4 Ingredient No Bake Peanut Butter Coconut Oatmeal Bars (V, GF): an easy, one-bowl recipe for protein-rich, gluten-free oatmeal bars bursting with peanut butter and coconut. Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free.

4 Ingredient No Bake Peanut Butter Coconut Oatmeal Bars (Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy-Free)

One of my favorite kitchen memories involves Erik getting into a hilariously stubborn debate with a three-year-old over the ingredients in a granola bar. I had dropped off a container of simple three-ingredient no bake peanut butter granola bars at my sister Jenny’s house. As soon as I opened the container, Dylan — nicknamed “PB” — inspected a bar, turned it over in his hands and announced confidently that it contained almonds.

We all tried to convince him otherwise. I told him the bars were made with oats, peanut butter and maple syrup. PB insisted they were almonds. Erik got more and more exasperated, and PB kept picking imaginary “almonds” out of the bar. In the end, Erik threw his hands up and surrendered — PB was convinced.

That silly moment inspired these No Bake Peanut Butter Coconut Oatmeal Bars. If PB thought the original bars had almonds, I was curious to see whether he’d notice coconut. Whether he calls the flakes oats or almonds or something else entirely, these bars are kid-friendly, simple to make, and perfect for sharing.

Why you’ll love these bars

• Made with just 4 simple, whole ingredients.
• Quick and easy — no oven required and ready in minutes plus a short chill.
• Vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free, with no refined sugar.
• Chewy, dense, and protein-packed — great as a snack or quick breakfast.
• Kid-friendly and portable for lunchboxes or on-the-go fuel.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup natural, unsalted creamy peanut butter
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 3/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes or shreds
• 3/4 cup gluten free rolled oats

Instructions

1. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or wax paper and set aside. Make space in your freezer for the pan.
2. In a medium, microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter and maple syrup. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
3. Warm the mixture in the microwave in 20-second increments, whisking between each, until it becomes warm, fragrant, and slightly fluffy — about 4 to 7 rounds total. (If you prefer the stovetop method, see Notes.)
4. Stir in the coconut and oats, folding until everything is thoroughly combined.
5. Press the mixture into the prepared pan using a rubber spatula or the back of a spoon to create an even, tightly packed layer.
6. Freeze for 25–35 minutes, or until the mixture is firm and completely chilled.
7. Slice into 16 bars and enjoy. Store as directed below.

Notes

• Adapted from a no bake cookie version of this recipe.
• Stovetop instructions: Combine peanut butter and maple syrup in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir and whisk until smooth and the mixture starts to bubble gently. Remove from heat and pour over the dry ingredients, mixing thoroughly.
• Storage: Keep bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1–2 months. After the first day they can be stored at room temperature, though they will be firmer when chilled.
• Variations: Swap peanut butter for another nut or seed butter if desired and if dietary needs allow. For chocolate lovers, add cocoa or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top after chilling.

More peanut butter and no-bake snack ideas

• 4-Ingredient No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
• Easy Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cookies
• 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter No Bake Energy Bites
• No Bake Peanut Butter Coconut Bites

Give these bars a try and see how simple and satisfying a short ingredient list can be. They’re great to make with kids—little ones enjoy pressing the mixture into the pan and topping or inspecting the finished bars. If you make them, I’d love to hear how they turn out and whether anyone in your family insists they contain something they don’t!

Sending you all my love, xo Demeter

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More No Bake Gluten Free Vegan Snack Recipes

• No Bake Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
• 4-Ingredient Chocolate Peanut Butter No Bake Energy Bites
• Gluten Free No Bake Brownie Energy Bites
• No Bake Peanut Butter Coconut Bites

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Shop the recipe (items used)

Gluten Free Rolled Oats | Gluten Free Unsweetened Coconut | Maple Syrup | Measuring Cups | 8-inch Baking Pan | Unbleached Parchment Paper | Glass Mixing Bowls | Silicone Spatulas