Name: No-Bake Peanut Butter Oat Cups Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup natural creamy peanut butter; 1/4 cup coconut oil; 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

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If you’re searching for the ultimate combination of creamy peanut butter, hearty oats, and a hint of chocolate—all without touching your oven—let me introduce you to No-Bake Peanut Butter Oat Cups. These sweet, satisfying treats come together with minimal fuss, delivering wholesome, chewy texture and just the right amount of sweetness in every bite. Whether you’re snacking in the afternoon or looking for a fuss-free dessert, this simple recipe is about to become your go-to favorite!

No-Bake Peanut Butter Oat Cups Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for these No-Bake Peanut Butter Oat Cups couldn’t be easier, and each one plays a special role: creamy for richness, oats for body, a kiss of sweetness, and a little chocolatey sparkle for fun. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Natural creamy peanut butter: Adds rich, nutty flavor and helps hold everything together.
Coconut oil: Gives structure, silkiness, and a hint of tropical flavor to the cups.
Honey or maple syrup: Natural sweeteners that bind the mixture while adding depth and a golden finish.
Vanilla extract: Just a teaspoon creates lovely aroma and rounds out the flavors.
Old-fashioned rolled oats: The hearty base, making each cup chewy and nourishing (and gluten-free if you use certified oats)!
Salt: Enhances every ingredient and brings out the best in both the peanut butter and chocolate.
Mini chocolate chips: Tiny bursts of sweet chocolate that make every bite feel a bit indulgent.

How to Make No-Bake Peanut Butter Oat Cups

Step 1: Melt and Combine the Base

Start by grabbing a medium saucepan and setting it over low heat. Add your natural peanut butter, coconut oil, and honey (or maple syrup) into the pan. Stir gently and constantly as everything melts together, which should only take 3 to 5 minutes. You want a smooth, glistening mixture—nothing scorched or separated! Once it’s unified and pourable, take the pan off the heat.

Step 2: Add Flavor and Seasoning

With the pan off the heat, stir in the vanilla extract and salt. These two small ingredients might seem humble, but they make a big difference, deepening the flavor and ensuring your No-Bake Peanut Butter Oat Cups have that perfect sweet-and-salty balance.

Step 3: Stir in the Oats

Now, pour in your rolled oats. Grab a sturdy spoon or spatula and fold them through until every oat is evenly covered by the peanut butter mixture. Take your time here—the oats shouldn’t look dry or patchy; they should glisten with every stir.

Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Allow the mixture to cool for a couple of minutes—just enough so the chocolate chips won’t completely melt when added. Once it’s just warm, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips. They’ll stay mostly intact, creating little pockets of chocolate throughout every cup.

Step 5: Shape and Chill

Line a standard muffin tin with paper liners. Using a spoon, divide the mixture evenly into the 12 cups, pressing each one down gently so they flatten and come together. Slide the tray into your refrigerator and let them firm up for at least one hour. Once set, your No-Bake Peanut Butter Oat Cups are ready to enjoy!

How to Serve No-Bake Peanut Butter Oat Cups

Garnishes

For an extra special touch, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt or a drizzle of melted chocolate over each cup before chilling. You can also top with chopped peanuts, a dusting of cocoa powder, or even extra mini chips for a bit of visual flair and flavor.

Side Dishes

No-Bake Peanut Butter Oat Cups pair beautifully with a cold glass of almond milk, strong hot coffee, or even fresh fruit like sliced bananas or strawberries. For a more filling snack, serve alongside Greek yogurt or a smoothie bowl for contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange these cups on a dessert platter with colorful berries or tuck them into mini cupcake boxes as edible gifts. For a party treat, use festive muffin liners or stack them in a tall glass jar for a grab-and-go display that’s as adorable as it is inviting!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your No-Bake Peanut Butter Oat Cups fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious and perfectly firm for up to a week, making them ideal for meal prep or everyday snacking.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze these cups! Layer them between parchment paper in a sealed container and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature when you want a ready-made, wholesome treat.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat these cups, as they’re meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you’ve frozen them, simply let them thaw for 10 to 15 minutes on the counter so their texture is just right before eating.

FAQs

Can I make No-Bake Peanut Butter Oat Cups vegan?

Absolutely! Simply swap the honey for pure maple syrup and use dairy-free chocolate chips. The result is every bit as delicious and suitable for vegan diets.

What kind of oats work best?

Old-fashioned rolled oats are ideal because they add a hearty chew and hold their shape. Quick oats can make the cups denser, while steel-cut oats won’t soften enough.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

You can! Crunchy peanut butter adds a pleasant bite and more nutty texture. Just note the mixture may be a bit chunkier and a bit more rustic (in the best way!).

How can I make these allergy-friendly?

Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or almond butter, and check that your chocolate chips and oats are free of allergens if preparing for someone with food sensitivities.

Why are my oat cups crumbly?

If your No-Bake Peanut Butter Oat Cups turn out too crumbly, it’s usually because the mixture was too dry or not pressed firmly enough into the liners. Add a bit more peanut butter or coconut oil next time and ensure you really compress the mixture into the cups before chilling.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend these No-Bake Peanut Butter Oat Cups enough—whether you’re serving guests, sharing with family, or simply sneaking one straight from the fridge, they’re delightfully simple yet packed with flavor. Give them a try and see how quickly they disappear from your kitchen!

No-Bake Peanut Butter Oat Cups Recipe

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4.9 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 12 cups 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian

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Description

These No-Bake Peanut Butter Oat Cups are a simple and delicious treat that is perfect for a quick snack or a healthy dessert. Made with wholesome ingredients like peanut butter, oats, and honey, these cups are easy to make and satisfying to eat.

Ingredients

Scale

Peanut Butter Oat Cups:

1 cup natural creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

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Instructions

Melt Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the peanut butter, coconut oil, and honey (or maple syrup). Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and fully melted, about 3 to 5 minutes.
Add Flavor: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Add the rolled oats and mix until evenly coated.
Combine and Chill: Let the mixture cool slightly, then fold in the mini chocolate chips. Line a muffin tin with paper liners and spoon the mixture evenly into 12 cups, pressing gently to flatten. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or until firm. Store in the fridge or freezer until ready to serve.