4 Ingredient No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Granola Bars (GF, V): an easy, protein-rich recipe for decadent PB granola bars covered in chocolate, made with whole ingredients. Vegan, Protein-Packed, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole Grain.
4 Ingredients??? How is that EVEN possible, you might be saying to yourself.
Oh, okay… I only have my imagination to keep me company here… let me have this! J/k. Erik and I only have our imaginations here to keep us company. And each other. Oh, great. 😉
Come on, though… 4 ingredients!! I’m playing it cool, trying to pretend like this is no big deal… and I’m failing miserably. But, you know, happily. Also, yes, this is how I play it “cool.” 😉 The thing is, some of you may have already tried my reader-loved (that’s you folks! #justsayin) 3 ingredient no bake peanut butter granola bars.
I’d been wracking my brain, thinking of a way to somehow incorporate that recipe into something new and deliciously upgraded. But, truth be told, all of that brain-wracking was for naught. Plus, it totally makes me dizzy just typing brain-wracking. So why do I keep doing it???
Moving on… in one of the trials for those granola bars, I made a batch that was too soft. It wouldn’t do for granola bars—at least not for the thick, solid consistency I was going for. But (make that a delicious but—wait a minute, scratch that but—darn it—forget I said anything), it was soft, sweet and so satisfying. I made a note of that trial and put it into my “Tell Me More” file.
So guess who came out to play today? Oh YES.
That soft, delicious and satisfying, Peanut Butter Lover’s delight. And in true BB tradition, I would have been remiss to not add in some chocolate. Make that my in-my-head-only famous chocolate peanut butter topping. Could these be a granola bar? Or could they be dessert? Or perhaps an ultimate no bake dessert bar?
How’s about we call them both, and treat ourselves to something seriously incredible: my 4 Ingredient No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Oatmeal Bars. These no bake bars are exactly what would happen if Willy Wonky himself grabbed peanut butter cups and granola bars and put them into some fantastical food calculator machine thingy and pressed the “healthy” and “extra yummy” buttons. Because why wouldn’t there be such buttons on his machine? Along with an “eject spoiled children to a mysterious place that will seriously chill people” button?
But enough of that. Ahem.
Bite into one of these 4 Ingredient No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Oatmeal Bars and you’ll feel all the good peanut butter cup feels. You know the ones I’m talking about. 😉 In case you’re still not convinced, let me tell you all about them. These incredible no bake bars are:
- seriously easy to make
- bursting with peanut butter cup flavor
- made with just 4 ingredients
- vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free
- wonderfully protein-rich
- thick, rich and decadent
- …while still being made with healthy ingredients
- plant-based and allergy-friendly
- just the right balance of chocolate and PB
- perfect for a pre-workout snack, or dessert
- totally Willy Wonka worthy
Would you like to join me in no-baking a fresh batch? All you need are 4 ingredients, your trustiest kitchen sidekick (be it bestie, momma, dog, or a streaming episode of The Flash), two bowls and ALL the appetite (can there be multiples??). Let’s get ready to rock this! I’m so happy to be in the kitchen with you, making the most delicious treats from the simplest ingredients. I can’t wait to hear what you think of this recipe. While I wait, tell me…
What dessert would you like me to combine with a granola bar next?
Sending you all my love and maybe even a dove, xo Demeter ❤️
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Watch how easy it is to make these irresistible No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Oatmeal Bars
- 1 cup natural, unsalted creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 ¼ cups gluten free rolled oats
- ½ cup vegan chocolate chips
- ¼ cup + 1 tablespoon unsalted, natural creamy peanut butter
- Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or wax paper. Set aside.
- Make the peanut butter oat bars: In a medium, microwave-safe bowl (large enough to add oats later), add peanut butter and maple syrup. Whisk together until well mixed. Heat in 20-second increments in the microwave until warm, fragrant, and tiny bubbles begin to form. Whisk in between heating increments.
