These No Bake Peanut Butter Oat Cups are the perfect snack or dessert that satisfies a sweet craving without turning on the oven. Made with simple pantry ingredients and packed with protein and fiber, they come together in just minutes and chill into chewy, chocolatey perfection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how these peanut butter oat cups are incredibly easy to make and require zero baking. They’re sweet, a little salty, and have the perfect chewy texture with just the right amount of crunch from the oats. They’re freezer-friendly, so I can keep a batch ready whenever I want a quick snack. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free and can be made dairy-free or vegan with simple swaps.
ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
peanut butter
maple syrup or honey
vanilla extract
old-fashioned rolled oats
semi-sweet chocolate chips
coconut oil
directions
-
I start by lining a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly greasing each cup.
-
In a medium saucepan over low heat, I stir together the peanut butter and maple syrup (or honey) until the mixture is smooth and combined.
-
I remove it from the heat, then stir in the vanilla extract and rolled oats until everything is evenly mixed.
-
I scoop the mixture into the muffin cups, pressing it down firmly to form an even layer.
-
In a separate bowl, I melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil together, either over a double boiler or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring until smooth.
-
I spoon the melted chocolate mixture over the top of each oat cup.
-
I place the muffin tin in the refrigerator or freezer until the cups are firm and set, about 30 minutes.
-
Once set, I remove the cups from the tin and store them in an airtight container.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 12 oat cups.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
I sometimes use almond butter or sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter for a different flavor. For added texture, I like to mix in shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or dried fruit. If I want them sweeter, I might use mini marshmallows or white chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate. And for a protein boost, I add a scoop of protein powder to the oat mixture.
storage/reheating
I keep the oat cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, I freeze them for up to three months. When I want one, I let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before eating. There’s no need to reheat since they’re best enjoyed cold or at room temp.
FAQs
How long do no bake peanut butter oat cups last?
I keep them in the fridge for up to 7 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, I can use quick oats, but I find that rolled oats give a better chewy texture.
What can I use instead of coconut oil?
I’ve used butter or vegan butter as a substitute, and it works just as well to help the chocolate topping set.
Can I make these vegan?
Absolutely. I just make sure to use maple syrup instead of honey and dairy-free chocolate chips.
Do I need to grease the muffin tin?
If I don’t use liners, I always grease the muffin cups lightly to make removal easier once they’re set.
Conclusion
These No Bake Peanut Butter Oat Cups are one of my go-to treats when I want something easy, wholesome, and satisfying. They’re simple, customizable, and always a hit with family and friends. I like keeping a batch in the fridge or freezer for whenever I need a quick snack that feels indulgent but is made with real, nourishing ingredients.

No Bake Peanut Butter Oat Cups
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 oat cups
- Category: Snack
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These No Bake Peanut Butter Oat Cups are an easy, wholesome snack or dessert made with simple pantry staples. They're chewy, chocolatey, and require no baking—perfect for a quick treat or meal prep snack.
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- ⅓ cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
Instructions
- Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease each cup.
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, stir together peanut butter and maple syrup (or honey) until smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and rolled oats until evenly mixed.
- Scoop the mixture into muffin cups, pressing down firmly to form an even layer.
- In a separate bowl, melt chocolate chips and coconut oil together over a double boiler or in the microwave, stirring until smooth.
- Spoon the melted chocolate over each oat cup.
- Refrigerate or freeze until firm and set, about 30 minutes.
- Remove from the tin and store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Use almond or sunflower seed butter for variation.
- Add shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or dried fruit for texture.
- Use maple syrup and dairy-free chocolate chips to make it vegan.
- Add a scoop of protein powder for a protein boost.
- Store in fridge up to 7 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 oat cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Leave a Reply