Name: Peanut Butter Energy Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup natural creamy peanut butter; 1/2 cup honey (or maple syrup for vegan); 1 1/2 cups rolled oats; 1/2 cup ground flaxseed; 1/2 tsp cinnamon; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

Why You’ll Love Peanut Butter Energy BarsRecipe

Classic flavor combination of peanut butter and chocolate that never disappoints
Made with wholesome ingredients like oats, dates, and chia seeds
No oven required — easy mix, chill, and cut prep
Great for snacks, lunchboxes, or quick energy between meals
Keeps well in the fridge or freezer

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 cups rolled oats
10 pitted medjool dates
1 cup natural peanut butter
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup chia seeds
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup chocolate chips
1 tsp coconut oil
Flaky sea salt

Directions

In a food processor, blend the oats until they reach a fine texture.
Add the pitted Medjool dates — if they’re hard, soak them in hot water for 5 minutes before blending — and blend until incorporated.
Add the peanut butter, honey, chia seeds, vanilla, and salt; blend until the mixture is well combined and forms a ball.
Press the dough evenly into an 8×8‑inch pan lined with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil in the microwave in 30‑second increments until smooth, then spread the melted chocolate over the dough. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
Freeze the bars for at least 30 minutes or chill in the fridge for about 2 hours until firm. Once set, cut into bars.

Servings and timing

Yield: 12 bars
Prep time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 30–120 minutes
Total time: About 20 minutes (excluding chill time)

Variations

Swap almond or sunflower seed butter for peanut butter for a nut‑free or different flavor option
Add dried fruit, shredded coconut, or chopped nuts for extra texture
Use dark or white chocolate chips depending on your taste preference

Storage/Reheating

Store these bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 2–3 months. Thaw briefly at room temperature before serving for easier cutting and softer texture.

FAQs

How long do these bars last in the fridge?

They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for about one week when stored in an airtight container.

Can I freeze these energy bars?

Yes — freeze them for up to 2–3 months. Thaw a few minutes at room temperature before eating.

Do I have to use Medjool dates?

Medjool dates are ideal because they’re soft and naturally sweet, but you can use other pitted dates if needed; soak them first if they’re dry.

Can I make these nut‑free?

Yes — substitute almond or sunflower seed butter to make them nut‑free.

What if I don’t have a food processor?

You can finely chop the oats and dates, then stir everything together by hand, though the texture may be a bit chunkier.

Are these energy bars healthy?

These bars contain nutrient‑rich ingredients like oats, chia seeds, and dates, making them a wholesome snack choice.

Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?

Yes — maple syrup works as a natural sweetener if you prefer to avoid honey.

How do I prevent the chocolate from cracking when cutting?

Let the bars soften slightly at room temperature after freezing; that helps avoid cracking.

Can I add protein powder to this recipe?

Yes — you can stir in a scoop of your favorite protein powder before pressing the mixture into the pan.

What’s the best way to cut these bars neatly?

Run a sharp knife under hot water and wipe it dry between cuts for cleaner slices.

Conclusion

These Peanut Butter Energy Bars are an easy, satisfying snack that brings together simple, wholesome ingredients in a no‑bake recipe you can whip up in minutes. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a quick source of energy, these bars deliver robust flavor, sweet chewiness, and satisfying nutrition you’ll reach for again and again.