4 Ingredient No Bake Peanut Butter Coconut Oatmeal Bars (V, GF): an easy, one bowl recipe for protein-rich, gluten-free oatmeal bars bursting with peanut butter and coconut. Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free.
Did I tell you about that time Erik got into an argument with a 3-year-old over a recipe? Yep, that happened.
Ahhhh, definitely (not) one of Erik’s finer moments. A while back, Erik and I brought over a big container of 3 ingredient no bake peanut butter granola bars to my sister Jenny’s house. She lives pretty close to us, so we regularly drop off recipe tests and post-photoshoot batches of cookies and whatnot.
Just the other week, I dropped off a few slices of vegan chocolate cake and some paleo coconut macaroons for her, along with some lemon poppy seed muffins for my mom.
Anyway, the second I open up that container of granola bars, Dylan aka “PB” darts over to me. And why yes, he is the 3-year-old in question. He politely asks if he can try a granola bar. His mama taught him well. 😉
He gingerly scoops one up and holds a granola bar to the light, for the requisite inspection. That tiny hand turns the bar ‘round and ‘round. And he asks, “What is it? What’s in this bar?”
I tell him it’s made with just 3 ingredients: peanut butter, oats and maple syrup. His response? “No, it’s not!!”
PB: “There’s almonds in this!! Right here!”
Me: “Nope, those are oats. Your favorite, remember?”
PB: “No, it’s not! It’s almonds.”
As you might be able to tell from this exchange, his Grandmother likes to test/trick him on whatever he’s eating, so he’s developed a healthy sense of skepticism when it comes to food.
Me: “I promise, it’s just oats. Try it!”
PB: “I don’t like almonds. No, thank you!” (Seriously how good are his manners?!)
Erik aka “E Boopy”: “Pooh Bear. Why would we lie to you? It’s oatmeal. Can’t you tell?”
PB: “E Boopy, it’s not!! Loooooook!!”
Erik: “No it’s oats!”
PB: “No, it’s almonds.”
Erik: “Nooooooo, it’s oats.”
PB: “NOOOO, it’s almonds!”
Erik: “No, it’s oats!!!”
PB: *Heavy sigh* “No, it’s ALMONDS!!!”
Erik: “No, it’s—ah, forget it. It’s almonds.”
PB: “SEE!!!!!”
Erik throws his hands up, lost in defeat. Jenny and I exchange looks. PB starts picking all the “almonds” out of the bars.
And that is why I now present to you these No Bake Peanut Butter Coconut Oatmeal Bars. If PB thought those last snacks were made with “almonds,” we might as well see what he thinks of the coconut. Hahahahaa.
And if he thinks that the coconut is oats… well, Erik will have something to say about that.
My man, ladies. What do you think? 😂
While you ponder that, here are a few more peanut butter oat treats you’d love:
- 4 Ingredient No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
- Easy Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cookies
- 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter No Bake Energy Bites Recipe (one of my most popular recipes!)
- How to Make Homemade Peanut Butter (sooooo good! Comes with a full video and photo tutorial, too!)
If you’re not completely sold on these almond-free (no, for reals), oat-packed (really) No Bake Peanut Butter Coconut Oatmeal Bars, let me tell you all about them! They’re:
- made with just 4 simple ingredients
- super easy to make–prepared in just a few minutes!
- vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free
- chewy, satisfyingly dense
- the deliciously easy no bake refined sugar free bars you’ve been looking for
- made with the simple, whole and healthy ingredients you love
- just the protein-packed oatmeal bars you need
- my current favorite gluten free peanut butter oatmeal bars (besides these peanut butter cup oatmeal bars)
- totally fun to make and share with the kiddos 😉
Give these a try and let me know what you think! I’m 99% sure you’ll just love them. 🙂 You grab the coconut, I’ll grab the oats! I’m so thankful to have you here, baking, no baking, and all the tasty-snack-making with me. Be sure to let me know what you think! In the meantime, sign up for my email list so you never miss a recipe:
Sending you all my love and maybe even a dove, xo Demeter ❤
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If you enjoyed these No Bake Peanut Butter Coconut Oatmeal Bars, then you’ll just love these delicious healthy snack recipes:
More No Bake Gluten Free Vegan Snack Recipes
- No Bake Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
- 4 Ingredient Chocolate Peanut Butter No Bake Energy Bites Recipe
- Gluten Free No Bake Brownie Energy Bites
- No Bake Peanut Butter Coconut Bites
- ¾ cup natural, unsalted creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- ¾ cup unsweetened coconut flakes or shreds
- ¾ cup gluten free rolled oats
- Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or wax paper. Set aside. Clear some space in the freezer for this pan-you will need it later.
- In a medium, microwave-safe bowl, add peanut butter and maple syrup. Whisk together until well mixed.