- Add oats. Stir and fold until thoroughly combined. Pour this mixture into the prepared baking pan. Using a rubber spatula, smooth in an even, tightly-packed layer. Set aside.
- Make the chocolate layer: Use the double boiler method or the following. In a medium, microwave-safe bowl, add Chocolate Topping ingredients. Heat in 20-second increments until softened and melted. Stir until smooth.
- Pour this chocolate mixture over the bars. Using a clean rubber spatula, smooth into an even layer.
- Freeze for 30-40 minutes, or until firm. Remove from freezer and slice into 16 bars. Enjoy! Storing instructions below.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- After the first day in the refrigerator, you may store these in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Freezing instructions: store in a freezer-friendly, airtight container for 1-2 months. Allow to thaw for 10-20 minutes before enjoying.
- More No Bake Protein-Rich recipes: 3 ingredient no bake peanut butter oatmeal cookies, no bake almond butter chocolate chip cookie dough bars, no bake double chocolate cherry coconut bites.
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If you love this 4 Ingredient No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Oatmeal Bars recipe, then you’ll just love these no bake bar recipes:
☀︎Gluten Free Vegan No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Recipes
All you need is 4 ingredients to make these scrumptious No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars (V, GF, DF, Protein-Rich).
So easy to make, so easy to eat: 3 Ingredient No Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies (Vegan, Gluten-Free, DF, Protein-Packed).
Cookie dough just got upgraded… with PEANUT BUTTER!! Try my No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie Dough Bars (V, GF, DF, Whole Grain, Protein-Rich).
When you’re craving chocolate nutty YUM: Homemade Dark Chocolate Sea Salt KIND Nut Bars (V, GF, DF).
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So easy, simple and delicious! These sound dangourus to have around! So pretty as well!
Thanks Patrick! Yes, they are a bit dangerous to have around. 😉 Hugs!
Granola bars that are too soft to be called granola bars sounds like a very good problem to have. Like the kind of problem that I could see ending in me eating an embarrassing amount of this “unacceptable” peanutty oat batter. But transforming them into a new fantastical wonks-would-be-proud chocolate-topped granolssert and sharing them with the world is SO much better a plan! Me and my dog need to whip these up ASAP. And best part about doggy sidekick is she can’t have chocolate so you know what that means…all for MEEEEEE???? Kay fine, I’ll leave some sans chocolate for the peanut-loving pooch???? Happy monday!!
Hehe. Right? Sometimes the crunchy ones make me feel like I’m gonna break my teeth! Also, what a fun way to “have to” eat all the peanut butter and oats. 😉 Can’t wait to hear what you and your dog think (except for the chocolate part lol). 😉 Happy Monday my dear! <3
These bars look absolutely scrumptious! And so they should be, they’re made with chocolate, peanut butter, and oats! Everything I love in a granola bar! 🙂 Hope you have a great week, Demeter! xo
Thanks Marsha! 🙂 That’s all you really need to make a granola bar tasty, right? 😉 Hope you have an awesome one, Marsha! xo
I can’t believe these granola bars contain only 4 ingredients! ???? You always have the best simple recipes! ???? I’m making these for my next snack/dessert? ????I love that you incorporated some peanut butter in the chocolate topping. ???? I expect that with you since it’s one of your favorite combos! ????????= ❤️
It’s like tasty, edible magic, right? 😉 Aw, thanks so much Sabrina! There’s almost nothing better than chocolate and PB together. 🙂 Hugs!
Uh, yes! So right! ???? So, I totally tried these and they’re amazing and so easy! Thanks so much for another delicious recipe, Demeter! ❤️
Awesome!! Thanks for letting me know how they turned out, Sabrina! 🙂 Thank YOU for your support–I always, always appreciate it. ❤️ ????
My pleasure!! ????❤️ You always have my support!
Sending you like the BIGGEST hugs ever!! ❤️ Btw, LOVED your post on IG of these bars! ????
