These no-bake peanut butter–oat energy cups are the perfect bite-size snack, offering a delicious balance of salty-sweet perfection. They’re packed with chunky peanut butter, fiber-rich oats and just the right touch of chocolaty sweetness for a boost of lasting energy. Feel free to substitute smooth peanut butter for the crunchy, and use either white or black chia seeds.
Peanut Butter-Oat Energy Cups
Serves 12
Active Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour, 40 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 2/3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup crunchy natural peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 3 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (53% cacao)
- 1 tablespoon unrefined coconut oil
- 3/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt
Directions:
- Line the cups of a 24-cup mini muffin tin with silicone or paper liners.
- Combine oats, peanut butter, almond milk, chia seeds, honey, vanilla and salt in a large bowl; stir to mix well. Divide the mixture among the prepared cups, about 1 heaping tablespoon each; firmly press the mixture into the cup bottoms.
- Combine chocolate chips and coconut oil in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on High until the oil is melted and the chocolate chips have softened, 45 to 60 seconds. Stir until the chocolate chips are completely melted and incorporated into the oil.
- Spoon a scant teaspoon of the melted chocolate mixture over the oat mixture in each cup, spreading to cover the entire surface. Refrigerate, uncovered, until the chocolate layer is beginning to set (the surface will begin to lose its shine and become dull), 10 to 15 minutes. Sprinkle with flaky salt; refrigerate, uncovered, until chilled and the layers are fully set, about 1 hour.
Tasty tips
- To make ahead: Refrigerate, covered, for up to one week. Freeze for up to three months.
- People with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should use oats that are labeled “gluten-free,” as oats are often cross-contaminated with wheat and barley.
Recipe nutrition per serving: 229 Calories, Total Fat: 15 g, Saturated Fat: 4 g, Cholesterol: 1 mg, Carbohydrates: 20 g, Fiber: 4 g, Total Sugars: 7 g, Protein: 7 g, Sodium: 247 mg, Potassium: 226 mg, Phosphorus: 156 mg, Iron: 2 mg, Folate: 20 mcg, Calcium: 62 mg, Vitamin A: 22 IU, Vitamin C: 0 mg, Vitamin D: 5 IU.
EatingWell is a magazine and website devoted to healthy eating as a way of life. Online at www.eatingwell.com.
©2026 Dotdash Meredith. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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