I first discovered the magic of no-bake treats during a hectic week when my sweet tooth was screaming for attention, but my energy levels were low. The thought of preheating the oven felt like a monumental task. I wanted something quick, satisfying, and that involved peanut butter. After some experimenting, I landed on these incredible No bake peanut butter oat cups, the perfect answer to a dessert craving without any fuss.
You are going to absolutely love this recipe. It’s practically foolproof and comes together in just minutes. The real star, however, is the combination of textures and flavors. We’re creating a decadent, three-layered treat: a chewy oat base, a luscious peanut butter filling, and a crisp, rich dark chocolate topping. These No bake peanut butter oat cups are a game-changer for anyone needing a quick, impressive, and delicious snack.
Ingredients
For the Chewy Oat Base
- 0.75 cups rolled oats
- 2 tbsp smooth peanut butter
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- Pinch of salt
For the Creamy Peanut Butter Layer
- 6 tbsp smooth peanut butter
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
For the Rich Chocolate Topping
- 2.47 oz dark chocolate, melted
- Optional: A drizzle of melted Biscoff spread
How to Make the No Bake Peanut Butter Oat Cups
Step 1: Prepare and Mix the Base
First, line a 6-hole muffin tin with paper or silicone liners. In a bowl, combine the oats, 2 tablespoons of peanut butter, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, and salt. Stir until the oats are fully coated.
Step 2: Form the Base and Filling
Press the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of each liner to create a solid base. In a separate bowl, mix the 6 tablespoons of peanut butter and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup until smooth. Spoon this filling evenly over the oat bases.
Step 3: Add Chocolate and Chill
Gently melt the dark chocolate. Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer, ensuring it’s covered. For the final step, place the tin in the freezer for at least 30 minutes or the refrigerator for an hour, until the chocolate is completely firm.
My Best Tips for Perfect Oat Cups
A pinch of salt is crucial it balances the sweetness and enhances the peanut and chocolate flavors. For a perfect chocolate “snap,” melt it slowly and gently. Most importantly, be patient! Letting the cups set properly in the freezer or fridge is non-negotiable for them to hold their shape.
Variations
This recipe is incredibly easy to customize. Here are a few of my favorite ways to switch things up.
The “Nut Lover’s” Dream
For extra texture, add a tablespoon of finely chopped pecans or almonds to the oat base. You can also use crunchy peanut butter in the filling for a delightful contrast.
White Chocolate and Berry Twist
For a different flavor, use almond butter in the base and filling. Top the cups with melted white chocolate and press a fresh raspberry into the center before it sets.
Add a Boost to Your Snack
To make these cups more of a powerhouse snack, mix a tablespoon of chia seeds or ground flaxseed into the oat base. This adds a subtle texture and boosts the fiber content.
Looking for another healthy peanut butter snack? Try these Peanut Butter and Oatmeal Balls.
FAQs
Is eating oatmeal with peanut butter healthy?
Yes, it’s a fantastic combination. Oats provide complex carbs and fiber, while peanut butter offers protein and healthy fats to keep you full.
Can dogs have peanut butter no bake cookies?
No. Chocolate is toxic to dogs, and the added sugar isn’t good for them. Always ensure any peanut butter for dogs is free of xylitol.
Why are my no bake oatmeal cookies gooey?
This usually happens when the ratio of wet to dry ingredients is off. Following the measurements in this recipe is key to getting a firm, not gooey, result.
Print
No-Bake Peanut Butter Oat Cups
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
An incredibly easy and satisfying treat, these No-Bake Peanut Butter Oat Cups are the perfect solution for any sweet craving. Featuring a chewy oat crust, a rich and creamy peanut butter center, and a crisp dark chocolate top, this simple recipe delivers a decadent, multi-layered dessert without ever turning on your oven. They are foolproof, quick to assemble, and guaranteed to become a new household favorite.
Ingredients
For the Chewy Oat Base
0.75 cups rolled oats
2 tbsp smooth peanut butter
2 tbsp maple syrup
Pinch of salt
For the Creamy Peanut Butter Layer
6 tbsp smooth peanut butter
1 tbsp maple syrup
For the Rich Chocolate Topping
2.47 oz dark chocolate, melted
Optional: A drizzle of melted Biscoff spread
Instructions
Prepare and Mix the Base
First, line a 6-hole muffin tin with paper or silicone liners. In a bowl, combine the oats, 2 tablespoons of peanut butter, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, and salt. Stir until the oats are fully coated.
Form the Base and Filling
Press the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of each liner to create a solid base. In a separate bowl, mix the 6 tablespoons of peanut butter and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup until smooth. Spoon this filling evenly over the oat bases.
Add Chocolate and Chill
Gently melt the dark chocolate. Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer, ensuring it’s covered. For the final step, place the tin in the freezer for at least 30 minutes or the refrigerator for an hour, until the chocolate is completely firm.
Notes
For the best results, use a good quality dark chocolate that you enjoy eating on its own. The flavor will really shine through.
To melt the chocolate, you can use a microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or a double boiler on the stove for a more gentle and controlled melt.
Make sure your peanut butter is at room temperature for easier mixing, especially for the filling.
These cups are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their firmness. They will last for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 315
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 135
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 11
- Carbohydrates: 29
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 8
Keywords: no bake dessert, peanut butter cups, oat cups, easy recipe, chocolate peanut butter, dessert recipe, no bake oats
