No-bake, gluten-free, crunchy, and delightfully simple to make, these Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a lunchbox treat.
These bars combine oats, flaxmeal, and peanut butter in a no-bake recipe that feels indulgent — like dessert — while still being wholesome. They’re crunchy, chewy, and easy to customize.
Ingredients you need
Simple pantry ingredients—peanut butter, oats, maple syrup, flaxmeal, and crispy brown rice cereal—come together quickly to make these satisfying squares.
Many store-bought granola bars contain additives or processed ingredients. This homemade version is naturally gluten-free (when using certified gluten-free products), oil-free, and vegan.
Ingredient notes and substitutions
Oats — Old-fashioned rolled oats give the best texture. Quick oats work in a pinch; do not use steel-cut oats.
Crispy cereal — Crispy brown rice cereal adds a pleasant crunch to contrast the chewy oats.
Flaxmeal — Use flaxmeal rather than whole flax seeds. You can buy it or grind flax seeds in a small grinder or food processor. If you prefer, ground chia seeds can be substituted or omit and increase the oats slightly.
Peanut butter — Choose a natural, organic peanut butter (ideally only peanuts and a pinch of salt). Creamy works best for an even texture, though crunchy is fine if you prefer extra bite. If your peanut butter separates, transfer it to a bowl, stir till smooth, then return to the jar.
Nut-free option: swap in sunflower seed butter.
Sweetener — Pure maple syrup provides both sweetness and the liquid needed to bind the bars.
Extras — Optional additions include dairy-free chocolate chips (or a chocolate drizzle), protein powder, chopped nuts or seeds, dried fruit, or a dash of cinnamon.
How to make the recipe
1. In a large bowl, stir together the peanut butter and maple syrup until smooth.
2. Add the rolled oats, crispy brown rice cereal, and flaxmeal. Mix thoroughly so everything is evenly coated.
3. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into a parchment-lined 8×8-inch baking dish. Chill in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes to set.
4. Remove from the pan, cut into squares, and serve. This recipe yields large squares if cut into 9; for smaller portions, cut into 16.
Storage and freezing
Storing: Keep the bars in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay firm yet soft and chewy, and will keep for up to one week.
Freezing: Place cut bars in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about an hour). Transfer to a freezer-safe bag with parchment between layers. They keep up to 3 months; thaw slightly before serving.
Pro tips and tricks
~ Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best chew.
~ Don’t skip the crispy brown rice cereal—its crunch balances the oats.
~ If your peanut butter is stiff, microwave the jar or the portion in a bowl for 10–15 seconds to soften for easier stirring.
~ Stir well and scrape the bowl so no dry pockets remain.
~ Press the mixture firmly into the pan for bars that hold together.
~ Drizzle with melted dairy-free chocolate if desired.
~ For gluten-free results, choose certified gluten-free oats and cereal to avoid cross-contamination.
FAQs
They are naturally gluten-free, but to ensure no cross-contamination use certified gluten-free oats and crispy brown rice cereal since those products may be processed in facilities that handle gluten.
Yes. Freeze them in a single layer until solid, then store in a freezer bag with parchment between bars. They keep up to 3 months.
These no-bake bars are firmer than baked goods. Press the mixture firmly into the pan and chill fully before slicing to reduce crumbliness.
More vegan snack bars and bites
- Tahini Dark Chocolate Granola Bars
- Healthy Pumpkin Fudge Bars
- Sugar Free Apple Pie Bars
- Oatmeal Peanut Butter Balls
- Dairy-Free Cinnamon Truffles
- Sunflower Fig Balls
I hope you love this recipe as much as we do! If you try it, please rate the recipe and leave a comment with feedback. For more easy family recipes, check out the author’s cookbook.
No Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
Recommended Equipment
-
8×8 baking dish
-
Parchment paper
Ingredients
Granola Squares
- 1 ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats (gluten-free if desired)
- 1 cup crisp brown rice cereal
- ½ cup flaxmeal
- 1 ¼ cup natural peanut butter
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
Chocolate Drizzle (optional)
- ¼ cup dairy-free chocolate chips
- 1–2 tablespoon non-dairy milk
Instructions
For the Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
- In a large bowl, stir the peanut butter and maple syrup until smooth.
- Add the oats, crispy rice cereal, and flaxmeal. Mix until evenly coated.
- Press the mixture firmly into an 8×8 baking dish lined with parchment. Chill to set.
For the chocolate drizzle (optional)
- Melt chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon non-dairy milk over low heat, whisking until smooth. Add the second tablespoon if needed to thin.
- Drizzle over the chilled bars.
To serve
- Cut into squares and enjoy.
Notes
Nutrition
|
Carbohydrates: 19g
|
Protein: 7g
Nutrition values are estimates and should be verified if needed.