Okay, picture this: when that little craving monster starts whispering in your ear, and you’re rummaging through the house. I’m desperate for something that’s not-quite-a-cookie but still totally satisfies. I can’t find a cookie Where do these amazing things come from?Peanut butter oat cups are good for snackingWhat are snack time dilemmas? What is the difference between a peanut butter cookie and oatmeal? Is it easier to make cookies? Trust me, I’ve tried and tested (and eaten! I eat a lot of snacks in my day, and these are definite winners, especially if you love peanut butter. As much as I do!

What is peanut butter oat cup?

What are these magical things?Peanut butter oat cups.Think of them as individual little oat-y bites, each cradling a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth peanut. What is butter filling What’s in a baked oatmeal cup? The oat base is chewy and slightly sweet, thanks to brown sugar and a touch of cinnamon (because it is so sweet). What’s better with cinnamon? What is the peanut butter filling? What are some of the best snack recipes you’ve ever made? What is more interesting than plain old granola bars? Plus, they’re surprisingly hearty, so they will actually keep you full until dinner. They’re so good, they rarely last more than a day in my house!

Why do I love this recipe?

I have a zillion reasons why I adore these books.Peanut butter oat cups.What is the best flavor of a grape? What is the perfect combination of oats, cinnamon, and peanut butter? Is this a perfect balance of sweet and savory? I swear, even people who “aren’t that into oatmeal” (I know, shocking! What I love about these is how easy they are to make. Is it really necessary to mix everything together in a bowl, and then layer it into muffin tins? No fancy equipment needed, no complicated techniques, and no long chilling times. What are some of the best recipes to whip up on a whim. What is cost-effectiveness? What are some pantry staples? Oats, peanut butter, brown sugar, flour – all of these ingredients should be in your pantry. Most of them already! Can you customize these with any nuts, seeds, or dried fruit you have on hand? What is a great way to use up all those odds and ends and create an interesting snack? What are some of the most versatile cups? What are some good healthy snacks for breakfast? I’ve been known to sneak one after dinner when I want something sweet. They also travel really well, so they’re great for lunchboxes, road trips, or picnics. Think of them as your portable, delicious, peanut butter-oatmeal fix. What are some of my favorite recipes for apple crisp?Peanut butter oat cups.What is that extra protein that keeps you going?

How do I make peanut butter oat cups?

Quick Overview

Making these peanut butter oat cupsIs it surprisingly simple? What is the recipe for oat batter? What are some of the best things to do with butter? What are some good ways to top muffins with peanut butter? Then cover with the remaining oat mixture. Is it too late to bake a loaf until golden brown and slightly firm?Peanut butter oat cups are great for snackingWhat is the best part about this recipe? What are some good ways to add nut butter to a recipe? Have fun with it!

Ingredients

For the Main Batter:
* 1 1/2 cups rolled oats (not instant!) – I prefer old-fashioned oats for the best texture.
* 1 cup all-purpose flour – You can substitute with a gluten-free blend, but the texture might be slightly different.
* 1/2 cup packed brown sugar – Adds a lovely molasses flavor and keeps the cups nice and moist.
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cups rise slightly and gives them a light, airy texture.
* 1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and coziness.
* 1/2 cup melted butter – Use unsalted butter so you can control the amount of salt in the recipe.
* 1/4 cup milk – I usually use 2% milk, but any kind will work, including almond or soy milk.
* 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup – Adds a touch of extra sweetness and helps bind the ingredients together.
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the other flavors and adds a touch of richness.

For the Filling:
* 1/2 cup peanut butter – Creamy or chunky, it’s up to you! I like using natural peanut butter because it has a richer flavor, but any kind will work.

How do I follow step

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or line it with paper liners. I usually opt for the cooking spray because it’s quicker and easier, but paper liners make the cups easier to remove. Just make sure to grease the liners as well to prevent sticking!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and pepper. Set aside. How do I get the baking soda out of my mouth?Peanut butter oat cups are good for snackingI always give it a good whisk for at least 30 seconds just to be sure.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla. Set aside. Make sure the butter isn’t too hot, or it might cook the eggs (if you were using any). You want it to be melted but still cool enough to handle.

Step 4: Combine

How do you mix wet and dry ingredients? If you overmix the flour, you will get gluten in your cereal. Be careful not to over mix!Peanut butter oat cups.Just stir until the dry ingredients are moistened, and then stop. Is it okay if there are lumps?

Step 5: Prepare Filling

What is the easiest step to do with peanut butter? No need to do anything else!

Step 6: Layer & Swirl

How do you spoon 2 tablespoons of oat mixture into muffin cups? What is the best peanut butter recipe? The remaining oat mixture should be spooned over the peanut butter. If you want to get fancy, you can use a toothpick or knife to swirl the peanut butter into the oats. When baking, the cups should be marbled. This will create a beautiful marble effect.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown on top.Peanut butter oat cups.Are golden brown and slightly firm to the touch. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven. How do you know if a toothpick is inserted into the center of the tooth and comes out clean? My oven runs a little cool, so I usually need to bake them for an extra few minutes.

