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No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars

These no-bake peanut butter bars come together quickly with simple ingredients like peanut butter, honey, and oats. They have a chewy, sticky texture with a golden exterior once chilled, and are easily customizable with add-ins or toppings. Perfect for a satisfying, homemade treat that requires no oven, just a little fridge time.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup peanut butter creamy preferred
  • 1/2 cup honey mild or floral variety
  • 2 cups rolled oats can substitute with quick oats
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

  • 8-inch square pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Spatula
  • Knife or pizza cutter

Method
 

  1. Line your 8-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang on the sides to make removal easy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter and honey. Use a spatula to stir until the mixture is smooth, fragrant, and slightly runny, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Add the rolled oats and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix everything together thoroughly until the oats are evenly coated and the mixture is thick but sticky.
  4. Use your spatula to press the mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly and pressing down firmly to compact the mixture. This helps create a uniform layer with a satisfying chewiness.
  5. Place the pan in your fridge and chill for at least 2 hours, or until the mixture is firm and set. You'll notice it becomes less sticky and holds its shape when pressed.
  6. Once chilled and firm, lift the entire block out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Place it on a cutting board.
  7. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the block into 12 even squares, revealing the chewy, golden interior with a slightly glossy surface.
  8. Arrange the bars on a plate or store them in an airtight container. Keep refrigerated for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
  9. For serving, let the bars sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften slightly before enjoying that sticky, nutty aroma and satisfying chew.

Notes

Feel free to customize with chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before chilling for extra flavor and texture.