These Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cups are such a delicious and healthy sweet treat, and they’re honestly so easy to make. They’re perfect for meal prep, require just 5 simple ingredients, and come together in no time! A crunchy peanut butter oatmeal base topped with a soft, healthier “chocolate ganache” — they’re seriously SO GOOD!
I’ve recently been all about easy, no-bake treats, and these Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cups are at the top of my list! They’re so simple to make with just 5 ingredients, and the best part? No oven needed!
The combination of crunchy peanut butter and a creamy chocolate ganache topping is absolutely irresistible.
They’re not just DELISH, but they also give you lasting energy without the sugar crashes. With whole oats providing fiber and protein, and natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup offering a steady release of energy, they’ll keep you feeling good all day.
Peanut butter (or your choice of nut/seed butter) brings in healthy fats, and dark chocolate adds a little antioxidant boost. Plus, they’re gluten-free and allergy-friendly, making them super easy to tweak for different dietary needs.
These cups are stored so well, which makes them perfect for meal prep or as a quick snack when you’re on the go.
Whether you’re craving a sweet treat or need an energy boost, these Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cups are the way to go!
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cups
- You only need 5 ingredients to make them.
- They’re quick and easy to whip up — and there’s no baking required.
- They’re gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and egg-free.
- Super easy to make dairy-free, vegan, or nut-free if needed.
- Perfect as a meal-prep snack or dessert — they store really well. – The crunchy peanut butter oatmeal base works perfectly with the soft, creamy “chocolate ganache” topping.
- A great energy booster to fuel your busy days!
- They’re genuinely good for your soul and your body — the ultimate win-win.
What Makes These Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cups Healthy?
- High in Fibre and Protein: Whole oats provide a solid base of fibre and protein, which help to keep you full and energized throughout the day.
- Natural Sweeteners: Using honey or maple syrup instead of refined sugar offers a balanced, slow-release energy without the sugar spikes and crashes.
- Nutrient-Dense Ingredients: Peanut butter (or nut/seed butter) adds healthy fats and protein, while dark chocolate offers antioxidants and satisfies your sweet tooth in a healthier way.
- Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly: These cups are naturally gluten-free and can easily be made nut-free or dairy-free to accommodate various dietary needs.
- Quick and Easy Meal Prep: They’re a great grab-and-go snack or dessert that stores well, making them perfect for meal prep and busy days.
Ingredients Needed
These are the ingredients you’ll need to make these Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cups. You can find the exact measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of this page.
- Peanut Butter: The smooth peanut butter helps the mixture stick together while adding that rich, nostalgic peanut butter flavor we all love. You can swap it out for any nut butter — like almond butter, cashew butter, or hazelnut butter. For a nut free option, simply use seed butter like tahini or sunflower seed butter.
- Liquid Sweetener: Using a natural liquid sweetener like honey or maple syrup adds the perfect touch of sweetness without refined sugar. Plus, it helps with that slow, balanced energy release — no sugar spikes or crashes! I personally love honey for this recipe, but maple syrup works great too.
- Whole Oats: I usually go for regular porridge oats, but you can absolutely use rolled oats or even instant oats if that’s what you have on hand. Oats are packed with fiber and protein, making them a great healthy base.
- Dark Chocolate: This is for the luscious chocolate fudge filling. I recommend using refined sugar-free dark chocolate to keep these oatmeal cups healthier but still super satisfying.
- Milk: Just a splash added to the melted chocolate creates that healthier “chocolate ganache” texture. You can totally skip the milk if you prefer and simply use melted chocolate.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Peanut Butter: Swap with almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter for variety or if you’re looking for a nut-free option.
- Sweetener: Maple syrup, agave nectar, or coconut nectar are great alternatives to honey for a vegan-friendly treat.
- Oats: Instant oats can work, but regular rolled oats offer the best texture for the base.
- Milk: Almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk can be used instead of dairy milk for a dairy-free version.
- Chocolate: Dairy-free or refined sugar-free chocolate will keep these cups vegan and equally delicious!
Equipment Needed
- Digital Food Scale: For precise measurements.
- Mixing Bowl: To combine the base and chocolate topping.
- Whisk or Fork: For stirring everything together.
- Spatula: For mixing and transferring.
- Muffin Tray: A silicone tray works best for easy removal, though metal with paper liners will do.
How to make Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cups
Here is a detailed summary of how to make this recipe. I’ve also included some photos, and you can find the recipe video in the recipe card. At the bottom of this page is a summarized version that can be printed.
Step One:
Add the peanut butter and liquid sweetener to a mixing bowl. Use a fork or whisk to combine until smooth and creamy.
Step Two:
Add in your oats (and a pinch of salt if your peanut butter is unsalted). Fold everything together until the oats are fully coated in the peanut butter mixture.
Step Three:
Roll the mixture into balls — I made 10 oatmeal cups, but you can adjust them based on your preferred size. 6-8 for bigger cups, or up to 12 smaller cups — totally up to you!
