No-Bake Peanut Butter Oat Cups

These No-Bake Peanut Butter Oat Cups are the perfect quick and easy treat when I’m craving something sweet yet wholesome. They’re rich, creamy, and filled with the irresistible combination of peanut butter and chocolate. I love how simple they are to make no oven needed and they store beautifully for snacks throughout the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s made with just a few pantry staples and comes together in minutes. The oat flour gives it a chewy texture while the peanut butter keeps everything soft and satisfying. The layer of melted chocolate on top makes each bite feel indulgent, but these cups are naturally sweetened with maple syrup, so I can enjoy them guilt-free. They’re perfect for a quick dessert, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a post-workout snack.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

1.5 cups peanut butter
1.5 cups oat flour (rolled oats processed finely in a food processor)
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 cup chocolate chips
1 teaspoon coconut oil, optional

Directions

1. I start by lining a muffin tin with paper liners to make removing the cups easier.
2. In a large mixing bowl, I combine the peanut butter, oat flour, and maple syrup. I stir until the mixture forms a thick, dough-like consistency.
3. I divide the mixture evenly among the muffin liners, pressing it down firmly to form the base layer.
4. In a microwave-safe bowl, I melt the chocolate chips with the coconut oil (if using) in 20-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth.
5. I pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter oat bases, spreading it evenly to cover the tops.
6. I place the muffin tin in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until the cups are firm and set.
7. Once set, I pop them out of the liners and keep them chilled until ready to serve.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 12 oat cups. It takes around 10 minutes to prepare and about 1 hour to chill, so they’re ready in roughly 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes use almond butter or cashew butter instead of peanut butter for a different flavor. For a crunchier texture, I stir in chopped nuts or crushed pretzels before pressing the mixture into the liners. When I’m in the mood for extra sweetness, I drizzle a little melted white chocolate on top after chilling. I’ve also tried adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a perfect sweet-salty finish.

Storage/Reheating

I store the oat cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months—I just let them thaw for a few minutes before enjoying. Because they’re no-bake, I always keep them chilled to maintain their shape and texture.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of oat flour?

Yes, I can blend quick oats in a food processor to make homemade oat flour—it works perfectly.

Can I make these without coconut oil?

Absolutely, the coconut oil just helps the chocolate melt smoothly, but it’s not necessary.

Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?

Yes, honey works great as a natural sweetener substitute, though it will give the cups a slightly different flavor.

How can I make these vegan?

I make sure to use dairy-free chocolate chips and plant-based peanut butter for a fully vegan version.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Yes, crunchy peanut butter adds great texture and a little extra bite.

How long do these last in the fridge?

They stay fresh for up to 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I skip the chocolate layer?

Yes, I can skip it or replace it with melted dark chocolate, white chocolate, or a nut butter drizzle.

Can I make mini versions?

Definitely! I use a mini muffin tin to make bite-sized oat cups—perfect for small snacks.

Do these melt at room temperature?

They soften a bit if left out for too long, so I prefer keeping them chilled until serving.

Can I add protein powder?

Yes, I can add a scoop of protein powder to the peanut butter mixture for a more filling, high-protein snack.

Conclusion

These No-Bake Peanut Butter Oat Cups are one of my favorite effortless desserts. I love how they combine the comforting taste of peanut butter with a rich layer of chocolate, all in a wholesome, no-fuss recipe. They’re easy to make, satisfy every sweet craving, and store perfectly for whenever I need a quick treat.

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