These No-Bake Peanut Butter Oat Cups are the perfect grab-and-go snack — chewy, naturally sweetened, and loaded with wholesome ingredients. They require no baking, just a few pantry staples, and come together in minutes. Great for meal prep, lunchboxes, or a healthy dessert!
⏱️ Prep Time
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Chill: 1 hour
- Total: 1 hour 10 minutes
🧰 Equipment
- Mixing bowls (1 large, 1 small)
- Microwave-safe bowl or saucepan
- Spoon or spatula
- Muffin tin (standard or mini size)
- Muffin liners or silicone cups
- Refrigerator
📝 Ingredients
- 1 cup natural peanut butter (or almond butter)
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
- Optional toppings: sea salt flakes, shredded coconut, chopped nuts
ℹ️ Ingredient Notes
- Peanut Butter: Use natural, creamy peanut butter without added sugar or oils.
- Sweetener: Maple syrup gives a slightly more earthy flavor; honey is a bit sweeter.
- Oats: Use old-fashioned oats for best texture. Avoid quick oats (too soft) or steel-cut oats (too hard).
- Add-ins: Chocolate chips, raisins, or chia seeds work great. Fold in after the mix cools slightly.
👩🍳 Instructions
- Melt & Mix:
- In a microwave-safe bowl (or small saucepan over low heat), gently heat peanut butter and honey/maple syrup until smooth and pourable.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine:
- In a large bowl, mix oats and salt.
- Pour in the warm peanut butter mixture and stir until fully combined.
- Add Chocolate (Optional):
- Let the mixture cool for a few minutes, then fold in mini chocolate chips.
- Portion:
- Line a muffin tin with liners. Spoon the mixture into each cup and press down firmly.
- Chill:
- Place in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or until firm.
- Serve & Store:
- Enjoy chilled or at room temp. Store in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 2 months.
🔢 Nutrition Facts (Approx. per 1 standard cup, yields ~12)
Values will vary based on exact ingredients.
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 11g
- Carbs: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 11g
- Protein: 6g
💡 Tips and Variations
🔁 Variations:
- Vegan: Use maple syrup instead of honey and dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter or tahini instead of peanut butter.
- Protein Boost: Add 1–2 scoops of protein powder and a splash of plant milk if mixture is too dry.
- Mini Cups: Use a mini muffin tin for bite-sized snacks.
✅ Tips:
- Press mixture down firmly to help cups hold together.
- Don’t skip chilling — it’s essential for firm texture.
- Want a chocolate base? Melt 1/4 cup chocolate and swirl it on the bottom or top before chilling.