Step Four:
Press each ball firmly into the bottom of your silicone muffin tray. You really want to pack them down tightly. Alternatively, you can press the mixture into a small dish or loaf tin if you’d rather make bars.
Step Five:
For the chocolate topping, add your dark chocolate and milk to a heatproof bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat. Alternatively, melt the chocolate using a double boiler on the stove for more control.
Step Six:
Spoon the chocolate ganache (or just the melted chocolate) evenly over each oatmeal cup.
Step Seven:
Place the tray in the freezer until the cups are set and solid. Once frozen, pop them out of the silicone tray and store them in the fridge or freezer — ready for whenever that chocolate peanut butter craving hits!
Tips & Notes:
1. Customize Your Nut Butters: Feel free to swap peanut butter with almond, cashew, or hazelnut butter for a different flavor. For a nut-free option, use tahini or sunflower seed butter.
2. Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter treat, add a little extra honey or maple syrup to the base, but remember, the chocolate ganache adds sweetness too.
3. Use Refined Sugar-Free Chocolate: Opt for dark chocolate without refined sugar for a healthier option and a richer chocolate taste.
4. Chill for Best Results: Ensure the cups are completely set before removing them from the tray, and refrigerate or freeze them for a firmer texture.
5. No Baking Needed: These cups require no baking, making them a quick and easy treat that’s perfect for meal prepping.
6. Add Toppings: You can sprinkle chopped nuts, seeds, or a pinch of sea salt on top for added texture and flavor.
7. Storage: Store the cups in the fridge or freezer to keep them fresh. They last longer when kept chilled.
How to store Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cups
Refrigeration: Allow the oatmeal cups to cool completely before storing. Transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Freezing: These freeze beautifully! For best results, let them set completely, then place them in an airtight, freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Tip: Freeze them in individual portions for quick, on-the-go snacks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of nut butter?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap peanut butter with almond, cashew, or hazelnut butter. For a nut-free option, sunflower seed butter or tahini works wonderfully.
Can I make these vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free chocolate and swap in almond milk or coconut milk for the ganache to make these completely vegan.
How long do these cups last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, these will stay fresh for up to a week.
Can I use instant oats instead of regular oats?
You sure can! Instant oats will work, but rolled or porridge oats give the best texture.
Can I adjust the sweetness of these cups?
Of course! Add a little extra honey or maple syrup if you like them sweeter. Just keep in mind that the chocolate topping also adds a bit of sweetness.
Do I need to bake these cups?
No baking required here! Simply chill in the freezer, and you’ll have perfectly set cups in no time.
How should I store the chocolate peanut butter cups?
For optimal freshness, keep them in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze them for up to three months.
Can I make these cups without the chocolate topping?
Yes, you can skip the chocolate topping if you prefer a more peanut-buttery treat.
more easy and healthy no-bake desserts for you:
- Easy & Healthy PB & J Brownie Cups (no bake)
- No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
- Healthy No-bake Snickers Brownie Cups
- 12 No-Bake Dessert Recipes (easy & healthy!)
Hey! If you make this recipe, I would love it if you could leave me some feedback and a rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ in the comment section at the bottom of the page! Also let me know on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest! I can’t wait to hear your thoughts and see your photos!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cups
Equipment
- Whisk (or fork)
- silicone muffin tray (or aluminum muffin tray lined with paper cases)
Ingredients
- 80 g Peanut Butter
- 80 g Liquid Sweetener
- 160 g Oats
- 100 g Dark Chocolate
- 50 g Milk (optional)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter and liquid sweetener. Stir until smooth and well incorporated.
- Stir in the oats (and a pinch of salt if using unsalted peanut butter). Mix until all the oats are evenly coated.
- Roll the mixture into evenly sized balls, adjusting the size based on preference (about 10 for standard cups). Press each ball firmly into the bottom of a silicone muffin tray, packing them down tightly to form a solid base. Alternatively, press the mixture into a small dish or loaf tin if making bars.
- In a heatproof bowl, combine the dark chocolate and milk. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth. Alternatively, melt the chocolate using a double boiler on the stove for more control.
- Spoon the melted chocolate evenly over each oatmeal cup, covering the surface completely.
- Place the tray in the freezer for at least 30 minutes, or until the cups are firm and set.
- Once set, pop the cups out of the silicone tray. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for up to three months.
Video
Notes
- Peanut Butter Consistency: Use natural, runny peanut butter for easy mixing. If using thicker peanut butter, warm it slightly for a smoother texture.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the liquid sweetener to taste. For a sweeter treat, add an extra teaspoon.
- Chocolate Topping: If you prefer a solid chocolate topping, skip the milk and just add the melted chocolate on top of the peanut butter oatmeal cups.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for up to three months. Enjoy straight from the fridge or let them sit for a few minutes to soften slightly.
- Customizations: Swap peanut butter for almond or cashew butter, or use dairy-free chocolate for a fully vegan version.
Nutrition
Let me know in the comments below if you make these Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cups!
Yummy very morish!