This delicious and nutritious treat combines creamy peanut butter, wholesome oats, and plump raisins into a convenient no-bake bar—perfect for breakfast on the go, an afternoon snack, or a hiking fuel boost.

Why You’ll Love This Recip

No-bake simplicity: No oven needed—just mix, press, and chill.
Wholesome ingredients: Oats and raisins offer fiber and naturally sweet flavor.
Protein-packed: Peanut butter adds healthy fats and protein to keep you satisfied.
Kid-approved: Portable and not overly sweet, these bars are perfect for school snacks.
Customizable: Easily swap add-ins—nuts, seeds, chocolate chips—for your preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Rolled oats
Peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
Honey or maple syrup
Raisins
Vanilla extract
Salt

Direction

Line your pan: Use an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch square pan. Line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Combine wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, stir together peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
Add oats: Mix in the rolled oats until completely coated in the peanut butter mixture. The texture should be thick and sticky.
Fold in raisins: Gently mix in raisins, ensuring even distribution throughout.
Press into pan: Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan and press it firmly into an even layer, using a spatula or the back of a measuring cup.
Chill: Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 1–2 hours, or until bars are firm.
Cut: Once firm, lift the mixture out of the pan (using the parchment paper) and cut it into 12–16 bars.
Serve or store: Enjoy immediately, or store in an airtight container.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Makes 12–16 bars, depending on how large you slice them.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 1–2 hours
Total time: Approximately 2 hours (mostly chilling)

Variations

Nut blend: Add chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans for extra crunch.
Seed boost: Include chia seeds, flaxseeds, or pumpkin seeds.
Chocolate chip upgrade: Add a handful of mini dark chocolate chips.
Nut butter swap: Replace peanut butter with almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter.
Fruit changes: Substitute raisins with dried cranberries, chopped apricots, or cherries.
Spice addition: Stir in cinnamon or ground ginger for extra warmth.
Protein powder: Mix in a scoop of vanilla or chocolate protein powder for an added protein boost.

Storage / Reheating

Room temperature: Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Store for up to 1 week.
Freezer: Freeze bars up to 3 months—wrap each tightly in parchment paper, then store in a zip-top freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying.
Reheating: These bars taste best cold or at room temperature. If desired, microwave a bar for 10–15 seconds to soften before eating.

FAQs

1. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

You can, but rolled oats give a firmer, chewier texture. Quick oats result in softer bars.

2. Do I need to use parchment paper?

Parchment paper or greasing prevents sticking and allows you to lift bars easily when cutting.

3. Can I reduce the sweetness?

Yes—you may use less honey or maple syrup. Keep in mind: reducing too much may make bars crumbly.

4. Are these bars vegan?

They can be: substitute maple syrup for honey, and ensure your peanut butter is vegan-friendly.

5. Can I adjust bar size?

Absolutely—larger bars will be thicker, smaller bars thinner. Just adjust cutting accordingly.

6. My bars are crumbly; what happened?

This may happen if not enough binder (peanut butter or honey) was used. Add a bit more and re-chill.

7. Can I use other dried fruits?

Yes—dried cranberries, cherries, chopped apricots, or dates work well.

8. Are these gluten-free?

Use certified gluten-free oats to ensure these bars are gluten-free.

9. Can I make these nut-free?

Yes—replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter.

10. What’s the best way to cut neat bars?

Use a sharp knife, warmed under hot water and dried, then slice cleanly.

Conclusion

These No-Bake Peanut Butter Oat Bars with Raisins are the perfect combination of wholesome simplicity and satisfying flavor. With just a few pantry staples and no baking required, they are a reliable, crowd-pleasing snack for breakfasts, after-school treats, hiking trips, or post-workout refueling. Their adaptability means you can make them gluten-free, vegan, nut-free, or protein-packed to suit any dietary need. Enjoy the convenience and taste—and keep some stashed away for whenever hunger strikes!

No-Bake Peanut Butter Oat Bars with Raisins

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These no-bake peanut butter oat bars with raisins combine wholesome oats, creamy peanut butter, and naturally sweet raisins into a chewy, satisfying snack perfect for any time of day.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Yield: 12–16 bars 1x
Category: Snack
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Units Scale

2 cups rolled oats
1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1/2 cup raisins
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt

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Instructions

Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch square pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a medium bowl, stir together peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
Add the rolled oats and mix until fully coated and the texture is thick and sticky.
Fold in the raisins evenly throughout the mixture.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan and press it firmly into an even layer.
Refrigerate the pan for at least 1–2 hours, or until the bars are firm.
Lift the mixture out of the pan using parchment paper and cut into 12–16 bars.
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.