Description
These No-Bake Peanut Butter Oat Cups are a delicious and healthy snack option, combining creamy peanut butter, wholesome oats, and a touch of sweetness from honey or maple syrup. Perfect for a quick treat or a portable snack, they require no baking and come together quickly with simple ingredients. Optional chocolate chips add an indulgent twist, while the flaky sea salt topping enhances the flavors. Ideal for a gluten-free and vegetarian diet, these oat cups store well in the fridge or freezer for convenient enjoyment anytime.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Ingredients
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
- Flaky sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Melt the wet ingredients: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the natural peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, and coconut oil. Stir continuously until the mixture is melted and smooth. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt for enhanced flavor.
- Combine with oats: In a large mixing bowl, add the rolled oats. Pour the warm peanut butter mixture over the oats and thoroughly stir to evenly coat all the oats with the wet mixture, ensuring a uniform texture.
- Add chocolate chips (optional): Allow the mixture to cool slightly for a few minutes to prevent melting the chocolate. Then gently fold in the mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate, if using, for a touch of sweetness and texture.
- Form the oat cups: Line a muffin tin with paper liners or use silicone molds. Spoon the oat mixture into each cup, pressing down firmly and evenly to form compact cups that hold their shape.
- Add finishing touch: Sprinkle the tops of each oat cup with flaky sea salt if desired, to balance the sweetness and add a subtle crunch.
- Chill to set: Place the muffin tin in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour until the cups are firm and set. Once set, you can store the cups in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze them for longer storage.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, substitute natural peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.
- Enhance texture and nutrition by adding chia seeds, flaxseeds, or shredded coconut to the oat mixture.
- Use certified gluten-free oats if you need the recipe to be gluten-free.
- Store oat cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American