These Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars are the perfect blend of creamy peanut butter and hearty oats. They make for a satisfying snack or breakfast that will keep me fueled throughout the day. Sweetened naturally with maple syrup and packed with protein, these bars offer a delicious and wholesome treat. Whether I need a quick grab-and-go breakfast or a post-workout snack, these bars always hit the spot!
Ingredients
1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
½ cup peanut butter
¼ cup maple syrup
¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8-inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, peanut butter, maple syrup, applesauce, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until everything is fully combined.
If I’m using chocolate chips, I fold them into the mixture at this point.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan and press it down evenly using a spatula.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, cut into squares and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
Servings: 12 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
Add-ins: I can mix in a variety of ingredients like chopped nuts, dried fruit, or seeds for added texture and flavor.
Sweetener: If I want to change the sweetness level, I can use honey or agave syrup instead of maple syrup.
Chocolate: For an extra indulgent treat, I might use chocolate chunks instead of dark chocolate chips, or even swirl in some melted chocolate after baking.
Storage/Reheating
To keep these bars fresh, I store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If I want to keep them longer, I can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. They also freeze well—just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag for up to three months. When I’m ready to eat them, I can enjoy them cold or warm them up in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use creamy peanut butter instead of chunky?
Yes, I can use creamy peanut butter if that’s what I prefer. It will still work perfectly in the recipe!
Can I substitute the oats with something else?
If I don't have oats on hand, I could try using quinoa flakes or a gluten-free oat alternative.
How can I make these bars vegan?
This recipe is already vegan-friendly, but if I want to be sure, I can check that my maple syrup and chocolate chips are certified vegan.
Can I make these bars without chocolate chips?
Definitely! If I’m not in the mood for chocolate, I can simply leave them out, and the bars will still taste delicious.
Are these bars gluten-free?
Yes, as long as I use certified gluten-free oats, these bars are naturally gluten-free!
Conclusion
These Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars have quickly become one of my go-to recipes for a wholesome snack or breakfast. They’re simple to make, customizable with different add-ins, and perfect for meal prep. Whether I’m rushing out the door in the morning or need a quick pick-me-up during the day, these bars provide the perfect balance of flavor and nutrition.
Recipe:
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome blend of creamy peanut butter and hearty oats, sweetened with maple syrup and perfect as a quick breakfast or snack. Naturally vegan and gluten-free, they offer a balanced mix of carbs and protein with optional chocolate indulgence.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
½ cup peanut butter
¼ cup maple syrup
¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, peanut butter, maple syrup, applesauce, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until well combined.
- Fold in the dark chocolate chips if using.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press it down evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until edges are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, cut into squares and enjoy.
Notes
Use certified gluten-free oats for a gluten-free version.
Customize with add-ins like nuts, seeds, or dried fruit.
Store at room temperature for a week, refrigerate for two weeks, or freeze up to three months.
Bars can be warmed in the microwave for 20-30 seconds before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
