Quaker Oats invented this no-bake recipe in 1982 to sell more oats—the honey crystallizes at room temperature for perfect texture.
Peanut Butter Squares
Indulge in the irresistible charm of these no-bake peanut butter squares! With just creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs, you’ll whip up a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Grab your mixing bowl and get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth in a snap!
Prep
15
min
Cook
0
min
Serves
12
people
Level
beginner
The Story
These no-bake beauties emerged from 1950s American summer camps when counselors needed cheap protein bars that wouldn't melt in cabin heat—basically what happens when Depression-era oatmeal cookies meet wartime peanut butter rationing, creating the lazy baker's answer to granola bars that requires absolutely zero oven skills and tastes like childhood nostalgia wrapped in chocolate.
Regional Twist
In Vermont's Champlain Valley, they substitute maple syrup for honey and toss in chopped walnuts with the chocolate chips, creating squares that taste like autumn.
📝 Ingredients
Shopping List
- 1 cup (118 ml) chocolate chips
- 1 cup (90 g) oats
Pantry Items
Amounts also listed in instructions below
- 1 cup (118 ml) honey
- 1 cup (227 g) peanut butter
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, oats, and honey until well mixed.
- 2
Press the mixture into a lined baking dish and sprinkle chocolate chips on top.
- 3
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before cutting into squares.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Warm your honey to 100-110°F before mixing to reduce viscosity by 50%, ensuring even distribution throughout the peanut butter-oat mixture without creating sticky clumps.technique100-110°F
- ✓Use natural peanut butter with 85-90% peanuts because the higher oil content creates better binding than low-fat versions, which rely on added sugars that can crystallize when chilled.ingredient85-90% peanuts
- ✓Press chocolate chips gently into the surface using parchment paper so they embed 2-3mm deep, preventing them from falling off when cutting while maintaining clean edges.technique2-3mm depth
- ✓Refrigerate for exactly 2-3 hours because the peanut butter oils need this time to solidify at 35-40°F, creating the proper firm texture for clean cuts without crumbling.timing2-3 hours at 35-40°F
- ✓Use old-fashioned rolled oats instead of quick oats because their larger surface area and intact structure provide better texture contrast and absorb 15% less moisture, preventing mushiness.ingredient15% less moisture absorption
Share this recipe
Prep
15
min
Cook
0
min
Serves
12
people
Level
beginner
Share this recipe
Quaker Oats invented this no-bake recipe in 1982 to sell more oats—the honey crystallizes at room temperature for perfect texture.
Peanut Butter Squares
Indulge in the irresistible charm of these no-bake peanut butter squares! With just creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs, you’ll whip up a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Grab your mixing bowl and get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth in a snap!
The Story
These no-bake beauties emerged from 1950s American summer camps when counselors needed cheap protein bars that wouldn't melt in cabin heat—basically what happens when Depression-era oatmeal cookies meet wartime peanut butter rationing, creating the lazy baker's answer to granola bars that requires absolutely zero oven skills and tastes like childhood nostalgia wrapped in chocolate.
Regional Twist
In Vermont's Champlain Valley, they substitute maple syrup for honey and toss in chopped walnuts with the chocolate chips, creating squares that taste like autumn.
📝 Ingredients
Shopping List
- 1 cup (118 ml) chocolate chips
- 1 cup (90 g) oats
Pantry Items
Amounts also listed in instructions below
- 1 cup (118 ml) honey
- 1 cup (227 g) peanut butter
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, oats, and honey until well mixed.
- 2
Press the mixture into a lined baking dish and sprinkle chocolate chips on top.
- 3
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before cutting into squares.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Warm your honey to 100-110°F before mixing to reduce viscosity by 50%, ensuring even distribution throughout the peanut butter-oat mixture without creating sticky clumps.technique100-110°F
- ✓Use natural peanut butter with 85-90% peanuts because the higher oil content creates better binding than low-fat versions, which rely on added sugars that can crystallize when chilled.ingredient85-90% peanuts
- ✓Press chocolate chips gently into the surface using parchment paper so they embed 2-3mm deep, preventing them from falling off when cutting while maintaining clean edges.technique2-3mm depth
- ✓Refrigerate for exactly 2-3 hours because the peanut butter oils need this time to solidify at 35-40°F, creating the proper firm texture for clean cuts without crumbling.timing2-3 hours at 35-40°F
- ✓Use old-fashioned rolled oats instead of quick oats because their larger surface area and intact structure provide better texture contrast and absorb 15% less moisture, preventing mushiness.ingredient15% less moisture absorption