Transfer the oat mixture to the prepared 8x8 inch pan. Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, press the mixture down firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan. Set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the topping.
Step 3: Prepare the Peanut Butter Topping
  1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and the 2 tablespoons softened unsalted butter.
  2. Beat with a spoon or an electric mixer on low speed until the topping is completely smooth and creamy. Ensure there are no lumps of powdered sugar.
Step 4: Assemble and Chill
  1. Evenly spread the peanut butter topping over the cooled oat base in the pan. Gently smooth the top with a spatula.
  2. Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until the bars are firm enough to cut.
  3. Once firm, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab of bars out of the pan. Place on a cutting board and cut into 16 squares (4 rows by 4 rows).

Notes

For an extra touch, melt 1/4 cup chocolate chips with 1 teaspoon coconut oil and drizzle over the chilled bars before cutting. Store any leftover no-bake peanut butter oat bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. These bars can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.