Description
Rich, fudgy no-bake cookie bars made with peanut butter, cocoa, and oats — a quick, satisfying treat that comes together with pantry staples and no oven needed.
Ingredients
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup peanut butter (natural or regular)
1/4 cup pure maple syrup or honey
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/3 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
1–2 tbsp milk of choice, if needed for texture
Instructions
- Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix rolled oats, cocoa powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, gently warm peanut butter and maple syrup (or honey) until smooth.
- Stir in vanilla extract to the wet mixture.
- Pour wet ingredients over dry ingredients and mix well.
- If the mixture is dry, add 1–2 tablespoons of milk to form a thick, sticky dough.
- Fold in mini chocolate chips, if using.
- Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, until firm.
- Slice into bars or squares and enjoy.
Notes
Use maple syrup and dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan version.
Almond or cashew butter can be used instead of peanut butter.
For added protein, stir in a tablespoon of protein powder.
Sunflower seed butter works well for a nut-free option.
Store in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