Step 8: Cool

Remove muffin tin from oven and let cool.Peanut butter oat cups. cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will prevent them from sticking to the pan and make them easier to remove. I always have a little trouble getting them out, so I run a knife around the edges to loosen them up.

Step 9: Serve

Once the Peanut butter oat cups.Are completely cool, they’re ready to serve! What are some good side dishes to serve as is or drizzle with a little extra peanut butter or honey? What are some good side dishes to serve with vanilla ice cream? Can you go wrong?

What should I serve it with?

These Peanut butter oat cups are great for a are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in so many different ways. Here are a few of my favorite serving suggestions:
For Breakfast: Pair these cups with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a quick and satisfying breakfast. They’re also delicious crumbled over yogurt or oatmeal for an extra boost of flavor and texture. I like to serve them warm with a sprinkle of granola on top.
For Brunch: Dress up your brunch spread with these adorable little cups. Arrange them on a platter with fresh fruit, berries, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. Serve with mimosas or a refreshing fruit smoothie for a truly decadent experience.
As Dessert: These peanut butter oat cups make a surprisingly satisfying dessert, especially when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also drizzle them with melted chocolate or caramel sauce for an extra touch of indulgence.
For Cozy Snacks: These cups are perfect for cozying up on the couch with a good book or movie. Serve them with a glass of milk, a cup of hot chocolate, or a warm latte for the ultimate comfort food experience. My kids love to dunk them in milk! I’ve even packed them in their lunchboxes as a special treat.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Peanut Butter Oat Cups

Okay, I’ve made these peanut butter oat cups more times than I can count, so I’ve learned a few tricks along the way. Here are my top tips for making them absolutely perfect:
Oat Selection: Be sure to use rolled oats (also known as old-fashioned oats) for the best texture. Instant oats will be too mushy, and steel-cut oats will be too tough. Rolled oats are the perfect balance of chewy and tender.
Mixing Technique: Be careful not to overmix the batter! Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour and make the peanut butter oat cups tough. Just stir until the dry ingredients are moistened, and then stop. It’s okay if there are a few lumps.
Peanut Butter Consistency: Use a good-quality peanut butter that’s not too oily or runny. I prefer natural peanut butter because it has a richer flavor, but any kind will work. If your peanut butter is too thick, you can microwave it for a few seconds to soften it up.
Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to experiment with different ingredient swaps to customize these peanut butter oat cups to your liking. You can use different kinds of nut butter (almond butter, cashew butter, etc.), add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even a sprinkle of sea salt. The possibilities are endless! I even tried it once with a little bit of Nutella swirled in, and let me tell you, it was divine!
Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the peanut butter oat cups while they’re baking, as baking times can vary depending on your oven. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and slightly firm to the touch. Don’t overbake them, or they’ll be dry and crumbly.
Cooling Time: Let the peanut butter oat cups cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will prevent them from sticking to the pan and make them easier to remove.

Storing and Reheating Tips

These peanut butter oat cups are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored for later. Here’s how to store and reheat them:
Room Temperature: Store the peanut butter oat cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They might become slightly softer over time, but they’ll still be delicious.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, store the peanut butter oat cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They’ll become firmer in the fridge, but they’ll still taste great.
Freezer Instructions: For the longest storage, freeze the peanut butter oat cups in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Let them thaw completely before serving. I like to wrap them individually in plastic wrap before freezing them to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: To reheat the peanut butter oat cups, you can microwave them for a few seconds, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes, or simply enjoy them cold or at room temperature. They’re delicious any way you slice it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily make these peanut butter oat cups gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just be sure to choose a blend that’s designed for baking, as some gluten-free flours can be a bit dry or gritty. I’ve had good results with Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will still be amazing.

Do I need to peel the zucchini?

You don’t need zucchini for this recipe! I think you may be thinking of another recipe. But feel free to add shredded zucchini to this recipe, I think it may have a great result and add moisture!

Can I make this as muffins instead?

Technically, these *are* muffins! But if you mean can you make them in larger muffin tins, then yes, you absolutely can. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly. Larger muffins will take longer to bake, so keep a close eye on them and test them for doneness with a toothpick.

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

If you prefer a less sweet peanut butter oat cup, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar in the batter. You can also use a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey instead of brown sugar. If you want to make them sweeter, you can add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup on top before serving.

What can I use instead of the peanut butter?

If you’re allergic to peanuts or simply don’t like peanut butter, you can use another type of nut butter, such as almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter. Just be sure to choose a nut butter that has a similar consistency to peanut butter, so the peanut butter oat cups will turn out properly.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it: my recipe for the most delicious, easy-to-make peanut butter oat cups ever! I truly believe that everyone needs this recipe in their arsenal. They’re perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, fueling your workouts, or simply enjoying a cozy afternoon snack. And the best part is, they’re so easy to customize, you can create your own unique version with whatever ingredients you have on hand. If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my other oatmeal-based treats, like my baked oatmeal squares or my oatmeal raisin cookies. They’re all equally delicious and easy to make! Now go forth and bake some peanut butter oat cups! I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you try any fun variations, be sure to share them with me! Happy baking!