No-bake peanut butter oat cups

Name: No Bake Peanut Butter Oat Cups
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 3/4 cup quick oats (*see notes); 1/2 cup peanut butter or almond butter, etc. (*Use sunflower seed butter for nut-free.); 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey; 2 tbsp chia seeds; 1/4 cup protein powder, of choice (*use a flavor you love!); 1 tsp vanilla extract & good pinch of sea salt; Optional add-ins: cinnamon, mini chocolate chips or cacao nibs, raisins, etc.; 1 1/4 cups chocolate chips; 2 tsp coconut oil (*if needed to help thin the chocolate)

ByDani Breiner December 9, 2024August 5, 2025

No-bake peanut butter oat cups are a chocolate peanut butter lovers dream! These minimal ingredient, super easy bites are not only absolutely addicting, but nutritious too! All you need is 10 minutes and a handful of ingredients to prep a healthy, grab-and-go snack or treat for the week!

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A bowl of no bake peanut butter chocolate oat cups.

I’m not kidding when I say i’ve probably made these over 100x in my life. I am all about a healthy treat after meals and this recipe is perfect to curb a sweet tooth! It all started when I fell in love with my no bake peanut butter oatmeal balls, however this time I pressed the mixture into my mini muffin tin and topped them with chocolate. It created these little cuties – the perfect bite-sized treat!

Peanut butter oat cups recipe video

Why you’ll love this no-bake dessert

The best no-bake desert! No oven is required!
Ease – these come together in less than 10 minutes in one bowl!
Nutritious – these bites are packed with good-for-you, nourishing ingredients like oats, nut butter, flax or chia seeds, and protein powder. They’re balanced with healthy fats, fiber, & protein.
They are vegan, gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and can be made nut-free!
DECADENCE – The chocolate and peanut butter combination is hard to beat. It’s just the best!

How to make peanut butter oat cups

Full recipe is in the recipe card at the bottom of the post!

Equipment

Metal mini muffin tin + liners OR a silicone mini muffin mold: I highly recommend using the silicone molds for easier removal, however a full-size muffin tin will work!
Mixing bowl & Spatula

Ingredients

Oats: Quick oats are best here, as they’re smaller and add great texture. If you only have old-fashioned rolled oats, you can definitely use those! If you want them smaller, simply blitz them for a few seconds in a food processor, then add to the recipe!
Peanut butter: Cashew butter or almond butter also work great. Sunflower seed butter is a great nut-free option!
Maple syrup: Honey or agave also work!
Pantry staples: vanilla extract, sea salt
Flax or chia seeds: Optional but add some extra fiber and nutrients to this healthy snack!
Protein powder: Protein powder is optional, but I love adding it! If you use a great-tasting protein powder, it’ll add some extra sweetness & flavor to the recipe as well! I use Macro Mike salted caramel or vanilla buttercream in this recipe and it’s incredible (use my code “amb-dani” for a discount).
Chocolate chips
Coconut oil: A tiny bit is used to help firm the bites up so that they don’t melt quickly!

Steps to make no bake peanut butter oat cups

Step 1: In a bowl, combine the nut butter, oats, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt, mixing well.
Step 2: Divide the mixture amongst your mini muffin tin, filling each one 2/3 of the way full, pressing it down into the bottom.
Step 3: In a small bowl, melt the chocolate until smooth. Then divide it amongst the pan, covering the tops of the oat bites.
Step 4: Freeze! Freeze for 3-4 hours until completely firm before removing the cups from the pan. Then store them in the freezer in an air-tight container!

Is this recipe gluten-free & vegan?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, just ensure you’re using oats that are certified gluten-free if necessary!

flavor variations

Add a dash of cinnamon and mix in raisins for cinnamon raisin oat cups.
Use almond extract instead of vanilla, stir in sprinkles, & use white chocolate for a birthday cake feel!
Swap in cashew butter for peanut butter and add pumpkin spice for pumpkin spice oat cups.
Stir in macadamia nuts for a macadamia nut cookie flavor.

More healthy No-bake snacks & desserts to try