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 just made these today and they are delicious and so easy to make. I also drizzled a little melted chocolate over a few of them to have as a treat in the afternoon when I need just a little chocolate!
Thank YOU. I was looking for this but saw comments that are meaningless like”sounds easy and I need this in my life.” Was ready to move on and than saw your comment. You made these without any problems. OK something I can work with. Go to the head of the class. THNX! Author owes you one…just saying
Can’t wait to try these. I’ve been using the Skippy Natural peanut butter when making rice Krispy bars and don’t have any trouble with it so I’m sure it will work for these. TFS
Lauren….. warm your honey in a pan of warm/hot water. NEVER in the microwave; doing that will kill off all the good things that honey is so well known for.
Does anyone know how we can get a nutritional breakdown. I am into healthy eating and watch my.sugar intake closely
Well, if you eat the whole pan, there are 147 grams of sugar and 161 grams of fat.(that is when Artisana 100% organic almond butter is used- not sure about peanut butter). So, if you are able to eat only one (20 in one pan), then it’s about 7.35 grams sugar and 8.05 grams of fat each. I know myself too well to know that I can’t eat just one. I am going to skip this recipe for that reason only.
Could I use quick oats??
sure!!!
Has anyone made these with natural (fresh ground) peanut butter?
I just tried and Disaster ! The peanut butter doesn’t melt 🙁
very strange…what type of peanut butter did you use?
I make with organic oats, organic maple syrup, organic peanut butter & add chopped peanuts, pecans, almonds or walnuts.
Also dried fruits minced is good too just make sure it’s real dried fruit & not the sugar and chemical dried fruit. I use maple syrup because I’m not a fan of the taste of honey.
I am going to try these with almond butter next time and maybe cashew butter the next to see how they taste. Keep on cooking;)
Oh I forgot I made these for a friend & she doesn’t love oatmeal so I cut the oatmeal in half and added her favorite organic crunchy cereal to it with a dash of cinnamon because she loves it. She said they were great.
Love this sub-out!!
Awesome! Love hearing what you’re adding in!
Too much peanut butter. It made the bars really dense. Some advice for the person making this: don’t put 1 cups of peanut butter.
I have the Karo syrup question too. I’m snowed in and don’t have enough honey…can I use have honey and half light karo?
sure!
Just got done making these. They were sooo good.