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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Can I add stuff as far as pecans?
You could absolutely!
I realize it’s a “3” ingredient recipes but my granddaughter’s love it when I make it with a combination of oats and rice crispies.
that crunch would be great!
But the oats are not being cooked. Is it okay to eat raw oats?
yes, it’s ok 🙂
I like to toast them in a dry skillet before using for extra flavor. Let cool, then proceed with recipe.
I tried it , but I can’t take it out of the tray , I sprayed it before putting it in the tray but it’s falling a part , I can’t get it in one piece .
I would try chilling them and they might be a little easier to get out of the pan 🙂
Line the pan with parchment paper with excess on two sides, opposite one another. After it is hard, lift out holding onto the parchment paper sides. Then, use a pizza cutter to roll it making lines for separation of the bed.
yummy recipe! I’ve made it twice, but the second time I cut it all down to 1.3 of the recipe and tweaked it. I did 1 cup of oats, 1/3 cup of almond butter, just under 1/4 cup honey, a few table spoons of desiccated coconut. I also melted 2 table spoons of salted butter in with the almond butter/honey. worked a treat!
Love the feedback and glad you enjoyed!
These were wonderful and so easy! I didn’t have any problems with mine being crumbly at all and not too sweet for me especially since I don’t have much of a sweet tooth. Can’t wait to try more of your recipes. Thank you!
Oh my gosh! Let me just say these did not even make it to the fridge (almost) lol I made my very very small batch with almond butter organic, one teaspoon butter, one tablespoon of organic unprocessed dark cane sugar, couple drops of vanilla and honey with the oats. Amazing!
So glad you enjoyed!!
Quite good actually! However, it is super sweet. I suggest halving, or not using the honey at all. Peanut butter is already so sweet so if you like your bars ‘oaty’ then this is the way to go. I also added half a cup of thickened cream which was made the mixture really creamy and delicious. Store it in the freezer for an hour after you lay it so that it can quickly harden!
I was at our cabin craving a treat. Made a half recipe in an 8×8 pan, no honey so 1/4 c melted margarine whisked with 1/4 c brown sugar. Just a little bit crumbly but hit the spot. Thanks for the inspiration.
Thank you, it turned out great 🙂 To get the kids involved we rolled balls instead of pressing it into a baking tray and it worked perfectly. I sprinkled it with a tiny little bit of kosher salt. Will definitely make these again – I’m all for quick and easy!
Great idea with the salt!!