Easy Peanut Butter Oat Recipe – Chocolate Coconut Crunch

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Easy Peanut Butter Oat Recipe – Chocolate Coconut Crunch

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a quick, healthy-ish snack that actually tastes amazing. And let me tell you, this Peanut Butter Oat Crunch is it! I first made this when my kids were craving something sweet but I wanted to sneak in some wholesome goodness. It’s become a family favourite, and I’m so excited to share it with you. It’s seriously addictive – the perfect blend of crunchy, chewy, and chocolatey goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a winner for so many reasons! It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort. It’s also super versatile – you can easily customize it with your favourite add-ins. Plus, it’s a fantastic source of energy, making it perfect for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up or a healthy breakfast option. And honestly? It just tastes good.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of this deliciousness:

• 3.25 cups rolled oats (about 325g)
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter (about 250g)
• 1 cup honey (about 340g)
• 3 tablespoons coconut oil (about 45ml)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (about 5ml)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder (about 5g)
• ½ cup chocolate chips (about 85g)
• ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut (about 50g)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference:

• Rolled Oats: I prefer using old-fashioned rolled oats for this recipe. They give the best texture – nice and chewy! Quick oats will work in a pinch, but the crunch won’t be quite the same.
• Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter is the way to go for that smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture. You can use natural peanut butter, but you might need to add a little extra honey if it’s not as sweet.
• Honey: Local honey is always a great choice if you can get your hands on it! Not only does it support local beekeepers, but it also adds a lovely flavour.
• Coconut Oil: Coconut oil adds a subtle sweetness and helps bind everything together. You can substitute with melted butter if you prefer, but the flavour will be different.
• Cinnamon: Don’t underestimate the power of cinnamon! It adds warmth and depth of flavour. I sometimes add a tiny pinch of nutmeg too, for extra cosiness.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking!

1. First, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Then, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the rolled oats and cinnamon powder. Just give it a quick mix to distribute the cinnamon evenly.
3. Now, in a saucepan, combine the peanut butter, honey, and coconut oil. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until everything is smooth and beautifully combined. It should be lovely and glossy!
4. Pour the peanut butter mixture over the oats and mix, mix, mix! Make sure every single oat is coated in that delicious peanut butter goodness.
5. Spread the mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. A spatula works best for this.
6. Bake for 30 minutes, giving it a good stir every 10 minutes. This ensures even crisping and prevents burning.
7. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely – about an hour. This is the hardest part, I know!
8. Once cooled, sprinkle with chocolate chips and shredded coconut. Gently press them into the mixture so they stick.
9. Store in an airtight container for maximum freshness.

Expert Tips

• Don’t skip the stirring! It’s key to getting that perfect, even crunch.
• If your peanut butter is very thick, you can microwave it for 10-15 seconds to make it easier to stir.
• For extra flavour, try toasting the oats lightly in a dry pan before mixing them with the peanut butter mixture.

Variations

This recipe is a blank canvas for your creativity! Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: Swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Make sure your rolled oats are certified gluten-free. Oats themselves don’t contain gluten, but they are often processed in facilities that also handle wheat.
• Spice Level Adjustment: My friend Priya loves adding a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick! It’s surprisingly good.
• Festival Adaptation: This makes a fantastic snack for festivals like Diwali or Holi. It’s easy to pack and share with friends and family.

Serving Suggestions

Honestly, this is delicious straight from the container! But if you want to get fancy, you can:

• Crumble it over yogurt or ice cream.
• Use it as a topping for smoothie bowls.
• Pack it in lunchboxes for a healthy snack.

Storage Instructions

Store the oat crunch in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. It might lose some of its crunch over time, but it will still taste delicious!

FAQs

How do I prevent the oat crunch from becoming soggy?

Make sure it’s completely cooled before storing it. Moisture is the enemy of crunch!

Can I use a different nut butter instead of peanut butter?

Absolutely! Almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter would all work beautifully.

What’s the best way to spread the mixture evenly on the baking sheet?

A spatula is your best friend here. You can also use a piece of parchment paper to help smooth it out.

Can I add other seeds or nuts to this recipe?

Definitely! Chia seeds, flax seeds, chopped almonds, or walnuts would all be great additions.

Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Yes! It’s a great way to get kids to eat healthy oats. Just be mindful of any nut allergies.

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

Reduce the amount of honey, or use a less sweet variety. You can also add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.