- Heat in 20-second increments in the microwave until warm and fragrant, and the mixture begins to dry out and become fluffy (about 4-7 rounds). Whisk in between heating increments. *Stovetop instructions in Notes.
- Add coconut and oats. Stir and fold until thoroughly combined. Pour this mixture into the prepared baking pan. Using a rubber spatula, smooth into an even, tightly packed layer.
- Freeze for 25-35 minutes, or until firm and completely chilled. Slice into 16 bars. Enjoy! Storing instructions below.
Looking for more Peanut Butter treats? Try these chocolate peanut butter no bake bites and these vegan peanut butter cookies.
- *Stovetop Instructions: In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, add peanut butter and maple syrup. Whisk until well incorporated. Stir occasionally, heating until this mixture begins to bubble. Remove from heat and carefully pour over the dry mixture.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 months. After the first day, you can store them at room temperature-they'll be more firm.
- More no bake peanut butter recipes: no bake chocolate peanut butter oatmeal cookies, no bake peanut butter chocolate bars, 3 ingredient peanut butter no bake energy bites.
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SHOP THE RECIPE
Here are a few items I used in today’s recipe. 🙂
Gluten Free Rolled Oats | Gluten Free Unsweetened Coconut | Maple Syrup | My Favorite Knife | Baking Pan (8-inch) | Unbleached Parchment Paper | Stainless Steel Measuring Cups | Glass Mixing Bowls | Silicone Spatulas
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Haha! I have a three year old and have those kinds of arguments more than I care to admit. These bars look delicious! Love the addition of coconut.
LOL I know, talking to my nephew is always an interesting experience. 😂 And yes, coconut all the way! 🙂
Yes to peanut butter! I love it! I’m always excited to see a good vegan sweet treat!
You know it Shanika! I’m all about the yummy PB treats. 😉
Just four ingredients! I love easy and delicious recipes like these! Great for snack or dessert in my book!
Exactly Krista! When it comes to snacks and desserts, the easier the better.
There is no use arguing with a 3-year old EVER — they always win. Better to acknowledge your mistake and simply take back the offending almond bars for you and Erik to share. Guaranteed the little one would get over his aversion pretty darn quick if they weren’t being offered up to him. Reverse psych and all — these bars look delicious — but since my daughter is actually allergic to peanut butter, I’m thinking almond butter (ha ha) might be a better combo for her.
Haha so true Lisa! 😂 That’s definitely what Erik eventually realized. 😉 These bars would be totally tasty with almond butter–hope you and your daughter get a chance to try them!
I love kids. <3 And peanut butter.
Yep, two of the best things out there! 🙂
I love how easy and delicious these look! Great for a snack!
Excited to try coconut in homemade granola bars!! Adds such an amazing taste and texture 🙂
Oh you’re totally gonna love them Brittany! They’re so easy, and the texture is just fantastic! 😋
YUM!! These look like a great grab & go breakfast! Making these soon!
Totally, so perfect for those busy mornings. Hope you enjoy them!
Love how easy these are to make! Such a delicious snack!!
Yep, easy and tasty snacks are where it’s at! 🙂
Love that these are no bake — perfect for summer!
Exactly! No need to turn on the oven in all the heat.
These are on my must-make list!
Awesome Erin! Hope you enjoy them!
What a cute story! Love how simple these bars are, both in ingredients and in making them! Yum!
Thanks Patricia! Oh yeah, I do love a good simple recipe. 🙂
These bars sound absolutely amazing, especially with the peanut butter and coconut combo! Yum! 🙂
They are seriously so satisfying! 🙂 PB and coconut are such a tasty combo for sure. 😋
Oh I would love these! PB Is my jam!
Oh yeah! Hope you enjoy them Allyson!
I’ve never had coconut and peanut butter together- it does sound good though.
The combination is AMAZING. You have to try it! Let me know what you think if you do. 🙂
I would like to give this a try but would like your opinion on the substitute for maple syrup. Pure maple syrup is not available here n even the non pure ones are pretty pricey so do you think I should go for honey or just brown/white sugar?
Hi Bee Aun! You could try using honey or brown rice syrup. I haven’t tried this myself yet, so let me know how it goes! 🙂
I made these just now and they’re awesome! I did add 1/4 tsp of salt to give them a salted caramel sort of flavor. They were so quick and easy to make, yet taste really nice. This is a great treat to bring to parties or make with coffee and tea.
That’s so wonderful to hear, Teresa! Oooh, I like that you added the salt for salted caramel vibes. 🙂 Enjoy!
Would it be possible to substitute the peanut butter with either almond butter or sunbutter?
Also, I cannot have coconut. Could you recommend a substitute or may I leave it out?
Hi Anita, yes, you may use almond butter or sun butter. 🙂 You can swap the coconut with more oats. Maybe leave out a few tablespoons, since the oats are a bit drier than coconut.