No Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars have a crunchy, buttery brown sugar oatmeal top and bottom with a fudgy peanut butter filling. They’re easy to make and whip up in just 20 minutes!
When it’s hot outside, I avoid turning on the oven at all costs. Here in Florida we have central air conditioning, but the oven still heats up the entire kitchen and living area, and then it takes hours for the house to cool down.
It’s just easier to make a dessert that doesn’t require oven time, lol.
I’ve been making Chocolate Oatmeal Bars for years, and No Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars is a spin off that. Here instead of a fudgy chocolate filling, we use a blend of white chocolate and peanut butter. These bars have the same fudgy texture, but they aren’t so overwhelmingly chocolate-flavored.
Of course a little drizzle of dark chocolate on top pairs well with the peanut butter filling. And just a sprinkling of sea salt balances everything.
These no bake bars go beyond a good dessert for summertime gatherings. They’re quick and easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Whip them up for your next party!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The best part about these delicious oatmeal bars is how easy they are to make. There’s no baking required, so you don’t have to worry about heating up the kitchen.
- These have great texture with a crunchy top and bottom and a soft, fudgy filling.
- Peanut butter is the star of the show, but a hint of chocolate is the perfect accent!
The Best No Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
Ingredients
Top and Bottom Oat Mixture:
- Unsalted butter
- Light brown sugar
- Salt
- Old-fashioned rolled oats
- Pure vanilla extract
Peanut Butter Filling:
- White chocolate chips
- Creamy peanut butter
Toppings:
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Flaky sea salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Toast the Oats for the Top and Bottom:
Add the butter, brown sugar, and salt to a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook until the butter is melted, stirring occasionally. Stir in the oats and vanilla and cook until the oats are toasted, about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add half of the oat mixture to a loaf pan lined with 2 pieces of parchment paper. Spread it out evenly, and then press it down with a metal spatula.
Step 2: Make the Filling:
Melt the white chocolate chips and peanut butter together in a medium bowl in the microwave or double boiler. Stir to combine.
Pour the white chocolate/peanut butter mixture on top of the oat mixture in the loaf pan. Spread it out evenly.
Step 3: Add the Topping and Chill:
Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture on top.
Refrigerate until set, about 2 hours.
Step 4: Finishing Touches:
Cut into bars, and then drizzle the melted semi-sweet chocolate on top. Sprinkle on the flaky sea salt. Serve!
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Tips
- These bars have a more solid consistency straight from the fridge. If you let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, they have a fudgy consistency. Don’t leave them outside in the heat because they will melt.
- For a chocolate filling instead, mix together 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips + ½ cup of heavy whipping cream.
No Bake Oatmeal Bars FAQs
How Do You Freeze Oatmeal Bars?
Once these are cut into squares, arrange them in layers between pieces of parchment paper in an airtight container. Freeze them for up to 3 months, and thaw in the fridge overnight before eating.
How Can I Make These Into Chocolate Oatmeal Bars?
If you’re looking for a fudgy chocolate oatmeal bar, this recipe is perfect. All you need to do is swap out the filling!
Instead of using white chocolate chips and peanut butter, use 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips + ½ cup heavy whipping cream. Melt it together and proceed with the recipe.
More Easy Dessert Recipes to Make
- Chocolate Pudding Dirt Cups – fun for kids!
- No Bake Cheesecake Parfait – elegant, but quick and easy!
- Vanilla Pineapple Popsicles – just 2 ingredients, a blender, and a popsicle mold is all you need!
- Salted Brown Butter Blondies – rich, gooey, and so good!
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No Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
Ingredients
Top and Bottom Oat Mixture:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup light brown sugar lightly packed
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Peanut Butter Filling:
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
Toppings:
- 3 tablespoons chocolate chips melted
- ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Line a 9 by 5-inch loaf pan with 2 pieces of parchment paper so it hangs over all 4 sides.
- Add the butter, brown sugar, and salt to a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook until the butter is melted, stirring occasionally. Stir in the oats and vanilla and cook until the oats are toasted, about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add half of the oat mixture to the prepared loaf pan. Spread it out evenly, and then press it down with a metal spatula.
- Melt the white chocolate chips and peanut butter together in a medium bowl in the microwave or double boiler. Stir to combine.
- Pour the white chocolate/peanut butter mixture on top of the oat mixture in the loaf pan. Spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture on top.
- Refrigerate until set, about 2 hours.
- Cut into bars, and then drizzle the melted semi-sweet chocolate on top. Sprinkle on the flaky sea salt.
- Serve.
Faith's Tips
- Recipe Yield and Serving Size: This recipe makes 1 (9 by 5-inch) loaf pan, which is 8 servings.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Serving Tip: These bars have a more solid consistency straight from the fridge. If you let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, they have a fudgy consistency. Don’t leave them outside in the heat because they will melt.
- For a Chocolate Filling Instead: Melt together 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips + ½ cup of heavy whipping cream.
Nutrition
Linda says
I used chocolate chip and peanut butter yummy
Betsy says
How simple to make, and delicious! I made them for my 4th of July picnic and they were a hit!!