Description
These no-bake energy bars combine quick oats, creamy peanut butter, honey, and a blend of M&M’s and chocolate chips for a sweet and satisfying snack. Perfect for an easy homemade treat, they are compressed into bars and chilled to set, with an optional chocolate drizzle for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Energy Bars
- 3 cups quick oats
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (e.g., Skippy)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup miniature M&M’s
- 1/3 cup chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or dark)
- 1/4 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prep Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to easily lift the bars out later. Use binder clips if needed to hold the parchment in place.
- Mix Ingredients: In a very large bowl, combine the quick oats, creamy peanut butter, honey, salt, miniature M&M’s, and chocolate chips. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on low speed to blend all ingredients until well combined and the mixture has a firm, sticky consistency.
- Compress Mixture: Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan. Using the flat bottom of a 1-cup measuring cup, press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan to create a tightly packed layer without gaps.
- Optional Chocolate Topping: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt additional chocolate chips with the coconut or vegetable oil in 15-second bursts, stirring between each until smooth. Transfer the melted chocolate to a plastic zip-top bag, seal it, and snip off a small corner to pipe the chocolate decoratively over the pressed bars.
- Chill: Refrigerate the pan for about 1 hour or until the bars are completely set and firm.
- Slice and Serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. To cut, warm a sharp knife under hot water, dry it off, and make clean cuts through the bars. Clean and warm the knife between cuts for the best results.
Notes
- Use quick oats for the best texture and binding; old-fashioned oats can be substituted but may change the texture slightly.
- Adjust the peanut butter and honey amounts if needed to achieve a sticky consistency that holds together well.
- The optional chocolate drizzle adds extra flavor but can be omitted for a simpler bar.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
