Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars (One-Bowl Recipe)

These peanut butter oatmeal bars are the perfect homemade snack. They come together quick, are made in one-bowl and made from wholesome ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

I love these bars because they feel like cookies, but are actually really nutritious. They are sweetened naturally with honey, full of hearty oats and natural natural peanut butter (although you can use the more processed kind, too). They are great for afternoon snacking, but can work as a dessert too. Let’s make them!

Ingredient notes

• peanut butter – I like using natural peanut butter whenever I can and it works in this recipe. However if all you have is Jif or the like, you can use that too.

• oats – I use quick-cooking oats, they have a lighter texture and work best in this recipe. 

• oat flour – if you happen to already have oat flour,you can use that. If not, just grind up some oats in a blender until finely ground.

• honey – I love using honey because its a natural sweetener, you can also use maple syrup or agave nectar. chocolate chips – these are optional but are highly recommended!

How to make them

In a large mixing bowl, stir together peanut butter and honey until combined. Add egg and vanilla and stir again until combined. 

Then add the dry ingredients: oats, oat flour, baking soda, and salt, and stir again. Then add the chocolate chips, stir, and we are ready to bake! 

Spread the mixture in a non-stick or greased 9 x 13 baking dish. Smooth it out in an even layer. 

Bake in an oven preheated to 325F for 20 minutes. 

Allow bars to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Storage tips and freezing instructions

Store these peanut butter oatmeal bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.

If you don’t think you will finish all the bars in that time frame, you can place extra bars in the freezer. Just allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying.

Baking tips

Make sure to either grease your baking dish with a little butter or cooking spray to prevent the bars from sticking or you can line it with parchment paper. 

Try using chopped dark chocolate in place of chocolate chips for a richer chocolate taste.

Make these a thicker bar by baking in an 8 x 8 baking dish. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly, just use visual cues rather than the clock to determine if they are done. These are done when they are golden brown around the edges, not wet-looking on top and slightly pulling from the edges of the pan. 

Tried this recipe?

If you try this recipe, please leave a star rating below and let me know how it went. I’d love to hear from you!

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Why you’ll love this recipe

Its a one-bowl recipe. Oh how I love a one-bowler. So simple + less dishes!

Healthyish. I say ish but they really are. The ingredients for these peanut butter oatmeal bars are wholesome and nutritious, making this recipe a great snack as well as a dessert. 

Gluten-free, if you want. Just make sure to use gluten-free oats and oat flour!

They aren’t too sweet. I love an indulgent super sweet treat once in a while, but most days, I like just a lightly sweet treat that I can feel good about eating. This recipe skips processed sugar entirely and relies on honey for a touch of sweetness. 

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