No-Bake Peanut Butter Cups

These 4Ingredient NoBake Peanut Butter Oat Cups are perfect for a quick energy boost or a guilt-free snack. They come together easily with just a handful of simple ingredients and require no oven time, making them a breeze on busy days or when you want something homemade without the fuss.

I made these for the first time when I needed a quick snack before a hike and now they are my goto whenever I want something filling but portable

Ingredients

• Unsalted creamy peanut butter: ensures a smooth texture and controls salt content choose a natural variety without added sugars for the best flavor
• Maple syrup: adds natural sweetness and complements the peanut butter richness look for pure maple syrup for the most authentic taste
• Rolled oats: add heartiness and fiber providing chew and structure not instant oats as they keep the cups intact better
• Vegan chocolate chips: create a silky sweet topping that pairs beautifully with peanut butter check the ingredient list to avoid dairy if needed

Instructions

Spoon preparation:

Line a muffin tin with 10 to 12 liners or lightly grease the tin if you prefer no liners to prevent sticking

Mix peanut butter and maple syrup:

Combine the creamy peanut butter and maple syrup in a bowl stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and well blended

Add oats:

Gently fold in the rolled oats ensuring every oat is coated evenly in the peanut butter and maple syrup mixture without over stirring to keep the oats whole

Form the base:

Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the oat mixture into each muffin liner or tin cup pressing down firmly with the back of the spoon or your fingers to create a compact base

Chill the base:

Place the muffin tin in the refrigerator and let it chill for 15 to 20 minutes so the base firms up and holds its shape well

Prepare the topping:

In a microwavesafe bowl melt the vegan chocolate chips and 5 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter together in 20 second bursts stirring in between until the mixture is smooth and glossy

Add topping to bases:

Spoon about 1 to 2 teaspoons of the melted peanut butter chocolate mixture onto each chilled oat base then smooth the tops with the back of the spoon or a small spatula

Freeze for setting:

Transfer the muffin tin to the freezer and let the cups freeze for 20 to 30 minutes until the topping is firm and the cups have set

Serve:

Remove the cups from the tin by peeling off the liners if used then allow them to sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving to avoid too hard a texture

Peanut butter is hands down my favorite ingredient here because it adds both creaminess and a rich nutty flavor that balances perfectly with the sweetness of the syrup and chocolate. My kids always light up when I bring these out because they look like little homemade candy cups but are way healthier than storebought treats

Storage Tips

Store these cups in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh for up to one week. If freezing for longer storage place them in a sealed freezer bag and thaw in the fridge before eating to maintain texture. Avoid leaving them out at room temperature for too long especially in warm weather as the chocolate topping can soften or melt quickly

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap maple syrup for honey if you do not require a vegan option but this will alter the flavor slightly. Oats can be replaced with glutenfree rolled oats to make the recipe friendly for gluten sensitive individuals. Use smooth almond or cashew butter if peanut allergy is a concern keeping in mind the flavor profile will change

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these cups as a quick breakfast on the go or paired with fresh fruit and a cup of tea as a midday pick me up. They also make great afterschool snacks packed with energy to fuel active kids. Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a sprinkle of shredded coconut on top before freezing for an extra touch of flavor and texture

These NoBake cups are an easy wholesome treat to make ahead and enjoy whenever you need a quick snack. They freeze well and travel nicely for lunchboxes or hikes.

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, crunchy peanut butter works well, adding texture to the oat base while keeping flavors rich.

→ How long should the oat cups chill before serving?

Chill the oat base for 15–20 minutes and the assembled cups for 20–30 minutes until firm and set.

→ Are vegan chocolate chips necessary for topping?

Vegan chocolate chips are ideal for a dairy-free topping, but other dark chocolate chips can also be used.

→ Can maple syrup be substituted with another sweetener?

Yes, alternatives like honey or agave syrup can replace maple syrup without altering texture significantly.

→ Is it possible to prepare the cups without liners?

Yes, lightly greasing the muffin tin allows removal without liners, though liners help with easy cleanup.