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No-Bake Peanut Butter Lunchbox Bars

Chewy no-bake peanut butter bars that make the easiest lunchbox snacks for busy mornings.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 16 bars 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup honey (or maple syrup)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/3 cup crispy rice cereal
  • 1/4 cup ground flaxseed (optional)
  • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips, divided

Instructions

  1. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides for easy removal.
  2. In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter, honey, and melted butter. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth and pourable, about 60-90 seconds total.
  3. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt until fully combined.
  4. Add the rolled oats, crispy rice cereal, and ground flaxseed, if using. Stir until every oat is evenly coated in the peanut butter mixture.
  5. Fold in half of the mini chocolate chips, reserving the rest for topping.
  6. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan using the back of a spoon or slightly damp hands.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips over the top and press gently so they stick.
  8. Refrigerate uncovered for at least 1 hour, or until firm to the touch.
  9. Lift the bars out using the parchment overhang, slice into 12-16 bars, and store in an airtight container.

Notes

For nut-free lunchbox snacks, swap the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter. Bars keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container, or in the freezer for up to 3 months — just wrap individual bars in parchment for grab-and-go packing.

  • Author: Ella Whitley
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American