High-Protein Chocolate Peanut Butter Oat Bars Recipe Is No-Bake Bliss (5 Ingredients, 15 Minutes) by Elisa Schmitz

This recipe is for all the peanut butter cup lovers out there. If you love chocolate peanut butter cups but are looking for more nutrition, then this is the recipe for you. This high-protein chocolate peanut butter oat bars recipe is no-bake bliss! These simple peanut butter bars taste like Reese's® peanut butter cups, but they're packed with protein and fueled by oats. They're made with just five ingredients and come together in only about 15 minutes (plus chilling time).

Photo credit (all photos): Elisa Schmitz

As we age, it's even more important to eat a healthier diet. Getting in enough protein and fiber is key. Here's why protein is so important and learn about the health benefits of fiber. This easy chocolate peanut butter oat bars recipe helps you get in some protein and fiber, making this dessert recipe as nutritious as it is delicious. The wholesome peanut butter chocolate bars require no cooking other than melting most of the ingredients in the microwave. All that along with the health benefits of peanut butter and the health benefits of oats.

But one of my very favorite parts about this recipe is the optional flaky sea salt. My friend Donna gifted me a package of Maldon sea salt flakes, and I can't tell you how excited I was because I've always wanted to try it! Maldon flaky sea salt has been made in the coastal town of Maldon, England, since 1882. According to its website, "Four generations of the Osborne family have been hand harvesting the naturally formed pyramid crystals that have become Maldon’s signature for a century. The pyramid flakes are characteristics of Maldon, recognized the world over as the finest of sea salts. Our flakes release their saltiness with sweet precision, a fresh intensity and clean taste." So even though it's optional, I highly recommend the flaky sea salt that makes these tasty bars even more decadent. Thank you, Donna!

To make these irresistible no-bake peanut butter bars, here are the gluten-free ingredients you'll need to gather: peanut butter, pure maple syrup, oat flour, chocolate chips and coconut oil. The flaky sea salt is optional, but highly recommended! First, mix the peanut butter with the maple syrup. Then stir in the oat flour and press the mixture into a baking pan. Next, melt the chocolate with the coconut oil in the microwave, then spread it over the peanut butter oat mixture. Finally, refrigerate it for about two hours before slicing it into bars. Plus, check out the health benefits of chocolate and the health benefits of maple syrup.

Serve these impressive peanut butter chocolate treats as a fun dessert for guests, or as a satisfying snack for family and friends. My husband even snuck one for breakfast, LOL. Fuel yourself with the simple goodness!

Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 13 minutes plus 2 hours to chill
Cook Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes plus chilling time
Servings: 9

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups peanut butter (crunchy or creamy)
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 1/2 cups oat flour
• 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips (semisweet, dark chocolate or a combination)
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt (optional)

Here's how to make it:

1. In an 8x8-inch square baking pan, spread out a piece of parchment paper with a bit of overhang and set aside. In a large, microwave-safe mixing bowl, add the peanut butter and maple syrup. (I used crunchy peanut butter, but you also could use creamy.)
   
2. Microwave the mixture for 30 seconds then stir to combine.
   
3. Add the oat flour and stir to combine.
   
4. Spread the mixture onto the parchment paper and, using a small spatula or your clean hands, press it evenly across the bottom and into the corners, ensuring that it's evenly distributed.
   
5. In a medium, microwave-safe bowl, add the chocolate chips and coconut oil. (You can use dark chocolate or semisweet chocolate chips, or a combination of the two.)
   
6. Microwave for 30 seconds, then remove and stir. Microwave for another 30 seconds, then remove and stir again. At this point, the chocolate may be mostly melted, and you can keep stirring until all chips are completely melted. But because microwaves vary, you may need an additional 30 seconds of microwaving time. Just be sure not to cook it too long because it will continue to melt even after you remove it from the microwave.
   
7. Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter mixture.
   
8. Using a small spatula, spread the chocolate over the mixture, ensuring that it's evenly distributed.
   
9. Sprinkle the flaky sea salt over the chocolate, if using.
   
10. Place the pan in the refrigerator until completely set, about 2 hours.
    
11. Remove from fridge and, using the parchment paper overhang, lift out of the baking pan.
    
12. Slice into bars. (I cut mine into 9 bars, but you could easily make 12 or even 16 bars from this recipe.)
    
13. Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.
    

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