These chewy peanut butter chocolate chip bars are what I make when I want something sweet but don’t feel like turning on the oven.
They’re dense, satisfying, and just sweet enough to feel like a treat without going overboard.
I usually keep a batch of these in the fridge and grab one when I need a quick snack or something comforting with coffee.
Behind the Recipe
This recipe came together during a phase when I wanted no-bake snacks that actually felt filling. Peanut butter and oats turned out to be the perfect base, and chocolate chips were a non-negotiable addition. After a few tries, chilling instead of baking became the key step that gave these bars their chewy, sliceable texture.
Recipe Origin or Trivia
No-bake bars like these became popular as quick energy snacks and lunchbox treats, especially in homes where simplicity mattered. Peanut butter-based bars are common because the natural fats help bind ingredients without eggs or flour.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No baking required: Just mix, press, and chill
- Chewy and satisfying: Dense texture that holds together well
- Naturally sweetened: Honey or maple syrup does the work
- Easy to customize: Add nuts or swap chocolate
- Great for meal prep: Keeps well in the fridge
- Gluten-free option: Use certified gluten-free oats
- Kid-friendly: Familiar flavors and simple ingredients
Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Warm peanut butter gently: Makes mixing much easier
- Press firmly into the pan: Helps bars hold their shape
- Chill fully: Essential for clean slicing
- Use parchment overhang: Makes removal effortless
- Cut with a sharp knife: Prevents crumbling
Ingredients in This Recipe
- Peanut butter (1 cup): Creamy works best for binding
- Honey or maple syrup (½ cup): Adds sweetness and structure
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp, optional): Adds warmth and depth
- Rolled oats (2 cups): Creates chew and structure
- Chocolate chips (1 cup): Adds sweetness and texture
- Chopped nuts (½ cup, optional): Adds crunch and richness
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- 8×8-inch pan: Ideal thickness for chewy bars
- Microwave-safe bowl: For melting peanut butter and honey
- Spatula or sturdy spoon: Helps mix thick batter
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and aids removal
- Knife or pizza cutter: For clean cuts
Instructions for Making This Recipe
- Prepare pan: Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment, leaving overhang
- Melt base: Heat peanut butter and honey in a microwave-safe bowl for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway
- Add vanilla: Stir vanilla extract into the warm mixture
- Mix dry ingredients: Combine oats, chocolate chips, and nuts in a large bowl
- Combine: Pour warm peanut butter mixture over dry ingredients and stir until evenly coated
- Press: Transfer mixture to pan and press firmly into an even layer
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until fully set
- Slice: Lift out using parchment and cut into 12 bars
- Serve: Enjoy chilled or at room temperature
Ingredient Substitutions
- Peanut butter: Almond butter or sunflower seed butter
- Honey: Maple syrup or agave
- Rolled oats: Quick oats for softer texture
- Chocolate chips: Dark chocolate chunks or mini chips
- Nuts: Skip entirely or use seeds
Ingredient Spotlight
- Peanut Butter: Acts as both flavor and binder
- Rolled Oats: Provide chewiness and structure without flour
Chewy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars
These no-bake bars are a quick and satisfying treat that combine creamy peanut butter, melty chocolate chips, and hearty oats for a chewy, nutty snack. They come together with simple melting, mixing, and pressing, resulting in a firm, indulgent bar with pockets of chocolate and a rich, nutty aroma. Perfect for when you need a portable, sweet fix with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Line your 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Place the peanut butter and honey in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through until smooth and fragrant, with a slightly bubbly sound.
- Add vanilla extract to the melted mixture and stir until well combined—this helps infuse the aroma throughout.
- In a large bowl, combine the oats, chocolate chips, and chopped nuts if using, mixing them evenly for a hearty base.
- Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients, stirring thoroughly with a spatula until everything is coated and sticky, with the oats slightly glistening.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan, pressing it down firmly with the back of a spatula or your hands to create an even, compact layer.
- Place the pan in the fridge and chill for at least 2 hours until the mixture is set, firm, and easy to cut.
- Once chilled, lift out the entire block using the parchment overhang and cut into 12 even squares with a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
- Enjoy these chewy bars at room temperature or chilled, packed in an airtight container for a portable snack or quick treat.
Notes
For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top before chilling. You can also customize with your favorite add-ins like dried fruit or seeds.
Texture & Flavor Secrets
- Chewy bite: Comes from oats and chilled peanut butter
- Balanced sweetness: Honey and chocolate work together
- Dense structure: Firm pressing is key
What to Avoid
- Overheating peanut butter: Can make bars oily
- Skipping chill time: Bars won’t hold shape
- Loose packing: Causes crumbly edges
Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per bar)
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 7 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Sugar: 14 g
- Fiber: 3 g
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Make ahead: Ideal for meal prep
- Storage: Refrigerate in airtight container up to 7 days
- Freezing: Freeze bars up to 2 months
How to Serve This Dish
- As a snack: Grab-and-go option
- With coffee: Perfect afternoon bite
- For kids: Easy lunchbox treat
Creative Leftover Transformations
- Crumble topping: Sprinkle over yogurt
- Frozen treat: Eat straight from the freezer
- Dessert base: Drizzle with melted chocolate
Variations to Try
- Chocolate-heavy: Increase chocolate chips
- Nut-free: Skip nuts and use seed butter
- Coconut version: Add shredded coconut
- Protein boost: Stir in protein powder
- Salted finish: Sprinkle flaky salt on top
FAQs
- Are these bars baked? No, completely no-bake
- Can I make them vegan? Yes, use maple syrup
- Do they need refrigeration? Yes, for best texture
- Can I reduce sweetness? Slightly, but texture may change
- Are they gluten-free? Yes with gluten-free oats
- Why are my bars crumbly? Not pressed firmly enough
- Can I double the recipe? Yes, use a larger pan
- How long do they last? Up to 7 days refrigerated
- Can I use crunchy peanut butter? Yes, texture will be chunkier
- Are they kid-friendly? Very much so
Hi, I’m Anjali Arora, the quietly curious mind behind Landscape Insight. I’ve always been most comfortable in my own space. I’m not great at small talk (it still makes me a little uneasy), and I’ve never been the loudest person in the room. What I have always carried with me, though, are two steady loves that shape how I move through the world: animals and food.
