Easy M&M Oat Bars Recipe – Peanut Butter & Nutty Delight

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Easy M&M Oat Bars Recipe – Peanut Butter & Nutty Delight

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a quick and easy treat that everyone will love. These M&M Oat Bars are exactly that – no-bake, super satisfying, and seriously addictive. I first made these when my niece was visiting, and they disappeared in a flash! They’re perfect for a little afternoon pick-me-up, a school lunchbox treat, or even a fun dessert. Let’s get baking (well, not baking, actually!).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t your average oat bars. The combination of chewy oats, crunchy rice krispies, and the delightful burst of M&Ms is just heavenly. Plus, the peanut butter adds a lovely richness and that nutty flavour is just chef’s kiss. They’re incredibly simple to make, requiring minimal effort and no oven time – perfect for those days when you just don’t feel like turning on the heat!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delicious bars:

• 1.5 cup rolled oats (about 180g)
• 0.5 cup rice krispies (about 30g)
• 0.25 cup M&M candies (about 30g), plus extra for topping
• 1 tablespoon butter (14g)
• 1 heaped tablespoon peanut butter (about 16g)
• 0.75 cup brown sugar (about 150g)
• 0.25 cup honey (about 60ml)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence (5ml)
• 0.5 teaspoon salt (2.5g)
• 1 tablespoon mixed nuts (almonds, pistachios) chopped (about 10g)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! Getting these right will make all the difference.

• Rolled Oats: These are key for that lovely chewy texture. Don’t swap these for instant oats, as they won’t hold their shape as well.
• Peanut Butter: I recommend using a smooth, creamy peanut butter for the best results. You can use crunchy if you like a bit more texture, but it will change the overall feel of the bars. My family prefers the natural kind, with just peanuts and a pinch of salt!
• Nut Combination: I love using a mix of almonds and pistachios for a beautiful flavour and colour contrast. Feel free to experiment with your favourites – walnuts, cashews, or even pecans would work beautifully.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get to the fun part!

1. First, let’s toast the rolled oats. Add them to a pan over low heat and toast for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. This really brings out their flavour! Then, transfer them to a bowl and mix in the rice krispies.
2. Now, crush some of those M&M candies (save some for topping – trust me!). Add the crushed candies to the oat and rice krispie mixture.
3. In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, honey, and peanut butter. Heat until everything is bubbly and well combined – it should smell amazing!
4. Take the pan off the heat and stir in the vanilla essence and salt. Then, add the chopped nuts. Pour this glorious mixture over the dry ingredients and mix everything together until it’s all nicely coated.
5. Line a square or rectangular tin with parchment paper. Press the oat mixture firmly into the tin.
6. Sprinkle the reserved M&Ms over the top and gently press them in.
7. Pop the tin into the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the bars to set.

Expert Tips

• Don’t skip toasting the oats! It really enhances the flavour.
• Make sure to press the mixture firmly into the tin for neat, sturdy bars.
• For easier cutting, you can lightly grease the parchment paper.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: Use maple syrup instead of honey and a vegan butter substitute.
• Nut-Free Adaptation: Simply omit the nuts! You can add sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a bit of crunch. My friend’s son has a nut allergy, and he loves these without the nuts.
• Chocolate Variation: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the wet ingredients for a chocolatey twist.
• Festive Adaptation: Use red and green M&Ms for Christmas, or vibrant colours for Diwali! It’s a fun way to make the bars extra special for celebrations.

Serving Suggestions

These bars are perfect on their own with a glass of cold milk or a cup of chai. They also make a great addition to a picnic or a party spread.

Storage Instructions

Store the oat bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months – just wrap them individually in plastic wrap before freezing.

FAQs

1. Can I use quick-cooking oats instead of rolled oats?

While you can, the bars won’t have the same chewy texture. Rolled oats are definitely recommended!

2. What’s the best way to prevent the bars from being too crumbly?

Pressing the mixture firmly into the tin is key. Also, letting them chill for long enough will help them set properly.

3. Can these bars be made ahead of time? If so, how long will they keep?

Absolutely! You can make them up to 3 days in advance and store them in the fridge.

4. What’s a good substitute for peanut butter if someone has allergies?

Sunflower seed butter (sunbutter) or tahini are great alternatives.

5. Can I add other candies besides M&Ms?

Definitely! Chocolate chips, sprinkles, or even chopped dried fruit would be delicious.

6. How can I make these bars healthier?

You can reduce the amount of sugar slightly, use whole wheat oats, and add a tablespoon of chia seeds or flaxseed meal for extra nutrients.

Enjoy! I hope you love these M&M Oat Bars as much as my family does. Let me know in the comments if you try them out and what variations you come up with!