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 tried making this recipe twice and neither one turned out correctly. Luckily, these ingredients are dog-friendly so the recipe-gone-wrong will be used as dog treats.
These are delicious! I also made them with crunchy peanut butter and I’m in love! I stay away from sweets, so this is the best of both worlds! Not too sweet and the peanuts make it the perfect amount of saltiness! Love!
I made these today, using crunchy peanut butter and gluten free rolled oats. SO delicious! Thank you.
Oh these are so great! Like one of the other commenters I am snowed in and have very little in the house and 3 ingredient recipes are perfect! Got everything and the sweet tooth! I am looking forward to trying them! Thank you!!!!
If you buy the Gluten Free Rolled Oats it would be a perfect treat for all of us Celiacs!!! Trying it tomorrow with a drizzle of Chocolate on top!!! Sounds so yummy I can`t wait!!!
I just made these and used the correct amount shown, actually didnt use the full amount of oats. Appears very dry. We’ll see how they turn out. ????
I just made these; can’t wait to try them! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Has anyone had any issue with the bars being too dry? I made these 3x now. First time was perfect and the last two times they have come out very dry (and crumbly). I THINK it may be that I’ve overheated the PB/Honey in my attempts to get them nice and syrupy. How long did you heat your PB/Honey in the microwave, Shelly?
Thanks!!
This is a great base recipe with plenty of room to be creative and customize if desired. I made these bars according to the recipe the first time and added a pinch of cinnamon. The second time, I replaced half the peanut butter with melted butterscotch chips and replaced 1/3 of the oats with rice krispies, and added more cinnamon! They turned out great!
Made a 1/2 batch of these today & they turned out great! I used natural peanut butter because that’s what I like and steel cut oats because that’s what I had. I added unsweetened organic coconut and dark chocolate chips. They were so good! Thanks