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 made these today and they were wonderful! Except I made them into small balls. I added a bit of cinnamon and salt to it and they were awesome!
great idea!!
Hi! I just tried to make these and I was trying to heat up the peanut butter and honey on the stovetop but it was burning on me and it didn’t get to a syrup form. Do you heat it up in low heat, how long, and do you constantly stir? Thanks in advance for the help! Looking forward to try these again!
If you are having problems with it burning, I would say yes the heat was too high. Go ahead and try it on low and stir very frequently
I did mine on a double boiler. It is much easier to melt chocolate or warm peanut butter that way. If you don’t have a double boiler insert, you can use a stainless steel bowl that is slightly larger than your pot so it doesn’t sink. Also, stir constantly. In a double boiler, it only took maybe 3 minutes.
Very fast and easy! I made them last night using a large non-stick skillet and followed the ingredient list exactly. I found keeping the ingredients warm allowed for easier mixing. Ate them for breakfast this morning. Delish!
Ohhh yumm. My preggo cravings demanded I make these as soon as I saw them. I’m thinking of adding raisins and maybe some nuts. I’ve been having a hard time getting enough protein while pregnant so this is an awesome option. Thank you!!
do you use natural peanut butter or regular like kraft
I used regular like Jif
I was reading the comments about honey getting hard. The easiest & fastest way I found is make sure the lid is on tight. Put it in the dish washer when you do your dishes. I had a quart jar (hard as a rock)I did put it on the top shelf because the jar was plastic. Dishes got washed & honey poured very nice. I got this hint from Heloise’s column in the newspaper…
Love this recipe, just made again, tonight I added flax and poppy seed. Love the peanut butter and honey, reminds me of growing up and putting peanut butter on toast then adding honey on top and swirling. Thank you for this, I pinned a couple months ago.
I am going to make this in about 1hour for My Grandson and son.i can’t wait Thank you.
I found your recipe on Pintrest & I had to comment & say THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m currently living in China {My husband is working here- we are from Canada & the US} & the food is…different…………
I am also a vegetarian & having the hardest time finding the ingredients to make what I consider normal & vegetarian friendly at the grocery story! I can find all 3 of these ingredients & you’d better believe I will be making these! So thank you again for this simple recipe that will give me a little taste of home!!!
Andrea
Stylish Adventures with AL
Made these a few days ago. Even my pickiest child loved them. I dipped the bars in melted vanilla almond bark to help them hold together a bit better. YUMMY!!! Thanks so much for the recipe.