These simple peanut butter cup oat bars are inspired by the clean-label snack bars from The Oat Company. Made with just a handful of wholesome ingredients, dates, oats, peanuts, peanut butter, and chocolate, they’re naturally sweetened, satisfying, and easy to prepare at home. They make a great grab-and-go snack or lunchbox addition.
Course Dessert, Snack
Total Time 15 minutesminutes
Servings 16
Equipment
1 Food Processor
Ingredients
1½cupspitted dates
1½cupsrolled oats
½cupnatural peanut butter
⅓cuppeanuts
⅓cupchocolate chips
1-2tbsp waterif needed
Instructions
Add the pitted dates to a food processor and process until they break down into a sticky paste.
Add the oats and peanut butter to the food processor. Process until the mixture comes together into a thick, slightly sticky dough.
Add the peanuts and pulse a few times, just until they are roughly chopped and incorporated. You want some pieces to remain for texture.
If the mixture seems too dry to hold together, add 1–2 tablespoons of water, pulsing briefly until the mixture sticks together when pressed.
Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the chocolate chips.
Line an 8 × 8 inch pan with parchment paper. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan.
Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. Lift out using the parchment and cut into 16 bars.
Notes
Soft dates work bestIf your dates are dry or firm, soak them in hot water for 5–10 minutes, then drain well before processing. This helps them blend smoothly and bind the bars.Press firmlyUse the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass to press the mixture firmly into the pan so the bars hold together when sliced.Naturally sweetenedThese bars are sweetened with whole dates, which provide natural sweetness along with fibre and minerals such as potassium. Unlike many packaged snack bars that rely on syrups or added sugars, the sweetness here comes from the whole fruit.Fibre and lasting energyThe combination of oats, dates, and peanuts provides fibre, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. This balance can help support steady energy and keep you feeling satisfied longer than snacks made primarily with refined ingredients.Simple, recognizable ingredientsWith just a handful of ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, these bars are an easy example of how simple whole foods can replace many ultra-processed snack options.StorageStore in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freeze for longer storage.