Aww! ???? You totally made my day, Demeter! Lots of hugs!! ???? Thanks SO much for checking out my IG!! ❤️
I mean, I for one am SUPER impressed these are only FOUR ingredients! Have you read the crazy list of crap in a store bought oatmeal bars? There are like a gazillion ingredients. And half of them I can’t even pronounce!! 🙂 Lucky for all of us, we have you and your genius brain who creates MAGICAL things like these oatmeal bars! For realsies. FOUR ingredients PLUS no baking AND PB+Chocolate. These are like the unicorn of oatmeal bars! Te-he-te-he! What’s not to love?! Pinned of course! Cheers, sweets.
P.s. clearly I miss you more since I always messaged you last. And yes, I’m sticking my tongue out at you right now! XOXOX
Aw, yeah! Aw, yeah! Can you hear my momma chanting that? 😉 I mean, our momma? <3 <3 Seriously, homemade granola bars are the best! Big hugs to ya, Chey. P.S. Clearly, I MISS you more but am just WAY too swamped... you're a multi-tasking wizard! 😉 LOVE ya & totally miss you MORE! <3 <3
Hello! I’m on the hunt for lactation recipes but am struggling to find any decent ones. Do you think I could add brewers yeast to this without ruining them?
Hi Ada! Hmm… I’m not sure since I haven’t tried using brewers yeast myself. I’d suggest adding 1 tablespoon in with the oats and seeing how they taste. If it’s still good, you can try another batch with 2 tablespoons. Experiment and see how you like it. Hope this helps! Can’t wait to hear how they turn out. 🙂
Four ingredient bars? No-bake? Sign me up! I feel like I say this every time, but you are the queen of no-bake, simple ingredient treats. Thees sound amazing! I’m ALL about that peanut butter and chocolate combination. In fact, I know that my husband might just eat these all before I get to them. So perfect for the summer too, especially since it’s been so hot here. Pinned of course! Hope your Tuesday is off to a great start!
Done and done! Keep saying it, because who wouldn’t want to be the queen of no bake? 😉 Thanks so much Gayle! Hope you and the hubster can whip up a batch and just love it! Have a great week!
I love how easy these are to make yet how amazing they look 🙂
Thank you! Enjoy! 🙂
I’d love a piece with a glass of hot milk. Looks really good!!! Pinned
Enjoy! Thank you for pinning! 🙂
It has been way too long since I’ve visited and commented on this beautiful spot on the internet ;). Of Course, social media, but I don’t get your amazing commentary there!! These bars are totally winning the game. ALSO it is 101, YES, 101 degrees in Jamaica so no bake is DEF where I’m at!! Saving these beauties to try, D!
Aw… you’re the sweetest, J! <3 <3 I cannot believe that it's that hot in Jamaica!!! Wow!!! It was raining nonstop in Boston for ages, but now it's finally cleared up. Here's to us enjoying all this beautiful weather with a bunch of no-bake goodies! 😉
YES, YES, YES, YES, YES. These include all things wonderful and delicious and I want to eat them right now.
Woot woot!! Hope you get to try and just love it! 🙂
Curious: What peanut butter do you use? All the “healthy” ones I find are still really grainy–even though they’re called “creamy”! Thank you!
Hi Jaclyn! I switch between a variety of brands, and I always unsalted: Crazy Richard’s, Trader Joe’s brand, Whole Foods’ 365 brand. Hope this helps! 🙂
This looks great. I’m going to make them for the kids on our road trip. However, I’m going to cheat and use regular oats and good old fashion chocolate chips. Hopefully, they turn out just as good.
Ooooh, what a great idea Julie! Sometimes snack cravings hit the strongest on the road! Lol on cheating–as long as it works for you and makes you & the fam happy, that’s all that matters. ❤️ They’ll turn out just fine! Can’t wait to hear what you think. Have a safe & fun trip. ????
