Peanut Butter Chocolate Oatmeal Bars (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

These no-bake peanut butter chocolate oatmeal bars have a chewy oatmeal base that’s filled with peanut butter flavor, and topped with a layer of rich chocolate. A delicious dessert that’s also great for an anytime snack – it’s the perfect treat for peanut butter and chocolate lovers! Gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan too.

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Peanut Butter + Chocolate = A Delicious Combo

It’s hard to find a combination more decadent and rich than the mixture of both peanut butter and chocolate.

It’s delicious all year round, but especially during the year-end holiday season.

From chocolate peanut butter thumbprint cookies, to homemade peanut butter cups, and fudgy peanut butter brownies.. it’s definitely our favorite combo!

Today, we’re making no-bake peanut butter chocolate oatmeal bars, which to be honest, can be enjoyed both as a sweet snack or dessert.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe:

• Simple Ingredients: The main ingredients needed for these chocolate peanut butter oatmeal bars recipe are easily accessible at the local grocery store (nothing fancy required).
• Easy to Make: Preparing these oat bars is uncomplicated, with just 10 minutes of hands-on time, and then you can let the bars chill in the refrigerator until ready to be sliced into squares.
• Totally Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free & Vegan: The best part is that this chocolate peanut butter bars recipe are 100% gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan, which means that even those with Celiac disease or gluten or lactose intolerances can enjoy this delicious treat without issues.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Here’s a visual overview of the ingredients required for this peanut butter chocolate oatmeal bars recipe.

(For exact measurements, please scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.)

Recipe Notes + Substitutions:

• Oats: Make sure to use certified gluten-free quick cooking oats (as most oats are processed in the same facilities as gluten-containing grains and there may be cross-contamination). Instant quick oats create a softer texture, while rolled oats provide a chewier texture. Avoid steel-cut oats. 
• Peanut Butter: I recommend using creamy peanut butter for this (as opposed to chunky peanut butter). You can also substitute the peanut butter with other nut butters (such as almond butter, cashew butter).
• Maple Syrup: I used maple syrup as a natural sweetener, but you can also use agave nectar if you prefer. Alternatively, if you are not vegan, you can also use honey instead.
• Chocolate: I used dairy-free chocolate to keep this recipe dairy-free. However, if you are not lactose-intolerant, go ahead and use regular chocolate instead.
• Sea Salt: I like adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the chocolate for a sweet-savory flavor (but this is optional).

How to Make Peanut Butter Chocolate Oatmeal Bars:

Heat Peanut Butter & Maple Syrup: In a large saucepan, combine the peanut butter and maple syrup. Heat over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring until the mixture is well combined.

Add Oats and Salt: Add the oats and salt. Mix well until the mixture is evenly distributed.

Dish by Dish Tips:

• Optional Toppings: Feel free to add chopped nuts, dried fruits (such as cranberries, raisins, cherries), shredded coconut, or seeds (chia seeds, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds).
• Add a Protein Boost: Mix a scoop of your favorite protein powder with the oats before pouring it into the pan.

Other Peanut Butter & Chocolate Recipes:

• Peanut Butter Cups (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
• Peanut Butter Buckeye Balls (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
• No-Bake Peanut Butter Crunch Bars (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
• Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)

Gluten-Free Dessert Recipes to Indulge In:

P.S. If you try this recipe, I’d love for you to leave a star rating below, and/or a review in the comment section further down the page. I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to check out my entire Recipe Index for all the recipes on the blog. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram! Sign up for my Email List to get fresh recipes in your inbox each week!

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Peanut Butter Chocolate Oatmeal Bars (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

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• Author: Felicia Lim
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These no-bake peanut butter chocolate oatmeal bars have a chewy oatmeal base that’s filled with peanut butter flavor, and topped with a layer of rich chocolate. A delicious dessert that’s also great for an anytime snack – it’s the perfect treat for peanut butter and chocolate lovers! Gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan too.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Oatmeal Base:

• 2 cups gluten-free instant quick oats
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup maple syrup

For the Chocolate Topping:

• 1 1/4 cup dairy-free chocolate (either chopped chocolate or chocolate chips)
• 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter, for the topping
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat Peanut Butter & Maple Syrup: In a large saucepan, combine the peanut butter and maple syrup. Heat over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring until the mixture is well combined.
2. Add Oats and Salt: Add the oats and salt. Mix well until the mixture is evenly distributed.
3. Transfer Mixture to Parchment-Lined Pan: Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper for easy removal. Transfer the mixture to the pan and press firmly with a spatula (or clean hands) to create an even, compact layer.
4. Prepare Chocolate-Peanut Butter Layer: Separately, melt the chocolate in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between each cooking time until completely melted. Add the 2 tablespoons of peanut butter and stir until the mixture is smooth.
5. Pour Chocolate Mixture Over Base: Pour the chocolate mixture over the oatmeal base, spreading it evenly with a spatula to form an even coating. Sprinkle a little flaked sea salt on top of the chocolate for a sweet-salty contrast (optional)
6. Chill Until Firm: Place the pan in the freezer or refrigerator until the bars are firm. This helps the flavors blend together and makes cutting easier.
7. Slice into Bars: Once firm, cut into bars.

Notes

Oats: Make sure to use certified gluten-free quick oats (as most oats are processed in the same facilities as gluten-containing grains and there may be cross-contamination). Instant quick oats create a softer texture, while rolled oats provide a chewier texture. Avoid steel-cut oats. 

Peanut Butter: I recommend using creamy peanut butter for this (as opposed to chunky peanut butter). You can also substitute the peanut butter with other nut butters (such as almond butter, cashew butter).

Maple Syrup: I used maple syrup as a natural sweetener, but you can also use agave nectar if you prefer. Alternatively, if you are not vegan, you can also use honey instead.

Chocolate: I used dairy-free chocolate to keep this recipe dairy-free. However, if you are not lactose-intolerant, go ahead and use regular chocolate instead.

Sea Salt: I like adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the chocolate for a sweet-savory flavor (but this is optional).

Optional Toppings: Feel free to add chopped nuts, dried fruits (such as cranberries, raisins, cherries), shredded coconut, or seeds (chia seeds, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds).

Add a Protein Boost: Mix a scoop of your favorite protein powder with the oats before pouring it into the pan.

• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 5 mins
• Category: Desserts
• Method: No-Bake
• Cuisine: American