No Bake Peanut Butter Oat Cups are a peanut butter lover’s dream! Just 8 ingredients, 15 minutes of prep, and a rich chocolate topping!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I based this recipe on my beloved no bake peanut butter oatmeal bars, but turned them into fun little no bake peanut butter oat cups.
They’re like healthy peanut butter cups with a chewy oat twist, adding extra fiber and antioxidants to keep you full. So even though these peanut butter oatmeal cups taste like dessert, they’re secretly a healthy treat.
Best part? No blending or oven required, just mix, press, and chill! And even my picky teenager approved. I was honestly surprised because he prefers everything store-bought!
Ingredients for No Bake Peanut Butter Oat Cups
- Peanut butter: I recommend to get all-natural or organic peanut butter with just peanuts and no salt. Other additives may cause it to stay thick.
- Liquid sweetener: I like the classic taste of pure maple syrup, if you want a little extra sweetness then honey is good.
- Water or milk: Softens the oats and makes stirring easier. I used water, but you can substitute plant-based or dairy milk which will make the cups feel a little richer.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash makes everything taste homemade.
- Quick oats: Give these cups a soft, chewy texture. If you only have rolled oats, they’ll work too but the texture will be more chewy. Make sure your oats are labeled gluten-free, if needed.
- Dark chocolate chips: Add richness without making these cups overly sweet. If you’re more of a milk chocolate person, go for it! Swap in milk chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Coconut oil: Melted with the chocolate to help it smooth out. It also firms up nicely when chilled, perfect for no bake desserts.
- Sea salt flakes: A pinch on top of the chocolate layer makes the flavors pop. Don’t use regular salt, it will make cups too salty. Omit if you don’t have the flakes.
How to Make No Bake Peanut Butter Oat Cups
For easy removal, use a silicone muffin tin or line a regular one with paper liners before you start assembling.
- Warm the peanut butter: Microwave the peanut butter in a bowl until you have soft, creamy peanut butter.
- Mix the base: Stir in the maple syrup, water, and vanilla until smooth. Mix in the oats until the mixture is thick and well combined.
- Fill the cups: Scoop the mixture into the 12 cups of your muffin pan and press it down firmly.
- Melt the chocolate: In a small bowl, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil in the microwave.
- Top with chocolate: Pour the melted chocolate over the cups and spread it into an even layer.
- Chill and enjoy: Refrigerate for 2-3 hours then sprinkle a pinch of flaky salt on top.
Tips for Best Results
Just a few little tricks to help your no bake peanut butter cups turn out perfect. No fuss, all flavor.
- Mixture should be thick: Make sure the oat mixture is thick and sticky so it holds together in the cups.
- Press on oat layer: Press down firmly so the cups stay compact and don’t crumble.
- Adjust to taste: Add a little extra maple syrup if you like your cups on the sweeter side.
- Enjoy from the fridge: Keep them chilled for the best texture and flavor.
Variations
- Different nut butters: Swap peanut butter for almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a different flavor or to make them peanut-free.
- Chocolate lovers: Stir a handful of mini chocolate chips into the oat layer before pressing it into the cups.
- Mini cups: Use a mini muffin tin for bite-sized treats.
- Crunchy add-ins: Add chopped nuts, seeds, or toasted coconut flakes for extra crunch.
- Fruit twist: Mix in dried cranberries, cherries, or raisins for a hint more natural sweetness.
How to Store
Store: These cups will stay fresh for up to a week in an airtight container in the fridge.
Freeze: Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. These are perfect for stocking up or prepping lunchbox snacks. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight when you’re ready.
More Tasty Recipes to Try
- Peanut butter protein balls
- Healthy no bake cookies
- Healthy oatmeal bars
- Healthy chocolate coconut balls
- 3 ingredient peanut butter cookies
No Bake Peanut Butter Oat Cups
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter, smooth and unsalted
- 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
- 2 tablespoons water, or milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups quick oats
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 tablespoon coconut oil
- Sea salt flakes
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, add peanut butter and warm up in microwave until smooth.
- Add maple syrup, water, vanilla extract and stir with spatula until smooth. Add oats and mix well. Mixture should be thick.
- Divide between 12 openings of a silicone muffin tin evenly and then press down to pack.
- In a small bowl, combine chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 1 minute increments until runny, stirring in between.
- Drizzle over cups and smooth into a single layer.
- Refrigerate for 2-3 hours or until firm. Sprinkle with sea salt flakes and enjoy!
Notes
- Store: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
