A simple, wholesome snack bar that comes together with just three ingredients and minimal fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bars are deliciously chewy with a slightly toasted oat texture, and they balance sweet honey with rich peanut butter for a satisfying treat. They’re super easy to make, require no complicated steps, and use ingredients you likely already have on hand. Perfect for breakfast on the go, an afternoon snack, or even a lighter dessert.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 cups old-fashioned or quick-cooking rolled oats
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter (natural peanut butter works well)
• ¼ cup honey

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 °F (about 175 °C). Lightly grease an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking dish and set it aside.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together the oats, peanut butter, and honey until everything is well combined and you have a uniform mixture.
3. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, pressing it down so the top is level.
4. Bake for about 12-15 minutes (or up to 20 minutes depending on your oven) until the oats around the edges begin to toast and the top turns a light golden brown.
5. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the baking dish. Once cooled, cut into squares.

Servings and timing

• Yields: 9 bars
• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Cook time: 12-20 minutes
• Total time: Approximately 25 minutes including cooling

Variations

• Swap in crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy for added texture.
• Use almond butter or sunflower-seed butter instead of peanut butter for a nut-free or different-flavour option.
• Stir in a handful of chopped nuts, seeds (like chia or flax), or dried fruit for extra crunch and nutrition.
• After baking and cooling, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top and let set for a more decadent version.
• For a lower-sweetness option, reduce the honey slightly or use a lighter honey.

Storage/Reheating

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For freezing, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag; freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost in the refrigerator while still sealed before enjoying. If you like them warm, microwave a bar for about 10-15 seconds before eating.

FAQs

What kind of oats should I use?

You can use either old-fashioned (rolled) oats or quick-cooking rolled oats. Both work; old-fashioned give a bit more texture.

Do I need to use natural peanut butter?

No, you don’t have to use natural peanut butter, but a natural version (just peanuts and salt) tends to give a cleaner flavor and less added sugar or oils.

Can I make this recipe without an oven?

This version is baked, but you could press the mixture into a dish and chill it instead, though the texture will be different (less toasted).

What size baking dish should I use?

The recipe calls for an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking dish. Using a different size may change the thickness and baking time slightly.

How will I know when the bars are done baking?

They’re done when the oats around the edges begin to toast and the top turns a light golden brown. The center may still feel slightly soft but will firm up upon cooling.

Can I cut them into different sizes or shapes?

Yes — although the recipe suggests 9 bars, you can cut them into smaller or larger squares or rectangles depending on your preference.

Are these bars suitable for breakfast?

Definitely. With oats and peanut butter, you get a good mix of complex carbs and protein/fat, making them suitable as a quick breakfast or snack.

Can I substitute the honey with another sweetener?

While honey helps bind the mixture and adds flavor, you could try using maple syrup, agave, or another liquid sweetener, though texture and flavor will vary slightly.

Do these bars need to be refrigerated?

Not necessarily; stored in an airtight container at room temperature they’re fine for several days. Refrigeration extends shelf life.

Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins?

Yes, absolutely. Adding things like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried fruit, or seeds will enhance the bars. Just keep in mind the mix-ins might alter the binding slightly, so you may need a little extra peanut butter or honey to keep everything together.

Conclusion

These 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Honey Oat Bars are a wonderfully simple, wholesome snack that’s ready in under half an hour and fits easily into your day—from breakfast to post-school nibble to dessert. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor and ease, they’re a go-to recipe you’ll keep coming back to.

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