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No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars

These no-bake peanut butter bars come together quickly with pantry staples like peanut butter, honey, oats, and chocolate chips. The mixture is pressed into a pan and topped with melted chocolate, resulting in a rich, chewy treat with a glossy chocolate finish. Perfect for satisfying sweet cravings without turning on the oven, with a soft yet firm texture and irresistible flavor.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup peanut butter creamy preferred
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
  • 1 cup chocolate chips semisweet or preferred type

Equipment

  • 20x20 cm (8x8 inch) pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Rubber spatula
  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Sharp knife dipped in hot water

Method
 

  1. Line your pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy lifting.
  2. In a large microwave-safe bowl, warm the peanut butter and honey together for about 30 seconds, then stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy, filling your kitchen with a nutty aroma.
  3. Add the vanilla extract to the peanut butter mixture and stir well to combine.
  4. Pour in the rolled oats and mini chocolate chips, then fold everything together with a spatula until evenly coated and sticky.
  5. Transfer the thick mixture into your prepared pan and press it down firmly with a spatula, creating an even, compact layer that feels satisfying to the touch.
  6. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in short bursts of about 30 seconds, stirring well after each until smooth and shiny, with the aroma of melting chocolate filling the air.
  7. Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the pressed mixture in the pan, spreading it smoothly with a spatula for a glossy, chocolatey top.
  8. Place the pan in the fridge and chill for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate is set and the bars are firm to the touch.
  9. Once chilled, lift the entire block out of the pan using the parchment overhang, then cut into 12 neat bars with a sharp, hot-dipped knife for clean edges.
  10. Serve the bars straight from the fridge for a chewy, satisfying treat, and store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.