These simple 3 Ingredient No Bake Peanut Butter Oat Squares can be thrown together in minutes. Use all natural/organic ingredients, if you prefer, for a healthier version! Either way, this oatmeal bar recipe is easy, delicious, and the best snack or dessert.
This recipe was originally posted in 2015. The images and recipe have been updated in 2021 to include tips and tricks based on reader feedback!
These 3 Ingredient No Bake Oat Squares Are Easy and Delicious!
Easy can not even describe these 3 Ingredient No Bake Oat Bars! I would say they’re simple to make, but “simple” is so over-used…by me especially…that I’m afraid you might not buy it. Regardless, they are the simplest, easiest, no brainiest bars ever to be.
There are literally 3 ingredients, no baking…only measuring. And you only have to measure 3 things, so…
PLUS, these Oat Bars are kinda-sorta not even that bad for you!
Oat Squares Quick and Healthy Snack Idea!
I know the word healthy is extremely overused, but the simplicity of the ingredients, plus the fiber and protein these contain make them a more healthful option in my house than a cookie. They’re a great option to have on hand for a snack or even a grab and go breakfast!
What Are the 3 Ingredients You Need?
- Old Fashioned Oats
- Peanut Butter
- Honey
Add-In Ideas:
The great thing abut this recipe is that while they are perfect in their 3 ingredient simplicity, you can also add in other ingredients for flavor or health benefits.
- Flax seeds. A tablespoon or two will add fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Coconut. 1/4 cup or so will add texture, flavor, and sweetness!
- Chocolate Chips. Peanut butter and chocolate are the perfect combo!
- Crunchy Peanut Butter. This will add texture when swapped out for creamy!
- Raisins or dried fruit. 1/2 cup would be delicious!
- Chia seeds. a few tablespoons will add high quality protein and antioxidants.
Tips for Making No Bake Peanut Butter Oat Squares
- If your honey isn’t brand new it might be a little crystallized, which makes it hard to pour. BUT heating honey weakens the ingredients rendering the health benefits ineffective…so if you’re just in it for the taste you can heat it a bit. But if you’re looking for the good stuff that comes along with honey, heating it might not be the option.
- Use Old Fashioned (or rolled oats). I find that they work for the texture and stability of these bars a little better. If you only have Quick oats on-hand, it will be fine, it’s just a texture thing.
- Use whatever kind of peanut butter you prefer! If you love Skippy, use it! If you like natural peanut butter, use that! It’s completely up to you!
Do You Need To Chill These Oatmeal Bars?
Chilling these bars is part of the process to aid in them setting and becoming firm. But do you need to store them int he refrigerator? You can! If you want your bars to stay extra firm, keep them chilled! If you allow them to come up to room temperature they will be softer, but also delicious!
Looking For More Oatmeal Bar Recipes? Try These!
- Salty Caramel Oat Bars
- Homemade Granola Bars
- Peanut Butter Passion Bars
- Salty Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars
3 Ingredient No Bake Peanut Butter Oat Squares
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 20 squares 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These simple 3 Ingredient No Bake Peanut Butter Oat Squares can be thrown together in minutes. Use all natural/organic ingredients, if you prefer, for a healthier version! Either way, this oatmeal bar recipe is easy, delicious, and the best snack or dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 3/4 cups rolled oats
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 pan with foil. Spray lightly with non-stick spray.
- Melt the peanut butter and honey together until smooth, either in the microwave or stove top. Combine mixture with oats.
- Press into prepared pan. Place in refrigerator until set. Cut into squares.
Notes
I like to store mine in the refrigerator because they can get a bit soft.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 148
- Sugar: 8.3 g
- Sodium: 55.3 mg
- Fat: 6.6 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Protein: 4.4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
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I am grateful for this recipe. A local baker makes something similar that I love, but it’s pretty expensive. It’s a little bit sweet for me, (Plus, I’m prediabetic) so next time I’m going to try to use slightly less honey and maybe slightly more peanut butter. Thank you!
Taste is yummy but mine do not cut in squaresI; crumbly like granola. I reduced oatmeal by 1/4 cup as I could see that dough would not stick together.If I made them again I would use 2 cups oatmeal.
hi, I was wondering if I could omit the honey, just add more PB instead?
And could I just make these in a plastic freezer safe tupperware box instead of a pan?
Thank you!
Made these today, easy and delicious. It would be beneficial to have weights in oz/grams as opposed to cups as this would cut down on utensils needed and washing up. 🙂
Used quick oats and it’s still quite tasty! I used a blueberry flavored honey- gave a hint of pb and j vibes. May use a little less honey next time and try those other recommended mix-ins. Will make again!
I need to find blueberry honey! That sounds fantastic!
So I have the peanut butter that has honey in it already. Should I omit the honey or cut it back?
The honey aids in texture, so I would still use it!
Looks delicious, versatile and EASY! I use liquid stevia as my main sweetener as I’m sensitiveto sugar, honey and make syrup. Would it work to replace the honey in this recipe with Stevia (or another alternative that you might mention) or would that throw off the ratios/ texture?