No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Squares (Nut Free version!)

These No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Squares are an easy snack and low sugar dessert to make for the week! Packed with healthy fats, protein, and fiber, this well-balanced snack will hold you over between meals and satisfy your afternoon sweet tooth!

Nut Free version, Gluten Free, Soy Free, Egg Free, Dairy Free

When I graduated from my master’s program in nutrition there’s no way I thought I would be spending my days researching things like “Search Engine Optimization” (SEO) and all these techy things that are required to run a website.

But alas, here we are and my days and nights are tied up making the best food blog I can make, sharing easy, delicious and nutritious recipes.

Why bring up the whole SEO thing? Well, if you’re a long-time reader you may be confused about the “peanut butter” part, but let me assure you, I made these 100% nut free in my kitchen.

But SEO or Search Engine Optimization told me “peanut butter” is more searchable more than sunflower seed butter (hellooo, more mainstream!), and I want this delish recipe to reach as many people as possible… hence the title!

Despite the name and confusion that this may cause, there’s nothing I love more than an easy, no bake, sweet tooth-satisfying snack I can make in less than 10 minutes hands-on time. And these No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Squares fit the bill!

These Nut Free No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Squares are…

• Easy to make with just 10 minutes hands-on time
• Crispy and delish!
• Full of salty & sweet flavors
• Nutritionally balanced for an actually filling snack that satisfies your sweet tooth
• Fun to make (& eat) with your kids

I’ve made these several times with my kids and they absolutely love them… and I feel good knowing this snack has a bit more nutrition than something from a bag. (But I totally feed my kids packaged snacks all the time, no guilt!)

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make these Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Squares

You’ll need just 7 ingredients to make these chocolatey, savory and sweet peanut butter oatmeal squares, including…

1. Your favorite nut/seed butter is the base and glue that holds these squares (or bars) together. I opted to use sunflower seed butter with no added sugar.
2. Maple syrup sweetens these squares. You could also replace this with honey if you prefer. See the note below for a sugar-free alternative.
3. Collagen protein powder adds an extra boost of protein to these bars. I love using the unflavored collagen because it’s tasteless (and I mean it!) and has such a fine consistency that you can’t even notice it’s in there. If you’re making these just for kids, omit it!
4. Rolled oats add a hearty chewiness to these squares, plus 6 grams of fiber + 10 grams of protein to these bars!
5. Puffed rice cereal adds a nice crunch to these squares. I used Rice Krispies because they’re the crunchiest of the puffed rice varieties, but any puffed rice cereal will do!
6. Mini chocolate chips melt with coconut oil to make the perfect chocolate layer on top. Add more or less to your choosing! (I buy both of these from Thrive Market on sale because they’re soo much cheaper!)

Frequently Asked Ingredient Questions

Can you make a sugar-free version?

Yes! Omit the maple syrup and you’ll have a sugar-free version! You may need to increase the oats/puffed rice cereal though to ensure they’re not too sticky.

Can I omit the protein powder?

Absolutely – and I actually recommend leaving it out if you’re making these just for kids (they don’t need the extra protein!). Omit the extra 2 tablespoons of the oats and puffed rice cereal if you’re omitting the protein powder (1/2 cup of each should be sufficient.)

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need to Make these Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Squares

• Mixing bowls (I love that this set has lids!)
• Loaf pan
• Parchment paper
• Storage containers

How to Make These No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Squares

These oatmeal squares are so easy to make – they’re no bake, after all!

1. First, you’ll make the crispy oat base. Mix together the nut/seed butter, maple syrup and protein powder (if you’re using) with the rolled oats, puffed rice, and a pinch of salt.
2. Next, press the oat base into a loaf pan. Line the loaf pan with parchment paper to help the bars pop out easily.
3. Melt chocolate on top. For ease, melt mini chocolate chips with coconut oil for the smoothest chocolate layer.
4. Refrigerate until the chocolate hardens, or freeze. Then cut into about 10 squares and enjoy.

How should you store the No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Squares

I like to store the no bake chocolate peanut butter oatmeal squares in the freezer and let them thaw for a few minutes before eating!

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XO