The recipe looks delicious but I’m just struggling with the pee proof underwear ads showing up in the midst of it all. Kind of spoils my appetite. But once I can get that image out of my head I’ll whip up a batch.
Oh no! Sorry about that, Cary. I don’t have editorial pick of the ads that appear (unfortunately lol). Hopefully it’s all gone from your mind now. Can’t wait to hear what you think (about the bars, not the You Know What). ????
Did honey instead of syrup and only 1/4 cup + added a mashed banana!!! Tastes great, just a little greasy
Adding in mashed bananas sounds awesome, Nicolette! I’ve got to try that some time. 🙂 Enjoy!
These sound easy to make and amazing! I am going to have to try them out! Thank you!
They’re SO easy to make! Can’t wait to hear what you think, Kim! 🙂
Decided to do half honey, half syrup + added 1/3 cup chopped sea salt almonds, and dark choc. vegan chips….. SO GOOD– adds a little crunch too!
Oh gosh, that sounds INCREDIBLE, Nicolette! I love the sound of those sea salt almonds. Thanks for letting me know how these turned out for you! 🙂
I didn’t have maple syrup so I used agave, and for the topping I used regular p.b. and chocolate p.b. and added chocolate chips on top.
Awesome! Thank you for letting me know about those subs. I’ve always wondered about agave and regular PB. Hope you enjoyed them, Gigi! 🙂
Thank You for sharing your 4 ingredient bar recipe! I was looking for something like this for days. I was skeptical at first, but I followed your directions and wow! I took some with me hiking today, sitting on a mountain, gratefully eating my bar, thinking how happy I was I made these and thankful you would share such an awesome, simple and humane recipe!
Aw, thank YOU, Zoë, for taking the time to leave such a wonderful comment. You pretty much described the perfect day right there. It totally gave me all the good vibes imagining that moment. Thank you for sharing that. Hugs!
Can you use peanut butter powder (pb2) re-hydrated in place of the unsalted pb? I can’t find unsalted pb in my town. OR can you use the salted?
Hi Kim, use the salted peanut butter. That will work, but just add a bit of saltiness to the bars. Enjoy! 🙂
These are delicous but the picture is wrong. I used an 8 x 8 dish as stated in the direction but my bars were not as thick as seen in the picture, these were a measly 1/3 of an inch high. The picture makes them look like they are 3/4 – 1″ inch in height. If I knew they would be so thin I would have easily doubled the batch. Oh and I did sprinkle some sea salt on top for a little kick.
Glad to hear you enjoyed them! Good idea to increase the batch to your liking, and to add the sea salt. Enjoy! 🙂
This looks great!
I’ve got instant oats. Is that the right thing or do I need something different?
Hi Nancy, you’ll actually need rolled oats, which are also called “old-fashioned oats.” The instant oats you have might work, but no guarantees since that’s not what I developed the recipe with. Let me know how they turn out! 🙂
do you have the nutritional information?
Hi Kristin, not yet! I’m slowly, but surely working my way through adding that info to the site. There are nutritional calculators online. Good luck! 🙂
Very good! I used crunchy peanut butter with the oats and creamy peanut butter with the chocolate. The crunchy peanut butter adds a nice crunch to the bars. I was disappointed in how thin they are. I used as 8 inch pan but my bars were about 1/4 an inch and the oat mix and chocolate topping were equal. Next time I will double the oat mix. Otherwise, very delicious!
So happy to hear you enjoyed these, Brooke! Definitely go for double if you like them thicker. Enjoy!
These look so good! My favorite flavors – chocolate and peanut butter – with oats thrown in! Also, quick and easy, what more can you ask for?! I can’t wait to make them for my kids (my daughter is vegan) – they look like a great snack. Thanks!
Thanks Tracy! Right? It’s so hard to resist the combo of chocolate, pb and oats. 😉 Can’t wait to hear what you two think! 🙂