Even a dieter needs a treat once in a blue moon. I made these Peanut Honey Oat Bars so that I could have a bite or two without feeling guilty about cheating on my diet. I even used dark chocolate rather than milk chocolate (my fav!) to keep the treat healthier.
Peanut Honey Oat Bars are extremely delicious and extremely easy to prepare. They are no bake, which makes them perfect for summertime (No ovens; yay!) and a great option for kitchen time spent with the little ones in your family.
These bars are filled with ingredients that are good for you and delicious too! I can only think of a handful of people on the planet who doesn’t enjoy the wonderful creamy taste of peanut butter. (I’m talking to you, daughter!) And, oats, well, can anyone really say they don’t like oats? They might not like the texture of oatmeal (Me!) but, oats are almost void of taste until you combine them with something like chocolate. Can I get an amen!? And, honey, well, that’s just a sweetener and binding ingredient. John.e is a HUGE honey fan and buys it in bulk. I never use it except for in a recipe; even then, I think of other options. It worked very, very well in these Peanut Honey Oat Bars though!
Now, the chocolate topping in this recipe is completely optional. If you are going for a very healthy option, just leave out that ingredient/step completely. For me, needing a healthy treat, the chocolate was a must. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have felt like a treat at all.
One more thing… when you are ready to cut these into squares, let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. This will give you a cleaner cut, especially if you choose to add the chocolate topping. I got twelve squares from a 9×9 inch pan, but you can get more. I just wanted a really big square, yet still be able to say, “I only had one!” 😉
Peanut Honey Oat Bars
Pin Recipe Save Recipe Print RecipeIngredients
- 1 cup peanut butter, smooth
- 1/3 cup honey
- 3 cups old-fashioned oats
- 2 cups dark melting chocolate
Instructions
- Lightly spray a 9” square baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
- Add peanut butter and honey to a sauce pan. Over medium-low heat, stir to combine until the two ingredients are warmed through and completely incorporated.
- Remove from heat and stir in the oats.
- Transfer to the prepared pan and press the mixture lightly to form an even layer. Set aside.
- Melt the chocolate using the double boiler method. Pour over oat mixture and spread with an offset spatula.
- Refrigerate for one hour and then cut into squares.
Margaret says
These look to die for! Can’t wait to try them out with the kids.
byronethomas@gmail.com says
Thanks, Margaret! The question remains – will you use dark chocolate or milk? 😉
Jennifer Meyering says
Peanut butter and chocolate are my fav! As with no-bake things! haha These are definitely a must soon. And I know the kids will love these too.
byronethomas@gmail.com says
Thanks, Jennifer. No bake is such a great way to make something without the fuss of heating up the kitchen in the middle of August. 🙂
Brian Jones says
They sound superb, we have guests in a couple of weeks and must try these, my wife appears to be part of the handful who hate peanut butter so need someone else to try them on.
Meaghan | Cook. Craft. Love. says
These no bake bars are one of my favorite desserts but I’ve never made them with oats before. It’s like PB bars and granola bars had a baby!
Whitney says
Wow! I can’t believe these are only 4 ingredients! And 4 of my favorite ingredients actually! I’ve gotta try soon… I’m in love with dark chocolate.. and won’t feel too guilty for indulging with these.
Alicia Moore says
I don’t like chocolate so I used raisins instead. My husband and I love them! Thank you so much for this recipe!
byronethomas@gmail.com says
Thank you, Alicia. Glad you both liked them!